The Perfect Light Schedules For Autoflowering Seeds
Unlike photoperiod plants where you have to provide special light schedules to get the plant to start making buds, auto-flowering indoor plants strains automatically start making buds and are ready to harvest in about 3 months from seed, regardless of what light schedule received.The next question, then, is what’s the best light schedule to give auto-flowering indoor plants plants each day if you are growing indoors?
18-6 LIGHT SCHEDULE
The 18-6 schedule (18 hours of light followed by 6 hours of darkness) is the most common light schedule that growers of autoflowers use. The philosophy behind this isn’t rocket science; you provide your plants with enough light to encourage good yields, while also allowing your plants a brief but significant dark break to encourage healthy growth. And, of course, by using an 18-6 cycle instead of, say, 24-0, you can save up to 25% on your energy bill. It’s also worth noting that many auto growers who’ve experimented with both 24-0 and 18-6 light schedules note no significant difference in final yield.
20-4 LIGHT SCHEDULE
Then there is the middle-ground for those looking to extract the best qualities of the two aforementioned light cycles. By extending the lights-on phase for two hours, some growers believe they can squeeze out bigger yields while still allowing their plants some rest.
12/12 light cycle
The 12/12 schedule is normally used for photoperiods. It can also be used for autoflowers but it’s not that popular. Normally growers give autoflowers this light cycle when they have them growing in the same tent as photoperiods. By giving your autos 12/12 you’re not using them to their full advantage.
Because your plant is getting less light each day, it isn’t able to make as much energy to promote growth. It will underperform compared to the other light cycles, that being said, you can grow them just fine if you don’t mind reduced yields and an overall smaller plant.
24/0 Light Cycle
Many growers believe in providing 24 hours of light for their autoflowers. They swear that it’s the best light cycle since the plants seem to thrive when they receive loads of light. Technically speaking, the plants grow better in a 24/0 light cycle because indoor plants can absorb carbon-di-oxide during the process of photosynthesis, making it a C3 plant.
Also, Ruderalis has grown for centuries in the northern hemisphere. In certain areas, it isn’t uncommon for the plants to receive 24 hours of continuous sunlight, and it’s thus possible for autoflowers to do well.
However, what we must not forget is that no matter what type of plant – autoflowers, photoperiod – you grow, they need rest like everything else. Imagine working for 24 hours without a break! All plants need periods of rest where they recover from any damages. Similarly, autoflowers also need their beauty sleep in order to perform well.
Additionally, running the lights for 24 hours at a stretch might reduce the lifespan of the light. Even expensive lights made with high-quality materials may succumb if they are forced to grow for long periods of time without rest. You may not see the difference in the light now, but as time goes by, different issues including heat will crop up all of a sudden.
For growers with extreme climates, it becomes almost impossible to provide 24 hours of light unless an air-conditioner is installed. For instance, if the days get too hot during summer, it’s best to let the plants rest for a while until the temperatures cool down a bit.
And, it goes without saying that you save extra money if you switch off the lights. A few hours every day may not seem like a lot, but it does add up in the long run.
Try growing two plants under different light cycles. While it’s possible for the plant receiving 24 hours to grow vigorously at the beginning, the growth slows down later. With absolutely no period of rest for the plant, the productivity drops down a bit. The difference will also be evident in the yields as plants without rest don’t generate too many buds.
However, it’s important to note that many growers grow plants successfully even after providing 24 hours of light. They believe that the more light the plants get, the better the results. But, while it might work, it’s surely not as productive as the other light cycle described above.
There isn’t really a proven best light cycle. Before going for any light cycle, think about electricity costs and the climate you’ll be growing in. If you are in doubt, start with 18/6. This cycle is the most used and should work for all autoflowers.
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