Beneath the broad umbrella of cannabis genetics, cultivars are often grouped into two categories – photoperiod and autoflowering strains. Photoperiod plants rely on seasonal changes in daylight to trigger their flowering, while autoflowers have been bred to start blooming on their own after a set number of weeks. Understanding the differences between these two types of plants will help you choose the right genetics for your growing environment.
Understanding Photoperiod Cannabis
Photoperiod cannabis plants need long nights – typically 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness – to begin flowering. Without long nights they keep growing leaves and stems as if summer never ends. Once switched to a 12/12 light schedule, photoperiod strains generally take 8–12 weeks to ripen; from seed to harvest is often 12–20 weeks (3–5 months).
Advantages of Photoperiod Cannabis
- Bigger yields and potency – Photoperiod plants can be vegged for extended periods, producing large yields and potent buds
- More control over plant size – You decide when flowering begins by switching to a 12/12 light schedule, allowing height and training control
- Wide choice of genetics – Photoperiod strains come in countless varieties including exclusive MOSI Exotix cultivars
- Clonability – Plants can be cloned repeatedly to preserve a favorite phenotype indefinitely
- Resilience and versatility – Longer vegetative growth makes photoperiod plants more forgiving to early mistakes and enables recovery before flowering
Disadvantages of Photoperiod Cannabis
- Longer growing time – Photoperiod strains often take 3‑5 months from seed to harvest
- Need for a strict light schedule – They require 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness; light leaks can delay or ruin flowering
- Space and height requirements – Plants can grow large during the long vegetative stage, demanding more room and powerful lights
- Fewer harvests per year – The long cycle allows only a few harvests annually compared with autoflowers
Understanding Autoflowering Cannabis
Autoflowering cannabis varieties carry Cannabis ruderalis genetics that cause them to begin flowering automatically based on age rather than day length. Instead of waiting for long nights to trigger bloom, autos switch from vegetative growth to flowering on their own after about four weeks and finish from seed to harvest in just two or three months. They stay short and compact, making them ideal for small spaces or discreet grows.
- Fast life cycle: ready to harvest in 2‑3 months because plants begin flowering automatically after about four weeks
- Compact plants ideal for small spaces and stealth grows
- Ability to get multiple harvests per year thanks to their short cycle
- No need for strict light schedule or dark period; easy for beginners
Disadvantages of Autoflowering Cannabis
Lower yields and slightly less potent harvests compared to photoperiod strains due to a shorter vegetative stage.
Less control over plant size—plants follow a predetermined life cycle and cannot be kept in veg.
Fewer cultivar choices and phenotypes are available compared with photoperiods.
Cannot take clones because each plant flowers on a set schedule from seed.
More sensitive to stress; heavy training or transplant shock can reduce yields.
Which to Choose?
When deciding between photoperiod and autoflowering cannabis, think about your space, schedule and goals. Photoperiod plants reward patience with higher yields, larger stature and the ability to train plants for maximum productivity. They’re a great choice for gardeners who can control light cycles and have room for taller, wider plants. Autoflowers are perfect for fast harvests in tight spaces or outdoor spots with shorter seasons. They stay compact, flower automatically and allow multiple harvests per year, making them ideal for beginners or anyone seeking discreet, low‑maintenance growing.
Explore MOSI EXOTIX Genetics
Explore MOSI EXOTIX Genetics 🌿
At MOSI EXOTIX, our passion isn’t just about breeding cannabis—it’s about crafting photoperiod genetics with unmatched flavor, performance, and consistency. We focus exclusively on feminized photoperiod seeds, developed through rigorous pheno-hunting from large selection populations to identify the elite 1% of plants that combine terpene richness, vibrant structure, and resistance to stress.
Each cultivar is developed with both craft growers and commercial operators in mind—you get stable, hand-selected lines ideal for fingerprint breeding as well as performance runs. No filler phenos, no surprise male plants—just clean, potent, and reliable seeds.
🌱 MOSI EXOTIX Featured Photoperiod Cultivars:
- Mangoflera Indica
An indica-dominant tropical masterpiece with a lush mango and berry aroma, layered over floral purple undertones and an earthy finish.
Lineage: Mango Sherbet × Purple Bahama × Island OG (BX3)
Flowers in 8–9 weeks with creamy, scented buds that resonate with connoisseurs.
Shop Mangoflera Indica → - Morning Coffee
A sativa-leaning hybrid with notes of fresh roast coffee, sweet gas, and citrus zest. Energizing effects and robust growth make this a standout cultivar for daytime cultivators.
Shop Morning Coffee → - Tropic Miami
Exotic and explosive—this hybrid blends tropical sweetness, floral gas, and deep funk into one of our most aromatic strains. Great for color expression and structure.
Shop Tropic Miami → - Coconut Cream
Creamy, nutty, and citrus-forward, this cultivar delivers dessert terps with uplifting effects. Easy to trim and excellent for bag appeal.
Shop Coconut Cream →
Looking for autoflower genetics?
Head over to our partners at ASeedCompany.com — they specialize in elite autoflower cultivars that pair perfectly with compact spaces, quick turnarounds, and stealth growing.
🔗 Explore the full catalog at mosiexotix.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @mosi.exotix
🌱 Cultivate differently. Grow with MOSI EXOTIX.
Media Contact
Ava Green – Media Relations, MOSI Exotix
Email: info@mosiexotix.com
Website: https://mosiexotix.com
For interview requests, high‑resolution images or additional information, please contact Ava Green at info@mosiexotix.com.
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