If you’ve reached this page, you’re probably growing your own autoflower and you’re interested in checking if everything is going well. A good way to do this is by comparing with photos or (as we propose here) small video clips, where we break down the growth of two strains, Blue Berry and Cinderella Jack, one Indica and one Sativa (both from the Dutch Passion seed bank).
It’s also important to remember that each strain has its own growth timeline. This means that you might see a significant difference between these examples and yours, even if they are the same age in days/weeks, and that doesn’t mean your plants are unhealthy.
Genetics undoubtedly play a role, but so do the growing medium, temperature, carbon dioxide levels in the environment, and other factors in the development of each plant. An extreme example of this could be a plant growing in hydroponics versus another identical one (same genetics, same age) but grown in a solid/heavy substrate. The specimens will be drastically different, with much more explosive growth in the hydroponic plant.
But don’t worry, not everything is uncertain. We have certain general characteristics that can help you understand if everything is okay or if you need to change something. That’s why in this article we will develop what to expect at each stage of our beloved autoflowers.
And there’s more! This is an interactive article. What? Yes, because at the end of the page, if you still have doubts, you can upload a photo of your plant, specifying its age (weeks or days), so that other growers can help you and tell you what they see or if they have any recommendations for you.
Let’s begin by analyzing two strains, Auto Blue Berry and Auto Cinderella Jack, both from the breeders at Dutch Passion.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 1:
BlueBerry Week 1:
We can see them develop without problems until they have almost 4 pairs of leaves, in addition to the cotyledons (the cotyledons are the first two round leaves that emerge from the seed only once).
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 1:
So far, a bit less explosive than the Blue Berry, it has its two cotyledons and a few pairs of serrated leaves.
Considerations for Week 1 in the growth of any autoflower:
We count day 1 as the day when the first two leaves, the cotyledons, have developed. In one week, we see the development of an average of 4 pairs of serrated leaves.
If you are growing outdoors and at a low temperature (less than 20°C), in this first week, only the cotyledons (the first two leaves that emerge from the seed) may develop, and barely the first pair of serrated leaves.
If your plant looks smaller or has fewer leaves after a week, it is advisable to wait before modifying anything. At this stage, the plant is very weak and susceptible to changes, so be patient.
Regarding pH, we recommend starting the vegetative cycle between 5.5 and 6 pH to properly absorb the basic nutrients (such as nitrogen) for this stage.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 2:
BlueBerry Week 2:
New leaves and yes! The first pairs of branches are emerging, very small and starting to show on larger leaves.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 2:
With a slower growth (for now) compared to its test companion, we see that it continues to grow pairs of leaves but so far without signs of small branches.
Considerations for Week 2 in the growth of any autoflower:
The development of new leaves continues, but primarily, the leaves produced in the previous week grow larger because the plant needs to capture as much energy as possible from the light (whether sunlight or artificial light) and all the available carbon dioxide in the environment. This will enter through the stomata on the underside of the leaves, allowing the plant to process the nutrients absorbed by the roots and continue producing new plant cells (which is basically the main goal of the vegetative cycle). The more plant cells, the greater the absorption surface.
Does your autoflower look smaller?
These are the factors that might be causing your plant to look smaller.
Less Light: Maybe you are growing outdoors and have few hours of direct sunlight, or if you are growing indoors, you might need to move the light closer to your plant.
Heavy Substrate: If you are using a too dense substrate, your autoflower may not be developing a good root system. Solution: Transplant to a purchased substrate, being very careful not to break the roots, or add mycorrhizae (a beneficial fungus that helps root growth).
Does your autoflower show yellow leaves or even brown spots?
This is a fairly common problem, but fortunately, it can be easily fixed. Here are the possible causes and solutions:
Nutrient-poor Substrate: If you are using a substrate that has been used for other crops, or you took it from your yard, your autoflower might lack nutrients. One solution is to transplant to a new substrate or buy fertilizers for the vegetative stage (the most important thing is that it contains nitrogen).
pH Problems: pH is a fundamental value for the proper absorption of nutrients. The ideal range for the vegetative cycle is between 5.5 and 6. If your plant shows signs of nutrient deficiencies and is in good substrate or is well-fertilized, the problem could be the pH. Check and correct it.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 3:
BlueBerry Week 3:
This week, we are witnessing a remarkable change in the growth rate. New leaves are emerging at an impressive speed, showing a vibrant and healthy green. Each passing day, the plant becomes bushier, a clear testament to its vigorous development.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 3:
This week marks a turning point in the development of our plant. After a relatively slow start, Cinderella Jack has begun to grow at a surprisingly fast pace.
A notable characteristic of this strain is its broad leaves, which have become more prominent in recent days. These leaves, with their wide surface area, efficiently capture light, driving the vigorous growth we are observing.
Considerations for Week 3 in the growth of any autoflower:
Autoflowers in their third week of life enter a quite interesting and crucial phase of development. In the third week, these plants may have doubled in size since germination. Often, the plants develop thicker and more robust stems to support the weight of the leaves and, eventually, the flowers.
