How to get bigger yields from Auto-Flowering cannabis plants

Autoflowering cannabis plants are hardy, easy to grow, and produce top-quality buds. If you have been wondering how to increase autoflower yields, this article is perfect for you!

Table of contents:

"Increasing autoflower yields comes down to optimising light intensity, nutrients, climate, and gentle plant training within the short vegetative window of autoflowering cannabis plants."

In this article, I will explain how to grow bigger autos, share my best growing tips, explain how to train and feed autoflowers, outline the best autoflower lighting schedule, and discuss what to consider when aiming for bigger yields, including which autoflower strains are known for high production.

How to Increase Autoflower Yields Successfully

When your goal is to increase autoflower yields, there are several ways to boost them. Light intensity plays a direct role in photosynthesis and plant growth [1].

What helps increase autoflower yields the most?

• Intense lighting makes a significant difference in yield
• The right amount of nutrients from seed to harvest
• Optimal growing temperatures [4]
• Humidity levels kept within the correct range
• Proper pH management and maintenance [3]
• Plant training techniques applied up to week 5
• Soil-grown crops require a pH level of 6.0–7.0
• Hydro-grown crops require a pH level of 5.5–6.5

How to Increase Autoflower Yields Indoors

Indoors, you can create the ideal growing environment for autos and provide ample photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Many growers prefer to give indoor autoflowering plants 18–20 hours of light to help maximise yields.

Why Increasing Autoflower Yields Requires a Different Approach

Unlike photoperiod plants, which offer the luxury of long vegetative periods, autos are genetically programmed to flower after around 4 weeks. This means that when you include the 14-day seedling stage, autos only have around 2 weeks of true vegetative growth. Regardless of the number of light hours, buds will begin to form soon after.

High-Yielding Autoflower Strains to Maximise Production

Picture - Large-yielding autos result in bigger-yielding plants - Credit: Seed Stockers

One of the best ways to increase autoflower yields is to start with high-yielding genetics. Not only do these autos grow bigger and wider, producing more in the process, but they are also ideal for growers with limited space who want the highest yield possible.

What are the 4 best high-yielding autoflower strains?

• Amnesia Auto (Vision Seeds) – Known for vigorous growth and generous resin production, with strong yields compared to many other autoflowers.
• Sweet Skunk Automatic (Royal Queen Seeds) – A reliable producer with yields around 400–450 g/m² under good conditions.
• Vision Jack Auto (Vision Seeds) – Stable genetics with yields of up to around 400 g/m² indoors.
• Northern Lights Automatic – Classic autoflower genetics known for above-average yields and reliable performance.

How to Choose High-Yielding Autoflower Strains for Your Setup

When choosing the best autoflowering strain for your setup, consider the following:

• How many grams per square metre does the strain yield?
• How many weeks will it take to harvest the strain from start to finish?
• Does the strain have a strong reputation for producing large yields?
• Is it high-maintenance or easy to grow?
• Is it well suited to beginner growers?

Why Genetics Play a Key Role in Autoflower Yields

There is a huge variety of cannabis genetics available. When it comes to achieving higher yields and better overall performance, genetics make a massive difference.

Training Autoflowers to Increase Yield

Picture - This auto has been tied down on day 21 - Credit: Stoney Tark

Training your autoflowering cannabis plants can help improve their shape, structure, and yield. With such a short window before flowering begins, however, training autoflowers can be quite tricky.

What is training autoflowers, and which methods work best?

There are several plant training techniques you can apply to autos to boost yields.

• Topping: Remove the top crown shoot to create two or more top colas
• Fimming: Cutting away around 75% of the tip to promote lower growth
• Supercropping: Bending or snapping the stem or side branch to encourage stronger growth
• LST: A low-stress technique that involves tying the top node downwards
• Pruning: Removing fan leaves and axillary shoots below a certain node

How to Train Autoflowers Without Stunting Growth

The best advice I can give is to avoid overdoing the training, allow enough recovery time, and stay away from high-stress techniques such as topping, fimming, and supercropping after week 4.

