What are 45 Day Autoflowers?

If you’re just starting out growing marijuana or you’re simply curious about fast-growing cannabis plants, you’ve probably come across autoflowers. And if you’re looking for something even quicker, you’ve likely heard of 45-day autoflowers. These little gems are known for their speed, but what exactly makes them special? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about 45-day autoflowers and how you can get the most out of them in your grow cycle.

Introduction to Autoflowers

What are autoflowering cannabis strains?

Autoflowering strains are types of marijuana plants that flower automatically after a certain amount of time, rather than relying on light cycles like photoperiod strains. The magic here is in their genetics, specifically Ruderalis, which allows them to flower without needing long periods of darkness. That’s why they’re often a favorite for new growers or those who want multiple harvests in a year.

How are autoflowers different from photoperiod strains?

Unlike photoperiod strains, which need a strict light-to-dark cycle to trigger flowering, autoflowers are a bit more forgiving. They’ll start flowering whether they’re under 18 hours of light or 24 hours, making them low-maintenance. You don’t need to change their light schedule — just plant them, and they’ll handle the rest. It’s a set-and-forget type of situation.

Why are autoflowers popular among growers?

Autoflowers are quick, small, and low maintenance. They’re ideal if you’re short on time or space, or if you want to squeeze in more harvests in a year. Plus, they can grow pretty much anywhere – indoors, outdoors, balconies, you name it. They also tend to be more resilient during both the vegetative and flowering stages, which means they handle mistakes better than more temperamental strains. So if you’re new to growing, autos are like the cannabis plant that holds your hand while you learn.

What Are 45-Day Autoflowers?

Defining 45-day autoflowers

Now, here’s where it gets even better. A 45-day autoflower is just what it sounds like – an autoflowering marijuana strain that can go from seed to harvest in about 45 days. Most autoflowers take around 60 to 90 days, so 45-day strains are super speedy. They’re like the fast food of cannabis, except way healthier!

How do 45-day autoflowers compare to standard autoflowers?

Standard autoflowers will give you a bit more yield since they have more time to bulk up, but 45-day autos are all about speed. If you’re looking for a quick turnaround — maybe you’re running out of stash, or you just love the idea of harvesting in under two months — 45-day strains are a great choice. The trade-off is a slightly smaller plant and yield, but they still pack a punch.

What factors influence the 45-day growth cycle?

The 45-day growth cycle isn’t set in stone, though. It depends on a few things: genetics (of course), the growing environment, and how well you treat the plant. Keeping things like temperature, light, and nutrients on point will keep your autoflowers on the fast track. Messing these up might slow things down a bit. So, while they’re forgiving, giving them a little extra care ensures they hit that 45-day mark.

Growing 45-Day Autoflowers

Ideal growing conditions for 45-day autoflowers (indoor vs. outdoor)

You can grow 45-day autoflowers either indoors or outdoors, but indoors gives you more control over the conditions, like light and temperature. You’ll want to keep temps between 70°F and 85°F and use an 18/6 light schedule (18 hours of light, 6 hours of dark) to get the best results. Outdoors, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature, but if the weather’s right, these fast plants will thrive. I personally prefer indoors because it’s easier to keep things steady.

Nutrient requirements and feeding schedules

Nutrients are important, but you don’t need to go crazy. Autoflowers, especially fast-growers like these, don’t need heavy feeding like photoperiod plants. A balanced nutrient mix that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will do the job. Start feeding lightly during the vegetative stage and ramp it up slightly when you notice the flowering stage begin. Overfeeding is a common mistake with autos, so keep it simple.

Lighting setups for optimal growth

Lighting is super easy with autoflowers. I recommend sticking to either a 20/4 or 18/6 light schedule throughout their life cycle. This gives them plenty of energy to grow fast without stressing them out. LED grow lights work best for these little guys because they’re energy-efficient and don’t give off too much heat. More light equals more buds, but they’re pretty adaptable.