Very important: Both week 3 and week 4 are the ideal times for a detailed observation of the plant to check for signs of pests and/or fungi. If this is the case, we still have time to treat them (in flowering, we wouldn’t be able to do anything), so depending on the situation, it will be necessary to apply the specific treatment foliarly.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 4:
BlueBerry Week 4:
We are witnessing a fascinating moment in its life cycle: the final explosive stretch before entering the pre-flowering phase. This stage is crucial as the plant lays the groundwork for its upcoming flowering.
During this week, BlueBerry has shown a notable increase in height and spread. This ‘stretch’ is not only in size but also in the plant’s maturity. It is impressive to observe how, almost overnight, it extends upwards and outwards, making the most of the available space and light.
The new leaves that emerge are larger and an even deeper green, indicative of a very active photosynthesis process. These leaves are fundamental to the plant’s health as they absorb solar or artificial energy needed to fuel the subsequent stages of its life cycle.
As we approach the end of the vegetative cycle, BlueBerry is almost ready to enter its exciting pre-flowering phase. This is a moment of transition where the plant shifts from focusing on growth to preparing for flower production.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 4:
The Auto Cinderella Jack continues to expand primarily in height but also in width, strengthening its structure. This lateral growth gives it an imposing and robust presence, preparing it to support future flowers.
The most notable thing is the way the plant seems to move. One might describe these movements as small heartbeats, each accompanied by a visible increase in its size. With each “heartbeat,” the plant becomes larger and stronger, a subtle dance of growth and vitality.
The new leaves that emerge are further evidence of this vigorous expansion. Each new leaf unfolds, adding to the already impressive spread of the plant. The coloration remains an intense green, a sign of excellent health and efficient photosynthesis.
Considerations for Week 4 in the growth of any autoflower:
At this moment, the plant begins to direct its energy towards bud production.
If we are monitoring the pH, now is a good time to ensure we are at a pH of 6, aiming to reach a pH of 6.5 by week 6 or 7. This is where the plant will be able to absorb essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium more effectively, which are crucial for trichome production.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 5:
BlueBerry Week 5:
We continue to observe a marked stretching in the plant. This sustained growth is a sign of its health and vigor.
As we progress through the week, a crucial event becomes evident: the formation of pre-flowers. These tiny but fundamental structures mark the beginning of the next flowering phase.
The appearance of these pre-flowers, clearly visible in the last days of our video, indicates that BlueBerry is entering an exciting stage of its development.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 5:
This stage has brought with it the anticipated stretch in both height and width, marking a milestone in its life cycle.
Towards the end of the week, we have witnessed an exciting development: the appearance of pre-flowers at the tips of the branches. These small formations are the prelude to the flowering stage and a clear sign that the plant is entering its next crucial phase. Each branch tip now exhibits these small pre-flowers, a harbinger of the buds to come.
Considerations for Week 5 in the growth of any autoflower:
When the plant begins to show its pre-flowers, it is a special time to consider some actions that can greatly influence the final bud production.
Defoliation: What is defoliation? Removing foliage (leaves). In autoflowers, it is as important as in photoperiod plants, the difference being that we must do it very gradually. Which leaves should we cut? All those that are covering pre-flowers, as we need these future buds to receive as much light as possible.
We also remove the lower leaves since they do not have much light absorption capacity, and by removing them, we direct the plant’s energy to the upper part. This also helps air circulation, which is essential to prevent the appearance of pests and fungi.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 6:
BlueBerry Week 6:
Although the plant continues to grow vertically, this increase in height begins to slow down. We are witnessing the natural transition of the plant into a phase more focused on flowering.
Alongside this slowdown, a new chapter begins in the life of BlueBerry: the initial development of buds. At this stage, the buds are still thin and elongated, far from their final shape and size.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 6:
The gradual change is a natural sign that Cinderella Jack is shifting its focus from vegetative growth to bud formation. It is a moment of transition where the plant’s accumulated energy is channeled into the development of its future flowers.
During this week, we start to see the first structures of what will eventually become buds. These nascent buds are still small and thin, with little aroma, an early shadow of what they are destined to be. Even without the characteristic resin, their presence is an exciting indication that the flowering stage is progressing.
Considerations for Week 6 in the growth of any autoflower:
This week, we again consider the possibility of defoliation, just like the previous week.
We can also apply some LST (low-stress training) techniques, such as carefully spreading the branches and tying them down or using 3D-printed elbows. Any movement that helps the light penetrate better will undoubtedly be a great boost to our buds.
It’s the ideal time to apply a booster for bud fattening (phosphorus and potassium).
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 7:
BlueBerry Week 7:
The vertical growth, which has been a constant in previous weeks, has now almost stopped. This change marks an important transition in the plant’s life cycle, indicating that most of its energy is now focused on flowering.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 7:
As we progress through the week, we observe how the vertical growth of Cinderella Jack slows down until it completely stops. This is a natural moment in the life cycle of autoflowering plants, where energy shifts from height expansion to the maturation and strengthening of floral structures.