Why Training Autoflowers Can Boost Bud Production

A simple bit of plant training performed at the right time can increase autoflower yields. I have trained cannabis plants for the last 20 years, and I can say with confidence that autos respond well to gentle training.

• Make sure you give plants the right amount of recovery time between training sessions
• Some autos are better suited to plant training than others
• Training should ideally be done between weeks 3 and 4
• Training once flowering starts can cause stunted growth

Feeding Autos for Bigger Buds and Higher Yields

Nutrients are essential to a cannabis plant's growth, development, and yield potential [2]. You do not want to give plants too little or too much nutrition, so finding the right balance is key to increasing autoflower yields.

What is the Best Approach to Feeding Autos?

Less is more. Because autos have a short life cycle, usually ranging between 10 and 14 weeks from seed to harvest, you need to be especially attentive.

• Autos should be fed a high-nitrogen feed during the first 4 weeks
• After week 5, you should feed autos higher levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)
• Nutrient brands usually offer separate grow and bloom nutrients
• Always follow the nutrient brand’s mixing ratio guide
• Avoid using over-fertilised soil for starting autoflowering seedlings

How to Feed Autoflowers for Bigger Yields

You should make sure your autoflowering plants have enough nutrients to support their full life cycle. You can use slow-release organic matter, such as enriched soil or compost, and supplement it with organic or synthetic liquid nutrients for faster uptake.

Why Proper Feeding Improves Bud Size and Quality

Underfed plants will show signs of nutrient deficiencies and may appear weak, brittle, and slow-growing. Overfertilised plants may struggle to produce top-quality buds, and flower development can be significantly affected. Either way, the yield will suffer, which is why proper feeding is extremely important.

Autoflower Lighting Schedule for Maximum Yield

Picture - An example of a high-yielding auto grown using 20 hours of light each day - Credit: Seed Stockers

If you really want to increase autoflower yields, then be prepared to grow autos indoors. Below, I explain the best lighting schedule, how to optimise it, and why lighting schedules impact autos:

Why Lighting Schedules Impact Autoflower Yield

Although autos can flower regardless of the light cycle, more light generally means better results. High-yielding autoflower strains thrive under intense lighting, especially when combined with proper nutrients and a little plant training.

How to Grow High-Yielding Autoflower Cannabis Outdoors

Planting autos outdoors is a low-cost, exciting, and discreet way to cultivate cannabis. Humidity plays an important role in plant transpiration and overall growth balance [5].

Why the Right Climate and Environment Can Increase Autoflower Yields

Cannabis plants require a specific climate and environment to thrive and deliver the large yields many growers aim for. Autos are tough, resilient, and sturdy plants adapted to colder climates and short summers. The more sun you have, the better. However, many autoflowering strains are reliable performers even in more challenging climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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More growing tips from Stoney Tark:

• How to Use Cannabis Grow Lights Properly
• Best Grow Lights for Indoor Cannabis Cultivation
• Cannabis Nutrient Deficiencies Guide

Sources

1. Photosynthesis and plant growth fundamentals – Encyclopaedia Britannica 
2. Plant nutrient uptake and root environment – Frontiers in Plant Science
3. Soil pH and nutrient availability – USDA
4. Temperature effects on plant growth – ScienceDirect 
5. Humidity influence on plant transpiration – Royal Horticultural Society 

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content does not encourage illegal activity and is not intended as professional horticultural, agricultural, or legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation vary by country and region. Always check and follow the local laws applicable in your location before purchasing seeds or starting cultivation.

Growing results may vary depending on genetics, growing conditions, experience level, and environmental factors. The information in this guide is based on general cultivation knowledge and practical experience, but no guarantees are given regarding yields or plant performance.

This article is intended for adults aged 18 or 21+, depending on local regulations. Keep seeds and cultivation equipment out of reach of children and pets.