Are you looking for one of the easiest ways to grow weed? Do you want to grow cannabis without worrying about triggering the flowering stage? If so, then auto-flower seeds are the best solution for you. Autoflower strains are truly plug-and-play. You plant them. Water them. Give them light. They will do the rest.
Since the plant will be on autopilot, this frees up your time so you can focus on how to get bigger buds on autoflowers! As soon as your seeds germinate, the race is on; give your plants everything they need so they can auto-flower and provide you with some big fat buds!
Before we look at several ingenious ways to increase your yield and discover how to get bigger buds on autoflowers, selecting the right strain is essential. Two famous strains that are well-known for big buds are Cheese autoflower and Northern Lights XTRM autoflower. With either strain, you can expect up to 550 grams (19.5 ounces) per 1 m2 (11 ft2) after only 8–9 weeks!
Let’s dive in and explore practical, proven methods on how to get bigger buds on autoflowers—so your garden delivers the best results every time.
First and foremost – Choose the right strain
Half the battle is choosing the right strain to match your skill level and setting. For example, some strains are best suited for outdoors, some for indoors, some are sturdier, and some require warmer temperatures. Whatever the case, make sure you select the right strain for you. There has never been more information available on how to grow marijuana, and that’s a great thing — but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why learning how to get bigger buds on autoflowers starts with choosing a strain that fits your growing environment.
At AMS, we aim to provide all the information you need in one place so it’s easy to track what you need to do for each plant. For each auto-flowering strain, you’ll see whether it’s suitable for indoor or outdoor cultivation and how tall it will grow. These are crucial details when you want to understand how to get bigger buds on autoflowers without running into space or temperature issues.
If you’re growing indoors, pay close attention to plant height to avoid outgrowing your tent or cabinet. And if you’re just getting started, select strains marked “easy” — that way, you’ll learn the ropes while still working toward how to get bigger buds on autoflowers. Once you’re confident, you can try more advanced techniques and genetics.
Use light/airy grow mediums
One of the most practical tips on how to get bigger buds on autoflowers is using light, well-aerated grow mediums. Don’t underestimate this step—airiness in the substrate allows roots to expand more freely and absorb nutrients more efficiently, which directly supports healthy bud development.
Because most auto-flower marijuana plants start blooming within 60 days of planting, time is limited. You need to support vigorous vegetative growth early on if you’re aiming for higher yields. Learning how to get bigger buds on autoflowers means understanding how crucial those first weeks are.
Experienced growers often recommend coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, or even rock wool as grow mediums. These materials encourage oxygen flow and root expansion, unlike heavy soil, which can slow down your plants and limit their potential. If you’re wondering how to get bigger buds on autoflowers, improving your grow medium is a solid place to start.
Use nutrients
Like any other crop, auto-flower cannabis needs sufficient nutrients throughout its growing period. If you want to master how to get bigger buds on autoflowers, proper nutrient management is key. Knowing which nutrients support fast germination and growth, and which ones strengthen the stems, can make all the difference.
Make sure to provide the necessary nutrients during the vegetative stage to boost development and prepare your plant for flowering. Later on, during the bloom phase, you’ll need to apply fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium. At this point, your plant has already used up most of the nitrogen from earlier, so it’s looking for nutrients to support heavy bud production.
The main nutrients cannabis plants need are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen is most important during vegetative growth, while phosphorus and potassium take over during flowering. If you’re serious about how to get bigger buds on autoflowers, make sure your nutrient schedule evolves with your plant.
Do not overwater your autoflowers
One of the biggest mistakes some cultivators make when trying to how to get bigger buds on autoflowers is overwatering the plants. Experts agree that excessive watering causes unnecessary stress, especially in autoflower and cannabis strains in general.
When stressed, your plants will not properly absorb nutrients or water. Instead, they may become weak and stunted. To avoid this, only water your autoflowers when the topsoil feels dry or you notice the leaves starting to droop slightly. Too much water at the wrong time can seriously affect your overall yield.
Lighting remains a big factor
When people read that auto-flowering weed strains do not necessarily need a change in their lighting cycle to produce flowers, they often rule out lighting completely. That’s a mistake. Every plant needs sufficient light to thrive.
It’s common sense that the duration and intensity of light you provide your crops is essential to their germination, growth, and nutrient absorption. Auto-flower strains are on autopilot. With this in mind, you know that plants have a limited time to start producing flowers. For that reason, you need to do whatever it takes to ensure the crops utilize this short window of time to produce as many rich leaves as possible. One way to help auto-flower plants make the most of this time is by introducing proper lighting.
If you’re curious about how lighting interacts with different cannabis types, Healthline offers a helpful overview of sativa strain characteristics, which are often more light-sensitive than indica strains.
Do not transplant your plants
Unnecessary transplantation of your autoflowers can profoundly impact your expected yield. Every time you transplant your plants, it stresses them. So try to avoid transplanting unless it’s absolutely necessary. A crop that has already germinated and started to take root will grow faster and healthier than a newly transplanted one. If you’re aiming for optimal results and wondering how to get bigger buds on autoflowers, keeping your plants in one pot from the start is a smart move.
Final thoughts
We hope you found these tips interesting and useful. If you have any questions about growing your own AMS autoflower seeds, please ask our friendly support staff. Our experts are always here to guide you to growing success.
Final advice: If you’re a new grower looking for where to begin, we’ve made a list of our popular beginner strains thanks to their ease of growth and sturdiness:
