Photoperiod Cannabis Seed Varieties - Pros and Cons

A good harvest is important for any grower, but to get it you need to choose the right variety for the climatic conditions and growing method.

What is photoperiodic seeds, every experienced gardener knows, and for beginners, our team has prepared this informative article.

Before selecting which cannabis strain to grow, it is essential to understand the difference between photoperiod and autoflowering strains. After all, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on the situation, goals, and the level of experience of the grower.

Photoperiodic seeds - what is it?

This is a seed material for photoperiod cannabis plants. The plant that sprouts from this seed will depend on daylight.

Photoperiod strains initiate the flowering stage when the light cycle changes. Such strains depend on daylight and night. Photoperiod varieties need 12 hours of uninterrupted direct light and 12 hours of absolute darkness during flowering. Clockwork failure can cause hermaphroditic manifestations in plants.

Meanwhile, photoperiod strains will remain in the vegetative stage indefinitely as long as they receive 18 hours of light a day. Only after the light cycle changes to 12 hours a day, the plant will enter the flowering period. On the other hand, autoflowers are programmed to start flowering after a certain time, regardless of the change in the light cycle.

Photoperiodic marijuana varieties, advantages, and disadvantages

Benefits

Photoperiod strains only enter the flowering stage when their light cycle changes, giving growers more control. Plant stage control allows cultivators to grow plants to enormous sizes.

Makes plants more visible and provides higher yields than autoflowers. The advantage is that growers can also keep plants in the vegetative stage longer. In the event of any signs of stress, this step allows them to recover before dimming the light and switching them to flowers. Photoperiod strains have more variety than autoflowering strains and have higher THC levels.

Disadvantages

Although the yield of photoperiod strains is higher, harvesting takes much longer. Therefore, they are more difficult to grow and maintain. From sowing to harvest, it can take 10 to 16 weeks, which is not so fast for some growers.

In addition, their large size requires more attention when trimming and shaping, which is more difficult for beginners. In addition, growers must monitor plants closely to decide when to force the flowering stage. This step requires more experience for optimal launch.

Cultivation of photoperiodic cannabis varieties

Many people wondered how to properly grow photoperiod marijuana varieties. The answer is pretty simple. The best way to grow photoperiod plants is outdoors and on a neutralized substrate. The grower will not need to control the daylight cycle, regulate humidity and air temperature.

Photoperiodic seeds should be sown in early spring, when the soil warms up to +15 C. It begins to germinate in a week and gives the first leaves. At vegetation stage, the plant will move closer to the first month of summer, and photoperiod varieties are ready for harvest in autumn.

The difference between autoflowering and photoperiod strains

• Autoflowering strains can produce 50% female plants and 50% male plants. This is a problem for those who grow cannabis exclusively for inflorescence. Male plants pollinate female plants, and this negatively affects the yield;
• Photoperiod varieties produce 99.99% female plants;
• Autoflowering seeds do not depend on daylight and night. The transition to the flowering phase occurs automatically;
• Photoperiod varieties are more productive. Also, they have higher levels of THC;
• The height can reach up to two meters.

Coffeeshop.ua® reminds that you should not engage in the cultivation of marijuana in those countries where it is prohibited. Sowing hemp seeds in Ukraine are prohibited and prosecuted by law, buying and selling seeds is allowed.