I run more autos than I can remember.... All autos are pretty much overthought , they want simple feeds and static light cycles .
However , many “ so called breeders “ sling S1 autos or fem to fems. So getting a reliable and or “ consistent “ autoflower can be hit or miss. This also goes back to breeders “ fleshing out the lines “ with deeper generations . Mephisto seeds does this and always sell strong and consistent cuts.
Other breeders have great offerings , but sometimes you will get a strain that needs “ help “.
Help in way of “ finishing “ hence light cycle play .... example : 18/6 standard light cycle ( start to harvest ) may drag at late flower so dropping to 12/12 can but boot in ass to complete.
Some will need “ help “ in flowering too , SAY 18/6 for weeks and no pistils , no signs of Preflower - etc.
Then the grower needs to treat it like a photoperiod and FLIP it to 12/12. Autoflower traits can even show in REG PHOTOSTRAINS too.
I give any “ autos “ the benefit of the doubt, to self flower by at least week 6 from seed. Most will begin , day 35 (ish) - with some changing earlier ( had one day 22 ) and some that NEED to be flipped.