Photoperiod or Autoflowering Outdoors: Which Is Best?

Growing cannabis outdoors is one of the most rewarding experiences for any cultivator. Watching a plant develop naturally under the sun allows you to appreciate its full potential while benefiting from nature’s free resources.

Whether you’ve been inspired by impressive outdoor gardens in California or are planning your first season in Europe, preparation is essential. Choosing the right genetics, selecting the ideal location, and understanding your local climate can make the difference between a disappointing harvest and a bumper crop. This article will compare the pros and cons of autos and photoperiods for outdoor crops this year, and which may be more practical for you.

Autos or Photoperiods for Outdoors?

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when starting an outdoor grow is whether to grow photoperiod or autoflowering cannabis plants. There are several factors to consider that may determine which of the two is most practical and produces the best results for you, as covered below.

• Your local climate
• Available sunlight
• Growing space
• Desired harvest schedule
• Privacy requirements
• Experience level

Option #1 – Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Outdoors

Autoflowering plants flower automatically based on age rather than daylight hours. This means that regardless of the time of year, they will automatically begin flowering at 30 days old, once they have established a strong root system and vegetation. 

Autos are a great way to produce a medium-sized plant with a fast turnaround time of 10-12 weeks. Outdoor growers enjoy working with autos because they are easy to grow, keep a low profile, and produce excellent-quality buds.

Autoflowering Characteristics 

• Begin flowering after approximately 3–5 weeks of growth.
• Do not require specific light schedules.
• Typically finish within 8–12 weeks from seed.
• Remain relatively compact and discreet.

Advantages of Autoflowers Outdoors

• Extremely fast growth cycle.
• Excellent for beginner growers.
• Naturally resistant to environmental stress.
• Perform well in windy, hot, or cooler conditions.
• Suitable for balconies, terraces, and smaller gardens.
• Ideal for regions with short summers.
• It can be grown in multiple cycles throughout the season.
• Allow for several harvests in a single year.

Option #2 – Growing Photoperiod Cannabis Outdoors

Photoperiodism means that plants are reliant on specific periods of darkness to enter vegetative or flowering states. Indoors, photoperiods respond best to 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness, and then 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to induce flowering.

Outdoors, photoperiod cannabis plants will stay in vegetative growth for 3-4 months and begin flowering around the end of July/early August, depending on the strain.

• Vegetative growth occurs during long daylight periods.
• Flowering begins as daylight hours shorten.
• Outdoor plants typically begin flowering naturally in late summer.
• Harvest generally takes place in autumn.

Advantages of Outdoor Photoperiod Plants

• It can grow exceptionally large when planted in spring.
• Usually produce the highest yields.
• Suitable for training techniques such as topping and low-stress training.
• Cannabis clones can be taken from mature plants.
• Widely available with a huge range of genetics.
• Most growers are already familiar with their growth patterns.

Disadvantages of Outdoor Photoperiod Plants

• Generally, only one outdoor harvest per year.
• More exposed to seasonal weather changes.
• Vulnerable to mold and mildew during wet autumn conditions.
• Large plants may attract unwanted attention.
• Some strains struggle in colder climates with shorter summers.

What About Planting Both Outdoors?

If you have the capacity to plant both auto- and photoperiod plants outdoors, you can look forward to multiple harvests throughout the year. The benefits of growing both autos and photoperiods are that your curing jars will be full. At the same time, you eagerly await the final big harvest around mid-September!

My Final Thoughts

I am a big fan of autos and photoperiods because I live in southern Spain and get the privilege of amazing hot weather for most of the year. If you are the opposite and live in a part of the world with an unfavorable climate, you may want to consider growing autos.

Autos are ideal for growers with short summers and cold winters, and for anyone looking for a low-maintenance, stealthy plant that can be chopped down in 3 months, tops. 45-day autoflowering seeds can be a lifesaver and are well recommended for the East Coast.

 Photoperiods demand much more time, care, patience and maintenance; however, the yields that you can harvest can easily exceed a pound or two. I would suggest planting both in your garden this year and growing as many different flavors as possible!