Does anyone ever have any success with autos?

[Lancaster8 334]

A few years back, I tried growing some autos and I gave up as i thought the results were really pathetic.  I have just recently bought a dozen or so seeds of all different varieties and I thought I'd have another go. 

 

So far, out of 10 seeds planted to date, I have got:

 

1. One plant that is 2 feet tall and covered in flowers. 

2. Another that germinated on the same day is 2" tall and doing nothing. 

3. About 4" tall and looking pathetic.

4. About 4" tall and looking pathetic.

5. About 4" tall and looking pathetic.

6. About 4" tall and looking pathetic.

7. Germinated upside down, and died after being adjusted.

8. Germinated upside down, and died after being adjusted.

9. Failed to germinate.

10. Failed to germinate.

 

They are all being treated identically, but honestly, it just isn't worth the bother.  I am going back to normal plants.

I see people on You Tube with giant Autos, and I simply cannot fathom how on earth they grow them.

[Bayleaf 1,193]

I have great success. Average 3.3oz per plant of strong beautiful bud (best was over 7oz). Almost 100% germination. I love autos!

How are you germinating and how do you grow?

[Lancaster8 334]

I germinate the natural way, by simply putting the seed into the pot of soil mix and watering it. I don't mess around with paper towels etc. The plants are then under T5 lighting and positioned using plant racking inside the tent so they get good access to the sunshine.  If they actually grew, then they would be moved onto a lower stage.

[Bayleaf 1,193]

I do the same. However, I've found that auto seeds tend to hold onto their outer casing after germination. 80% of the time I have to 'operate' and get the casing off for them. I only sow them about 5mm underground so that I can get to them easily to operate. I find they nearly always germinate between 3 and 4 days. I don't unearth them, I just gently ease the case off with two tooth picks or similar. Very very gently and slowly!!

Hope that helps

By the way, Ive grown autos from lots of companies and found them all similar re: germination.

 

Edited March 26, 2021 by Bayleaf

[Bayleaf 1,193]

If they germinate upside down then they should find their way back up if they are close enough to the surface.

[Military Grade 12,919]

I've had some hit a miss, some good and bad from Sweet seeds and Barney's. The best auto i've grown was from Dinafem a Amnesia CBD Auto, and was the very first plant i've have grown

[Ceiling Cat 273]

I really like autos.  They grow sooooo fast and get you a pretty nice smoke too.  Only ever saw one seed that failed to germ, a few fizzled out and came to nothing but most have been vigorous growers from the off.  They seem to do best with warm stable temps and not much dark if any at all.

[mister phlegm 2,628]

Mine go pretty much like clockwork. One non-germ from ten total and that was probably me.

[Absurdist 1,616]

I initially had great success with Dutch Passion and RQS but more recently had a bad time of it with Dinafem.

 

I vowed to only grow them in future if I'm really in a hurry for some weed. Which doesn't look likely to be anytime soon.

[Lancaster8 334]

47 minutes ago, Bayleaf said:

If they germinate upside down then they should find their way back up if they are close enough to the surface.

 

I plant my seeds about 1cm down, and I would agree that they normally should do exactly as you suggest, but in my case no.  I had a tap-root heading skywards, and the plant was immersed under the soil/  Maybe I was sold some dodgy Australian seeds?

[catweazle1 4,727]

43 minutes ago, Bayleaf said:

I do the same. However, I've found that auto seeds tend to hold onto their outer casing after germination. 80% of the time I have to 'operate' and get the casing off for them. I only sow them about 5mm underground so that I can get to them easily to operate. I find they nearly always germinate between 3 and 4 days. I don't unearth them, I just gently ease the case off with two tooth picks or similar. Very very gently and slowly!!

Hope that helps

By the way, Ive grown autos from lots of companies and found them all similar re: germination.

 

I deliberately plant my seeds upside down to assist the seedling in removing the shell. I think the shell moves up through the soil in an arc instead of a straight line upwards. Picture the root growing upwards, then diving down, then the seedling straightens itself creating more friction with the soil. I soak in tepid water with some sort of seaweed juice until they sink, then plant about 15mm. 

[Lancaster8 334]

21 minutes ago, Ceiling Cat said:

I really like autos.  They grow sooooo fast and get you a pretty nice smoke too.  Only ever saw one seed that failed to germ, a few fizzled out and came to nothing but most have been vigorous growers from the off.  They seem to do best with warm stable temps and not much dark if any at all.

 

I had one very successful auto once, and that was a great smoke just like you have experienced. That was grown under constant light from a CFL.  From what people are saying, I think that my problem might be because they are on the wrong light cycle.  I think maybe they need 24/0 lighting with no dark periods as you say.

[Lancaster8 334]

57 minutes ago, Bayleaf said:

I do the same. However, I've found that auto seeds tend to hold onto their outer casing after germination. 80% of the time I have to 'operate' and get the casing off for them. I only sow them about 5mm underground so that I can get to them easily to operate. I find they nearly always germinate between 3 and 4 days. I don't unearth them, I just gently ease the case off with two tooth picks or similar. Very very gently and slowly!!

Hope that helps

By the way, Ive grown autos from lots of companies and found them all similar re: germination.

 

Yes I'm always removing crash helmets. Do it all the time when needed. Bit like helping chicks to get out of their shells. n In addition to the crash helmet, there is also a membrane that needs to be dealt with.

 

 

Edited March 26, 2021 by Lancaster8

[catweazle1 4,727]

@Lancaster8 20 hours is fine unless you need the warmth continuously in winter.

[Lancaster8 334]

46 minutes ago, Military Grade said:

I've had some hit a miss, some good and bad from Sweet seeds and Barney's. The best auto i've grown was from Dinafem a Amnesia CBD Auto, and was the very first plant i've have grown

 

That plant is amazing. I've never grown an auto as good as that. Well done!