Photoperiod and autoflowering cannabis cultivars differ in several key ways. Autoflowers are known for their rapid growth and ease of cultivation, making them perfect for beginners or those seeking quick results. On the other hand, photoperiod strains typically produce much larger yields but require more expertise and effort to grow. So, which one suits your needs best?

Cannabis is an incredibly complex plant. It produces over 100 cannabinoids, more than 200 terpenes, and countless other fascinating compounds. The ratios of these molecules can vary widely, not just between different strains but even among individual plants of the same strain. Adding to this complexity is the sheer number of cultivars available on the market—while around 800 strains have been cataloged, the true number is likely much higher.

These cultivars originate from landrace genetics, which were developed naturally in specific regions of the world. Breeders choose landraces for hybridization based on their unique and desirable traits. Over time, evolutionary adaptation has created impressive genetic diversity within cannabis, including a major distinction between photoperiod and autoflowering genetics.

Genetic divergence in cannabis impacts more than just flowering time—it also affects cultivation difficulty and other key traits. Choosing between photoperiod and autoflowering cultivars is a fundamental decision every grower must make before planting their seeds. In this article, we’ll break down the unique characteristics of both types of cannabis and assess their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide which aligns best with your growing goals.

 The main distinction between photoperiod and autoflowering varieties lies in how they initiate the flowering phase. After a brief seedling stage, plants enter the vegetative phase—the first significant stage of their growth cycle. During this time, they focus on absorbing nutrients, expanding their root systems, and developing large fan leaves to support future growth.

Once the vegetative phase concludes, the plants transition to producing flowers. These flowers are rich in glandular trichomes, which are responsible for generating valuable cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabis is an annual plant, completing its life cycle—from seed to harvest—within a single season. Photoperiod and autoflowering plants differ in how they detect seasonal changes, adaptations rooted in their evolution within distinct environments.

The term "photoperiod" directly refers to the length of light exposure. Photoperiod cultivars begin flowering when their light cycle shortens, mimicking natural seasonal shifts. Outdoors, this transition occurs as summer fades into autumn. Indoors, growers must replicate this environmental cue by reducing the light their plants receive. While photoperiod strains take longer to mature, they often reward growers with larger yields and higher cannabinoid concentrations, making the wait worthwhile for many cultivators.

Autoflowering varieties offer a unique advantage: they don’t rely on light cycle changes to trigger flowering. Instead, their genetic makeup ensures they begin flowering automatically after a specific period. These plants are prized for their fast growth and low-maintenance requirements. While they stay more compact than most photoperiod strains, this often results in a smaller overall yield.