Common mistakes to avoid when growing 45-day autoflowers

Here’s where things can go wrong. First off, don’t transplant them too much. Autos don’t like being moved around because it can stunt their growth, which isn’t great when you only have 45 days to work with. Also, avoid overfeeding and overwatering. They don’t need as much food or water as photoperiod plants, so be gentle. Lastly, keep an eye on your light schedule, especially if you’re growing indoors. Too much or too little light can mess with their fast growth stage.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of 45-Day Autoflowers

Pros of growing 45-day autoflowers

• Quick turnaround: Harvest in just over six weeks.
• Low maintenance: No need to adjust light schedules.
• Space-saving: These plants stay small and compact.
• Multiple harvests: More chances to grow throughout the year.

Potential challenges and drawbacks

• Smaller yields: Since they grow fast, they don’t get as big.
• Less time to correct mistakes: If you mess up, you don’t have much recovery time.
• Limited strain options: Not all strains come in a 45-day version.

Who should grow 45-day autoflowers?

If you’re a beginner, 45-day autoflowers are a great option because they’re simple and quick. They’re also ideal if you’re growing in a small space or if you need a fast turnaround. Maybe you’ve only got a short growing season outdoors, or you’re just impatient like me. Either way, they’re a solid choice for any cannabis grower.

Harvesting and Yields of 45-Day Autoflowers

When and how to harvest 45-day autoflowers

You’ll know your plants are ready for harvest when the trichomes (tiny crystals on the buds) turn milky or amber. Grab a magnifying glass and check them closely. The process is simple – just cut the plant at the base and hang it upside down to dry for about a week. If you wait too long to harvest, the buds might lose potency, so keep an eye on those trichomes.

Expected yields from 45-day autoflowers

Yields will be smaller compared to regular autoflowers or photoperiod plants. You can expect around 1 to 2 ounces per plant, depending on how well you’ve grown them. While it’s not a huge amount, the speed and ease make up for it. If you grow a few at once, you can still pull in a decent haul from these fast-growing marijuana plants.

Post-harvest considerations (drying and curing)

After drying, you’ll want to cure your buds for at least two weeks to improve their flavor and potency. Just pop them in mason jars, open the lids once a day to let fresh air in, and store them in a cool, dark place. A good cure makes all the difference, trust me.

Best 45-Day Autoflower Strains to Grow

Popular 45-day autoflower strains on the market

There aren’t a ton of 45-day strains out there, but a few stand out. Some popular ones include:

• Fast Buds’ 45-day Blueberry Auto
• Lowryder 2 by Joint Doctor
• Speed Bud from Female Seeds

These strains are known for their fast growth and solid potency.

Characteristics of these strains (effects, THC/CBD levels, flavor profiles)

Most 45-day strains are hybrids, so you’ll get a nice balance of effects. For example, Blueberry Auto is great for relaxing, with fruity flavors and moderate THC levels around 15-20%. Lowryder 2 is more uplifting and earthy, while Speed Bud offers a spicy kick with calming effects. The potency may not match longer-growing strains, but the effects are still plenty enjoyable.

FAQ

What are the fastest autoflower strains?

Some of the fastest autoflowers include Lowryder 2, Blueberry Auto, and Speed Bud, which can go from seed to harvest in about 45 days.

Can you speed up the growth cycle of autoflowers?

You can’t really speed up the cycle, but maintaining optimal conditions like temperature, light, and nutrients can help the plant grow as fast as it’s genetically programmed to.

How much light do 45-day autoflowers need?

For best results, provide 18 to 20 hours of light per day. Autoflowers don’t need a strict light schedule, but more light helps them grow better.

What yields can you expect from 45-day autoflowers?

Yields typically range from 1 to 2 ounces per plant, depending on the strain and growing conditions.

Are 45-day autoflowers suitable for beginners?

Yes, they’re perfect for beginners because they’re low-maintenance, quick, and resilient during their entire growth cycle.

45-day autoflowers are a fantastic choice if you’re after a quick and easy grow with a solid harvest. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned grower looking to squeeze in an extra harvest, these speedy strains won’t disappoint. Just remember to keep their needs simple and consistent throughout each stage, and you’ll be harvesting your plants in no time!