Top 10 Best Outdoor Autoflower In 2025: There is a never-ending debate about what the best outdoor autoflower strain is. But do you know how autoflowering strains are measured and assessed? Don’t worry; I wrote this guide for all outdoor growers!
I will enumerate some of the industry’s best-performing, outdoor-growing autoflowering cannabis strains!
Out of all the different autoflowering seeds I’ve seen and tried growing, I consider the Orange Sherbet (Sunset Sherbet) as the best simply because of the good yields, balance, and aroma it emits. I’ll discuss that more in the latter part of this guide.
Contrary to their photoperiod counterparts, these autoflowering strains can naturally develop and transition to the flowering phase without changing the light cycle.
For the benefit of all types of growers, let me briefly go over autoflowering cannabis strains!
What Are Autoflowering Seeds?
Contents
Autoflowering seeds, from the term alone, are seeds that are formed through the crossbreeding of indica & sativa to cannabis ruderalis. Its origins are still up for debate as of the moment, but it’s pretty clear that it is a product from the combination of two (2) or more strains.
The distinctive factor these auto strains have is the fact that they can transition to the flowering stage without you (the grower) worrying about changing up the light schedule.
Another green flag it has over traditional cannabis seeds is the fact that it grows faster — it needs less time to mature and grow dense buds.
Think you need more information about it? Don’t worry; here’s a more head-on, concrete, and detailed list of differences between photoperiod and non-photoperiod plants and strains.
Photoperiod vs. Autoflowering Strains
For you to be able to understand it better and easier, I’ll list down the differences between photoperiod and non-photoperiod or autoflowering cannabis seeds per category.
This way, you’ll be able to navigate it faster and determine whether it’s a trait of an autoflowering strain or not.
Physical Appearance
The first difference they have would be in their physical appearance. Hybrid autoflowering plants would substantially be smaller and would have minimal bud sites compared to pure indica & sativa plants.
Photoperiod plants appear to be bushier, as well as have greater and bigger fan leaves with (broader and larger fingers).
NOTE: Hybrid ruderalis genetics that is purposely made for the purpose of autoflowering peak at a height of 130cm.
Growing Outdoors
When it comes to outdoor growing, autoflowering seeds that have ruderalis genetics have shorter and faster growing seasons compared to their photoperiod counterparts.
Photoperiod plants, on the contrary, grow longer and more difficult because of the fact that they require a change in the light cycle to make them flower. This is what makes the outdoor growing of photoperiod plants challenging.
Complexity
Attention, care, and maintenance are three (3) photoperiod plants’ most common properties, especially for outdoor growers. Everything from the nutrients, watering, and the amount of light to other properties such as temperature, humidity, climate, etc.
The autoflowering version is much easier and simpler to grow, as they can survive colder climates and more brutal conditions. They’re also survivors, as they won’t easily be eradicated.
Yield
Last would be the yield. While autoflowering seeds are easy to grow that they require less maintenance, they produce smaller and lower yields because the buds they tend to grow are a lot less and smaller.
This puts photoperiod plants in the position of having big and huge yields (about 1 to 4kg per plant) for outdoor growers and about 400 to 600g/m2 indoors.
NOTE: There is a chance for autoflowering seeds to have large yields, depending on the particular space and location.
Pros and Cons of Autoflowering Cannabis Strains
Now that you are aware of the distinctions between standard and autoflowering cannabis strains, let me help you further by letting you know the advantages and disadvantages of these compact plants.
Pros or Advantages of Growing Autoflowering Strains
Here are some of the positives or the greenlights of growing autoflower strains:
Easy to Grow and Maintain
One of the major and primary advantages of autoflowering plants grown outdoors (even indoors) is the fact that they’re easy to maintain and cultivate. They won’t require growers to have a keen eye on the amount of light because regardless of the light cycle, they’ll flower, and they’ll pull through.
Fast Harvest
Another advantage is that you’ll be able to harvest them swiftly and more urgently compared to indica and sativa strains. Typically, auto strains go from seed to flower in just around two (2) months.
For regular strains, the typical vegetation stage is about four (4) to six (6) weeks until it’s time to change the light cycle.
NOTE: Eight (8) to nine (9) weeks is the usual timeframe for autoflowers to grow and fully mature.
Short and Compact
And the last factor of advantage that an auto cannabis strain has is its size. They are usually short, stout, and compact, meaning, they’ll be able to fit even in the smallest of spaces.
You wouldn’t need an extravagant grow medium for outdoor growth — your backyard will be enough!
Cons or Disadvantages of Growing Autoflowering Strains
Now, let’s move on to the thing and factors you want to well consider when you grow the autoflowering version of the most popular strains:
They’re Less Likely to Revegetate
In case you didn’t know, most indica and sativa strains (photoperiod) are known to revegetate or regrow their leaves, paving the way for another round of harvest. Yes, and the way of doing this is by altering the light cycle of the plant.
