what is an auto-flower strain?

im sure this is a stupid question but what is an auto-flower strain? whats the difference between that and a normal strain...im lost...im a total newbie so be easy on me lol

an autoflower strain will (advantageously or not) start flowering, regardless of light cycle, at either a certain height or age, depending on the strain. this can work for you if you grow outside somewhere where 'summer' doesn't necessarily mean 'summer-like-light-cycle' like in the arctic. conversely, it can work against you if, for instance, you want to veg them into trees but they start turning on you...

thanks for the response +rep i didnt think anyone would answer lol

no prob - there are very few stupid questions in this industry.

also: way too few girl growers (from one to another... <3)

Downey said:

im sure this is a stupid question but what is an auto-flower strain? whats the difference between that and a normal strain...im lost...im a total newbie so be easy on me lol

Click to expand...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_ruderalis
Cannabis ruderalis



Cannabis ruderalis is a putative species of Cannabis originating in central Asia. It flowers earlier than C. indica or C. sativa, does not grow as tall, and can withstand much harsher climates than either of them. Cannabis ruderalis is purported to go into budding based strictly on age and not on changes in length of daylight.[citation needed] This kind of flowering is also known as auto-flowering.[1].
Cannabis ruderalis has a lower THC content than either C. sativa or C. indica; thus, it has little recreational use. However, C. indica strains are frequently cross-bred with C. ruderalis to produce plants combining a higher THC content with the hardiness and reduced height of ruderalis.[citation needed]
The term 'Ruderalis' was originally used in the former Soviet Union to describe the varieties of hemp that had escaped cultivation and adapted to the surrounding region.[citation needed]
Similar Ruderalis populations can be found in most of the areas where hemp cultivation was once prevalent. The most notable region in North America is the midwest, though populations occur sporadically throughout the United States and Canada. Big wild ruderalis plantations also reigning in the center and eastern Europe, most of them in Lithuania, Belarus, Latvia, Estonia and around of these countries. Without the human hand aiding in selection, these plants have lost many of the traits they were originally selected for, and have acclimatized to their locale.[citation needed]
Though they contain little THC, these plants hold large potential for use in breeding, both in hemp and marijuana applications. Early flowering and resistance to locally significant insect and disease pressures are but a few of the important traits present in these feral populations.[citation needed]
Despite years of US government sponsored eradication programs, these wild plants still remain in bountiful abundance.[citation needed]
Marijuana smokers often call this wild cannabis "ditch weed."[citation needed]
Despite the label as "ditch weed" New breeders have undertaken hybrid projects to breed a higher in THC ruderalis/autoflowering plant.

is these the ones that give that purple color?

thanks guys....