Gelato autoflower seeds are a great choice even if you are an entire beginner at growing them. Do not be afraid of this path! We will tell you all about how to grow autoflower seeds.
What are Autoflowering Seeds?
Autoflowering strains of marijuana emerged after the unique properties of the cannabis Ruderalis species were discovered. Ruderalis mainly grows in the middle latitudes, in the Eastern European climate, in Central America, and Canada, since the summer is rather short and not as sunny as in the southern latitudes.
This type of cannabis begins to bloom regardless of the number of hours of sunshine in a day. The flowering period usually begins 3-4 weeks after seed germination. However, autoflowering seeds may not have the potency you might expect from a weed.
What are the Features of Growing Autoflowering Plants?
Autoflowering plants may seem like a novelty to a beginner grower. However, these are the seeds that you probably need. And that’s why:
Harvest
In terms of volume, they have the merit of giving an outstanding performance even with a light source that is not very intense. Nevertheless, the general rule of thumb is that the higher the light intensity, the higher the yield applies to auto seeds as well.
Due to the short flowering period, they allow you to grow an array of crops per year. In fact, there can be up to 4 of them.
They Can Be Grown Outdoors Even in Cold Climates
They may be best suited for people who live in cooler climates and want to grow outdoors but are limited to short summers.
Autoflowering cannabis seeds can complete their life cycle regardless of the length of the day, although they perform best when exposed to eighteen hours of light.
Unlike regular seeds, they develop without being subjected to the usual 12-hour light or 12-hour dark cycle required for successful germination.
How to Grow Gelato Autoflower Seeds
Even though autoflowering cannabis strains require a lot less of your attention, caring for the plant should not be completely avoided. Proper growing conditions can guarantee you a high-quality, bountiful harvest in the end.
Use Sponge Substrate
When we grow autoflowering cannabis seeds, it is essential to do so on a spongy substrate that encourages root expansion and development without too much resistance. They also allow the root to be well-oxygenated.
Proper Irrigation
Irrigation is a principal part when we grow autoflower seeds. You must ensure that the substrate is never dry or overly soaked.
Avoid Transfer
Autoflowering plants are hypersensitive to transplanting as the root is always damaged in some way. Autoflowering cannabis seeds need a healthy root to develop quickly, so it’s best not to touch it. If we are transplanting, we must take care of the root.
Pay Attention to the Lighting
As the name suggests, autoflowering marijuana strains will flower on their own over time, regardless of the number of hours they are in. Gelato Autoflower grow time is usually 60 to 90 days, so it requires many hours of light per day to produce a good harvest.
However, if we want to get a sufficient yield, the more light they get, the better. It has been calculated that the ideal light period is usually long days, between 18 and 22 hours of illumination.
Photoperiods with so many light hours are used because autoflowering plants can take advantage of them. It is recommended that plants receive at least 18 hours per day. It is a minimum, and lower periods may adversely affect its proper development.
Monitor Ambient Temperature and Humidity
While it is true that Gelato autoflower seeds are more tolerant of fluctuations in temperature and humidity, we will always have more yields if we keep an eye on these parameters.
At The Germination Stage
Seedlings and clones require high humidity, between 65 and 70%. As for the temperature, it should be maintained within 20-25º(68 – 77℉) when the lights are on. When the lights are off, they should be reduced by 4-5°C (39.2 – 41℉) less.
During The Growing Season
Humidity can be gradually reduced by 5% and maintain humidity within 40-70%. The temperature can be slightly increased, but it is not necessary. The recommended temperature when the light is on is 22-28°C (71.6 – 82.4℉). When the light is off, it is recommended to lower the temperature by 4-5°C (39.2 – 41℉).
At the First Stage of Flowering
Humidity should be in the range of 40-50%. The temperature should be between 20-26°C (68 – 78.8℉) with the lights on.
During the second stage of flowering (1-2 weeks before harvest): we should keep the humidity between 30-40% and the temperature at 18-24ºC (64.4 – 75.2℉). You better reduce the temperature by 5-10 degrees Celsius or by 41-50℉ with the light.
Nutrients
Every plant needs nutrients to flourish. However, due to their smaller, more compact nature, Gelato autoflower seeds require a little bit more caution.
It is worth checking the soil in which cannabis grows. It is often pre-fertilized and provides enough nutrients to keep plants alive for up to four weeks. For autoflowers, it is essentially the entire vegetative stage, so you can entirely skip the feeding routine. At this point, it is worth turning on the root formation stimulator.
Do not overfeed an autoflowering plant with fertilizer. With obvious signs of a deficiency of substances, you should feed the plant using 1/3 of the dosage indicated on the package. It is also important to remember the pH, which should not be other than 6.0-7.0.
Don’t Top, Prune, or Pinch Your Autoflowers
The only training method you should use is low-stress training (LST), where you carefully bend and tie down your plants. Thanks to it all bud sites are equally exposed to light.
Pay Attention to Trim Time
Like regular and feminized plants, autoflowering plants also need to be pruned during the vegetative stage.
It is essential to be on the lookout to trim them on time and at the right time. Because these plants develop so quickly, they may start blooming earlier than expected. Prune before flowering.
How to Harvest Properly?
The whole secret is not to cut off all the buds at once. Most likely, the flower buds have not fully matured yet. You should cut off only the top flowers, and leave the rest for a few more days.
Bottom Line
Autoflowering marijuana strains are your chance to quickly get quality buds that you can store at home. This unpretentious plant will forgive you many things, but do not forget to take care of it regularly. Still, you can use our guide to improve yield and bud quality.