On the flip side, auto strains do not vegetate. What does that mean? Well, it simply means that auto plants are a one-off type of plants. After harvest, they’re pretty much done.
They Have Low THC Content
Another drawback would be the fact that they have extremely low THC content, making them effective only for calming and relaxing, not the energetic, euphoric high you might be looking for.
DID YOU KNOW: The THC content of most autos have a range of 20 to 30% THC.
You Won’t Have High Yields
Last but most definitely not least is the fact that they wouldn’t have high yields. Autoflowering varieties, either grown indoors or outdoors, will have fast buds, yes, However, the amount and the volume of those produce will be drastically less.
These are the contrasting positives and negatives indoor or outdoor autoflowering cannabis plants have. Now, you should be able to determine whether these are for you or if they are not.
Top 10 Best Outdoor Autoflower Seeds
All over the internet, you’ll be able to find many different types and kinds of autoflower seeds. Some have potent buds, while some are more leaning towards calmness and relaxation.
Nevertheless, here’s what I found to be the best autoflowering seeds in the market today!
Orange Sherbet (Sunset Sherbet): Editor’s Choice
- Type: Sativa (15%); Indica (85%)
- Composition: Levels of THC approaching 21%
- Taste & Smell: Sweet & Citrusy
- Grow Time: 8 to 10 weeks
- Effects: Happy, Relaxed, and Creative
The Orange Sherbet, more commonly referred to as Sunset Sherbet, is what I consider the best, easiest, and most efficient type of outdoor autoflower to grow.
This indica-dominant hybrid is the perfect cannabis strain to spark creativity while keeping you calm and relaxed.
A descendant of the famous Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), the pungent aroma and smell are there, but you can be assured that the sweet taste is retained!
Girl Scout Cookies: Runner-Up
- Composition: Levels of THC approaching 21%
- Taste & Smell: Lemon, citrusy & pungent
- Grow Time: 10 to 14 weeks
- Effects: Happy, Relaxed, and Creative
GSC is one of the more popular types of autos because of the fact that multiple harvests are possible with it! Unlike many types, you wouldn’t have problems with outdoor cultivation because it’s an easy strain!
Do note, though, that Girl Scout Cookies (autoflowering version) are not similar to the usual Girl Scout Cookies. Purchase multiple Girl Scout Cookies seeds from Royal Queen Seeds and prepare yourself for an awesome, calming, cerebral experience you’ll never get with other strains!
Sweet ZZ Automatic: Best Tasting Autoflowering Strain
- Composition: Levels of THC approaching 18%
- Taste & Smell: Dull earthy, hoppy, and sweet
- Grow Time: 9 to 11 weeks (from sprouting)
- Effects: Reduced Anxiety and Relaxing
As the proud descendants of the Grapefruit and Grape Ape, this premium auto is the perfect answer for your therapeutic needs. It has significant levels of humulene, which is the reason for its hoppy and earthy smell.
Don’t be surprised when you notice this cultivar growing a dense canopy; that’s normal. The dark green shade of its leaves will be intimidating, not to mention that it can grow up to 120 cm outdoors!
Expect that you’ll feel almost like a potato after consuming it as it came from the well-known cannabis species of Diesel Automatic and Sweet ZZ!
Strawberry Banana Auto: Best Autoflowering Strain For Big Yields
- Composition: Levels of THC approaching 27%
- Taste & Smell: Strawberry Banana flavor
- Grow Time: 10 to 11 weeks
- Effects: Pain Alleviations, Appetite Loss, Uplifting High
Besides the unique and rare flavor of Strawberry Banana, you should expect that you’ll feel a mild head buzz after consumption due to its higher-than-the-usual levels of THC.
You’ll get a mixed feeling of relaxation, hunger, creativity, and joy that are all balanced out. Get maximum quantity yields without overlapping canopies hanging around your garden or backyard!
Northern Lights x Big Bud Auto Seeds: Best Earthy-Taste Autoflowering Seeds
- Composition: Levels of THC approaching 18%
- Taste & Smell: Earthy, Fruity Pineapple
- Grow Time: 8 to 10 weeks
- Effects: Physically and Mentally Relaxed and Happy
This strain is a product of crossbreeding Northern Lights and Big Bud Auto. In case you didn’t know, northern light is a famous strain that is known for its physically calming and comforting effects. Crossed out with big bud auto, which is a “mind-relaxing” strain, you’ll definitely be tied up and wound to wherever you are.
The Northern Lights x Big Bud Auto is an extremely popular strain that is known by every outdoor grower who loves experimentation when it comes to growing cannabis.
Expect high and fast-growing yields without any indication of their overall potency and efficacy. Entering 9 weeks, you’ll see its movement to full maturity even though you haven’t changed any of its light hours!
