A Complete Guide to Growing Autoflowers Outdoors (When to Plant, How Often to Water, & How Much They Yield)

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’re new to marijuana growing, autoflower seeds are a great choice. These cannabis seeds don’t require a rigorous light schedule, and they’re more forgiving when it comes to temperature fluctuations and fungus control. They also grow much faster than typical cannabis seeds, so you can get a full yield in just 8 to 12 weeks! We’ve answered your questions about autoflowering seeds so you can pick the right strain for you.

Question 1 of 7:

When should I plant my autoflowers outside?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Marijuana doesn’t do well in colder temperatures, so summer is your prime growing season. Autoflowering seeds don’t need a strict light schedule like typical marijuana does, but they still like long, sunny days. [1]
    2. Advertisement
Question 2 of 7:

What kind of container should I plant my autoflowers in?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The size of the pot depends on the size of the plant. Medium-sized plants need a 5 to 7 US gal (19 to 26 L) pot, while large ones need a 11 US gal (42 L) pot. The pot that you start your seeds in will be the one you grow your plant in, so don’t count on transplanting to a larger container. [2]
    • Since autoflower plants grow so quickly, transplanting them can shock them (and even kill them). It’s best to pick out a container that they can stay in the entire time.
    • If you don’t have containers, you can plant autoflowers straight into the ground. However, since you can’t control the soil nutrients as well, it’s not ideal.
Question 3 of 7:

What kind of soil should I plant autoflowers in?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Stay away from clay and rocky soil, since it can waterlog your autoflower’s roots. Pick out a potting soil that has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 to keep your plant happy all season long. [3]
    • You can buy a soil pH test kit at most nurseries and garden supply stores.
    2. Advertisement
Question 4 of 7:

Do autoflowers need direct sunlight?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    They don’t require the strict 12 hours on 12 hours off schedule that feminized seeds do, but autoflowers will grow better in direct light. Try placing your container in an area that gets at least 8 hours of sunlight per day. [4]
    • If you’ve ever grown tomatoes outdoors, try to put your autoflowers in the same spot. They both require the same amount of light per day.
Question 5 of 7:

How often should I water my autoflowers?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    All cannabis types need a lot of water, but they can get waterlogged with too much. If you live in a dry climate without rain, check on your soil every day to see if it’s dry. If the soil is still wet, don’t worry about watering your plant that day. [5]
    • Watering is most important during the first week of planting. After that, you can be a little less strict with your schedule.
    2. Advertisement
Question 6 of 7:

Do autoflowers take longer outdoors?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    However, it shouldn’t be that noticeable—most autoflowering seeds take 8 to 12 weeks to grow fully, and your outdoor ones might be on the higher end of that range. In general, if they get enough light and water, they’ll grow just fine outside. [6]
    • You can find strains of autoflowers that are better suited for the outdoors. The Joint Doctor and Emerald Triangle are great ones to plant outside. [7]
Question 7 of 7:

How much does an outdoor autoflower yield?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Grow-Autoflowers-Outdoors-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The yield really depends on which strain you choose, and not so much on indoor versus outdoor. If you want a super high yield, go for a strain like Paradise Pandora, Emerald Triangle, or Grass-O-Matic. [8]
    • You can also check with the person who you’re buying the seeds from. They probably have a good idea of what kind of yield you can expect from your particular strain.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Autoflowers are usually smaller than feminized seeds, so they’re easier to grow discreetly. Most only grow up to 2 ft (0.61 m) tall. [9]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Plant Cannabis Seeds Indoors
      How to Grow Cannabis Outdoors: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Plant Date Seeds
      How to
      Prune Petunias
      How to
      Prune Cilantro
      When and How to Trim Marijuana Plants
      How to Care for Houseplants & Outdoor Plants
      How to
      Plant a Seed in a Pot
      How to
      Prune Lilacs
      How to
      Propagate Lucky Bamboo
      How to
      Prune Thyme
      Self-Watering Planters: How to Use Them & How They Work
      How to
      Prune Forsythia
      Can LED Lights Grow Plants? Regular LED Lights vs. Grow Lights
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://theweedblog.com/growing/august-is-your-last-chance-to-start-growing-marijuana-outdoors
      2. ↑ https://medium.com/@fast_buds/7-tips-and-tricks-to-maximize-yields-in-autoflowers-71eabe08bfec
      3. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/how-to-grow-marijuana-outdoors/
      4. ↑ https://herbceo.com/autoflowering-vs-feminized-seeds/
      5. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/outdoor-autoflowering-feminized-seeds/
      6. ↑ https://herbceo.com/autoflowering-vs-feminized-seeds/
      7. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/auto-flowering-cannabis-seeds/
      8. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/outdoor-autoflowering-feminized-seeds/
      9. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/outdoor-autoflowering-feminized-seeds/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 125,246 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement