If you’re buying cannabis seeds in the UK, two of the most common options you’ll come across are autoflower and feminised seeds.
Both have their advantages, but they behave very differently. Choosing the right one depends on your experience level, setup, and what you want from your grow.
This guide explains the key differences so you can decide which type suits you best.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Autoflower Seeds | Feminised Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Flowering Trigger | Automatic (age-based) | Light cycle required |
| Ease of Growing | Very easy | Moderate |
| Grow Time | Faster | Longer |
| Plant Size | Compact | Can grow larger |
| Yield Potential | Moderate | Higher |
| Control | Less control | More control |
What Are Autoflower Seeds?
Autoflower seeds are bred to flower automatically after a short growth period, usually within 2 to 4 weeks.
They contain genetics from Cannabis ruderalis, which allows them to flower based on age instead of light cycles.
This makes them one of the simplest options available.
Advantages of Autoflower Seeds
- Fast seed-to-harvest time
- No need to manage lighting schedules
- Compact size for smaller spaces
- Beginner-friendly
What Are Feminised Seeds?
Feminised seeds are bred to produce female plants only.
Unlike autoflowers, they are usually photoperiod plants, meaning they require a change in light schedule to start flowering.
This gives growers more control over plant size and growth stages.
Advantages of Feminised Seeds
- Higher yield potential
- More control over plant development
- Suitable for cloning
- Wider strain selection
Autoflower vs Feminised: Which Should You Choose?
The best option depends on your situation.
- Choose autoflower seeds if: you want a simple, fast, low-maintenance grow
- Choose feminised seeds if: you want more control and potentially higher yields
For beginners, autoflowers are usually the easiest starting point. For those with some experience, feminised seeds offer more flexibility.
When Autoflower Seeds Make More Sense
- You are new to cannabis growing
- You have limited space
- You want faster results
- You prefer a simpler setup
When Feminised Seeds Are the Better Choice
- You want larger plants and higher yields
- You are comfortable managing light cycles
- You want more control over plant growth
Explore Cannabis Seeds by Type
Frequently Asked Questions
Autoflower seeds flower automatically based on age, while feminised seeds require a change in light cycle to begin flowering.
Autoflower seeds are usually better for beginners because they are easier to manage and do not require light schedule adjustments.
Yes, autoflower plants are typically smaller and more compact compared to feminised photoperiod plants.
In many cases, feminised seeds can produce higher yields because growers can extend the vegetative stage before flowering.
Yes, both types can be grown indoors, but autoflowers are generally easier to manage in smaller indoor setups.
Final Thoughts
Both autoflower and feminised seeds have their place. The right choice depends on how much control you want and how simple you want the process to be.
At Urban Seed Bank, we offer a carefully selected range of both autoflower and feminised genetics, chosen for quality, stability, and reliable performance.
