Why Did I Receive Photoperiod Seeds Instead of Autoflowers (or Vice Versa)? 🌱Updated a day ago

Sometimes growers expect one growth pattern but notice their plants developing differently. This can cause confusion, especially if you’re new to working with different seed types. Here’s what may explain the differences you’re seeing.

Understanding the Differences

• Autoflowers 🌸

  • Begin flowering automatically, usually within 3–5 weeks of sprouting.

  • Do not require a change in light schedule.

  • Tend to stay smaller and finish faster (around 10–12 weeks total).

• Photoperiods 🌞

  • Stay in the vegetative stage under long light hours (18/6 or 20/4).

  • Only flower once switched to a 12/12 light cycle.

  • Can grow larger and often produce bigger yields with training.

Why It Can Be Confusing

• In the first several weeks, both types can look very similar.

• If an autoflower is slower to show flowers, it may give the impression of being a photoperiod.

• A photoperiod left under long light hours will continue to veg, leading some growers to think it should be flowering already.

What You Can Do

• If your plant is 6+ weeks old under 18/6 lighting and hasn’t begun to flower, treat it as a photoperiod and switch to 12/12.

• If it begins to flower on its own without changing the light cycle, it’s behaving as an autoflower.

• Either way, your plants will still produce healthy, potent buds with the right care. 🌿