The focus is now on the buds, which begin to show significant changes. Although still in an early phase, the buds start to fill out and show a greater number of hairs. These hairs, or pistils, are a sign of healthy development and play a crucial role in the plant’s reproduction process. Their gradual increase indicates that the buds are starting to mature and prepare for the final flowering stage.
Considerations for Week 7 in the growth of any autoflower:
We apply the booster again to enhance the buds.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 8:
BlueBerry Week 8:
The vertical growth, a dominant trait in the previous stages, has completely stopped. This halt in height indicates that the plant has fully entered the bud maturation phase.
During this week, the plant’s main focus shifts to the thickening of the buds. They begin to increase in size significantly, filling out and acquiring a more robust and defined appearance. This change is accompanied by the emergence of more and more pistils, those small hairs that protrude from the buds, indicative of healthy and active flowering.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 8:
The characteristic “heartbeats” of the leaves persist, but now, without further vertical growth or structural expansion, all the plant’s energy is concentrated on one crucial task: the thickening and maturation of the buds.
Day by day, they become denser and more robust, a visible transformation that reveals the accumulation of energy and nutrients in these key structures. Each bud fills out, increasing in size and complexity, becoming the focal point of the entire plant.
Considerations for Week 8 in the growth of any autoflower:
Last application of phosphorus and potassium booster.
We make sure to keep the pH at 6.5 and the ambient humidity around 50%.
This is crucial to prevent the development of any type of fungus.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 9:
BlueBerry Week 9:
During this phase, the buds become increasingly dense and robust, a clear sign that they are accumulating a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 9:
At this point, the only notable transformation in the plant is the continuous thickening of the buds, which are now acquiring an increasingly characteristic and distinctive aroma.
During this week, the buds have continued to increase in size and density. This expansion is accompanied by a change in their aromatic profile, a crucial aspect of the plant’s appeal. As the buds mature, they release a more intense and defined aroma.
The thickening of the buds is not only visually impressive but also indicates an accumulation of cannabinoids and terpenes, compounds responsible for the plant’s effects and aromas.
Although the rest of the plant appears to be in a state of calm, internal biological activity is intense. The trichomes, small crystalline structures on the buds, are in full development, most of them still transparent.
Considerations for Week 9 in the growth of any autoflower:
Preparing for the final moment, we permanently suspend any extra nutrient applications, so the plant consumes the remaining nutrients and our buds achieve the natural flavor of the genetics we are growing. If we don’t do this, the taste of the fertilizer can be noticeable in each puff, and that’s something we want to avoid. From now on, watering will be with water only.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 10:
BlueBerry Week 10:
This is a crucial moment in the plant’s life cycle, marking the point where it is ready for harvest.
Upon close inspection, we can see that the trichomes covering the buds have mostly turned a milky white color, with some starting to show amber hues. This mix of white and amber trichomes is a reliable indicator that THC and other cannabinoid levels have reached their maximum potential, offering the perfect balance between potency and effect.
The plant itself shows signs of having completed its natural cycle.
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 10:
The most significant changes are occurring at the microscopic level within the buds. To the naked eye, the plant shows little activity, but internally, an intense and crucial process is taking place.
The most notable characteristic of this week is the evolution of the trichomes, those small crystalline structures that cover the buds and nearby leaves. These trichomes are starting to turn white, a clear indication that they are filling with our precious cannabinoids, such as THC, among others. This color change is a sign of maturation and is crucial for determining the optimal harvest time, which is drawing closer.
Considerations for Week 10 in the growth of any autoflower:
If, upon close inspection, we observe that most of the trichomes have milky white heads, and a few are amber, congratulations! It’s time to harvest. (Towards the end of this article, after week 11, you will find some extra tips.) However, if most of the trichomes are still transparent, we continue watering with only water and closely monitor the ambient humidity, which should remain at 50%.
What an Autoflower Looks Like in Week 11:
Auto Cinderella Jack Week 11:
We are on the threshold of the harvest. This final phase is marked by significant changes indicating that the plant has reached full maturity and is ready to be harvested.
As Cinderella Jack channels all its remaining energy into the buds, the leaves, having fulfilled their role in photosynthesis and plant development, begin to dry out and yellow.
The buds, now at their peak development, are noticeably sticky to the touch, a sign of high resin concentration. This stickiness is due to the abundance of trichomes, which have reached their peak cannabinoid and terpene production. The aroma is potent and penetrating, a testament to quality and maturity.
Upon closer inspection, most of the trichomes have acquired a milky white color, with some beginning to turn amber. This coloration is a key indicator for growers, signaling that THC levels are at their highest and that the sedative effects of CBN are beginning to form.
Week 11 represents the end of Cinderella Jack’s life cycle and the optimal time for harvest. With the buds in their most favorable state, both in terms of potency and aroma, it’s time to harvest and enjoy the fruits of weeks of care and attention.
We reach the end of our cycle, and the reward is to cut our precious buds.
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