Green Gelo Automatic: Best Fast-Growing Autoflowering Strains
- Composition: Levels of THC approaching 24%
- Taste & Smell: Zesty and pungent smell with a candy taste
- Grow Time: 9 to 11 weeks
- Effects: Stoned and Uplifting High
Whether or not it is the growing season, the Green Gelo Auto is what many growers consider perfect for outdoor environments and conditions. It’s easy to grow that even beginning growers wouldn’t have a hard time with it.
The maximum yield it offers for outdoor cultivation ranges between 100 to 175 gr/plant, while indoor ranges at 375 to 450 gr/m2.
As an offspring of the Cookies Auto and Green Gelato, you’ll notice it starts maturing at about eight weeks, preparing itself for the final stages of its life cycle.
Amnesia Haze: Best For Beginner Growers
- Composition: THC levels approaching 21%
- Taste & Smell: Sweet lemon (citrusy)
- Grow Time: 9 to 12 weeks
- Effects: Uplifted and Energetic
When you hear the term “Amnesia Haze,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? I don’t know about you, but for me, it sounds like trouble.
Kidding aside, amnesia haze is a well-known auto that’s able to produce high and heavy yields, thanks to its long branches and tall structure. More commonly known as a “funk hybrid,” Amnesia Haze’s origins are vast.
And if you’re worried about Amnesia Haze and selective breeding, do not! The plant is easy to cultivate, and it might actually be the perfect strain for outdoor growers because of its height and overall capability.
Fat Banana Automatic: Best For Beginning Growers
- Composition: THC levels approaching 22%
- Taste & Smell: Banana, earthy, and fruity
- Grow Time: 9 to 10 weeks
- Effects: Reduced Stress & Euphoric Relaxation
If you’re looking for a sweet, tropical fruits category type of flavor, then you need to try out the Fat Banana Automatic strain.
As a cross between OG Kush and Banana, Fat Banana is a classic, well-known, and popular aromatic strain. It’ll give you vintage vibes without it actually being vintage!
It has medicinal and herbal viability because of how calming and relaxing its nature is. This indica-dominant autoflowering strain is perfect for keeping you calmed and relaxed — you’ll be stuck to your couch for hours!
Bubba Kush: Most Attractive Autoflowering Plant
- Composition: THC levels approaching 19%
- Taste & Smell: Hash tastes (sweet notes of chocolate and espresso)
- Grow Time: 8 to 10 weeks
- Effects: Soothing and Can Comfort Aches
Bubba Kush is an exceptionally popular strain that has been known to produce big, bulky, heavy yields with a chocolatey aroma and taste. It is an indica-dominant strain that can soothe pain flawlessly while helping you sleep, be more relaxed, and feel less stressed.
Many tokers use it as their “nightcap” when they’re feeling low. If you want to experience a different level of high that’s partnered with sweet, chocolatey, flavor, you better try out Bubba Kush cannabis seeds.
Sour Diesel Auto: Best High-Yielding Auto Strain
- Composition: Levels of THC approaching 18%
- Taste & Smell: Herbal and lemon taste with a pungent smell
- Grow Time: 8 to 10 weeks
- Effects: Trippy and Energetic Effects
Last but most definitely not least would be the famous Sour Diesel Auto. It is a sativa-dominant plant that is widely known to have premium, high-quality, and resinous buds.
It has a decent potency level, which will make you feel a bit trippy and energized but in a balanced state. It’ll give you an extreme sense of calmness without fatigue, and you’ll definitely love how it tastes and smell because it’s all-natural.
The Sour Diesel Auto has a maximum yield of 400 gr/m2, even if it thrives outdoors!
Are you trying to find the perfect seeds for a simple and basic outdoor grow? Try these and expand your autoflowering variety!
FAQs
If you’re trying to look for more information about what the best autoflowering cannabis strain is for you, don’t worry, I got you!
I’ve found the best autoflowering seeds you can grow outdoors — so you don’t have to!
Would Growing Outdoors Make Autos Yield More?
No, they do not. Buds will grow bigger, fatter, and bulkier outdoors, but when it comes to amount, indoor growing is better because of the controlled environment your plants will be in.
How Much Space Would Autoflowering Outdoor Growing Take?
This will depend on the size your auto will be growing to. For instance, a 1m2 space is enough to fit 10 small plants, 6 medium-sized plants, and 3 big plants with about 40cm-in-between spaces.
How Often Should I Water My Autoflower Seeds?
Akin to photoperiod seeds, the hydration of auto seeds will depend on where they are in their life cycle. Germination and seedling would require just 3 to 7 ounces of water every 4 to 7 days. Enter the vegetation phase; they’ll need 10 to 20 ounces every 3 days and about 30 to 50 ounces during flowering every 2 to 3 days.
The Bottom Line
Are you trying to buy seeds you can plant outdoors in humid climates? Do you want to find out what the best outdoor autoflowering strains are so you can try cultivating them?
Here are the best outdoor autoflowers you can get in the market this year!
