The best nutrients for autoflowering plants
Autoflowering Plants vs. Feminized Plants: Understanding the Differences
Autoflowering plants , called “autos,” have a unique characteristic: a fast life cycle, generally 8 to 10 weeks . Unlike photoperiod varieties, which require a change in the light cycle to flower, autos flower automatically without intervention. This makes them very accessible but also demanding nutritionally. Their accelerated pace requires precise nutrient needs at each stage of their development.
That is why it is essential to choose fertilizers specifically formulated to meet their unique needs. In this guide, we review the best fertilizers for autoflowers, highlighting their composition, specific benefits, and possible synergies with other additives.
Advantages of Autoflowers:
- Fast life cycle : Autoflowering plants go from seed to harvest in about 8 to 12 weeks.
- Small size and discretion : Due to their compact size, these plants are ideal for outdoor growing where discretion is essential. They are less likely to attract attention than larger plants.
- Ease of maintenance : They require less care, especially regarding lighting and nutrition management, making them perfect for beginners.
Disadvantages:
- Lower yield : Their small size limits the amount of production per plant.
- Less control over the growth cycle : The grower has less flexibility to extend the vegetative phase and thus increase the potential yield.
- Difficult recovery in case of stress : Automatic plants are more sensitive to stress (for example, following cultivation errors, overwatering, or nutrient deficiency). Once stressed, they are harder to recover due to their rapid life cycle. Using silicon stimulants preventively can help strengthen their resistance and minimize stress effects.
Feminized Plants: Control, Yield, and Visibility
Feminized seeds are designed to produce exclusively female plants, known for their abundant flowering. Unlike autoflowering plants, feminized plants are photoperiodic, meaning they require a change in light cycle (usually 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness) to enter the flowering phase.
Advantages of Feminized Plants:
- Higher yield : They can reach a larger size and thus produce a more abundant harvest.
- Increased control : Growers can extend the vegetative growth phase to maximize plant size and productivity.
- Harvest quality : With careful management, feminized plants can produce very high-quality flowers.
Disadvantages:
- Requires more care : They demand precise management of the light cycle and nutrient supply.
- Longer life cycle : The total growing time is generally longer, which delays the harvest.
- Large size outdoors : When grown outdoors, these plants can reach an impressive size, which can cause discretion issues. They often resemble large "Christmas trees", making their cultivation more visible.
BAC Fast Food : The All-in-One Complete Fertilizer
BAC Fast Food is a liquid fertilizer available in organic or mineral versions, designed to feed autoflowering plants from start to finish of the cycle. Its NPK 5-4-8 formula is enriched with trace elements such as calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper.
What is its advantage : Its formulation simplifies cultivation with a single dosage, while ensuring rapid growth and generous flowering. It promotes a Supplement : Its combination with BAC Auto Stimulator enhances nutrient uptake, and at the end of the cycle, a PK booster can further improve results.
BAC Auto Stimulator : The Biological Boost
This 100% organic stimulator is based on plant extracts and natural enzymes. It acts like a microbial cocktail that boosts soil life and fertilizer assimilation.
What it brings to autoflowers : By activating metabolism from the first days, it accelerates growth and strengthens the plant against stress, supporting the plant throughout its life.
To combine with : BAC Fast Food , of course, but also other BAC products like Final Solution and Sugar Candy Syrup .
Top Auto from Top Crop : A Simplified and Efficient Solution
Top Auto is a liquid organo-mineral fertilizer that covers the entire life cycle of autoflowering plants. Its NPK formula 3.5–5.3–5 is enriched with humic acids, fulvic acids, algae, and chelated trace elements.
Highlights : It is very easy to use, especially for beginners. It promotes explosive growth and dense, fragrant flowering. Its moderate profile prevents over-fertilization.
Ideal synergies : Top Bud to start flowering, Top Candy to boost aromas, and Top Bud to finalize the swelling of the buds.
Bio Nova Autoflower SuperMix : The All-in-One Mineral Fertilizer
This single-component mineral fertilizer with NPK 7-3-5 also contains calcium, magnesium, silicon, and a wide range of chelated microelements.
Why it’s a safe choice : Its effectiveness is remarkable in hydroponics or coco thanks to its pure and stable formulation. It stimulates both growth and flowering without needing to change products.
Recommended combo : The flowering stimulator BN X-ceL and the supplement PK 13/14 for even bigger yields.
Autonabis by Terranabis : Complete and Natural Nutrition
This organo-mineral fertilizer features a balanced ratio of 3.5–5.3–5, enriched with enzymes, humic acids, fulvic acids, sugars, and natural proteins.
Major asset : It promotes strong root activity and high stress resistance. Its comprehensive approach makes it a standalone solution or an ideal base to enrich as needed.
To pair with : DeltaNabis (flowering stimulator) or EnzyNabis (enzymes) to maximize each phase of the cycle.
Dutch Pro Grow & Bloom A+B : For Precise Growers
Formulated in two parts (A and B), this mineral fertilizer adapts to short cycles and early flowering of autoflowering plants. Versions are available depending on the substrate (soil, coco, hydro) and water quality.
What makes it unique : The NPK ratios are designed to avoid nutritional imbalances. The transition between Grow and Bloom is perfectly smooth, ensuring growth without slowdown.
Recommended additives : Take Root , Multi Total , and especially Explode to intensify flowering.
Biobizz : The Organic Reference Option
The Biobizz range, with its duo Bio·Grow and Bio·Bloom , remains a safe bet for organic growing enthusiasts. Although it is not specific to autoflowers, its mildness is perfectly suited to fast-cycle varieties.
Advantages : Less risk of over-fertilization, better expression of natural aromas, balanced plant development. Ideal for soil-respecting cultivation.
Recommended boosters : Root·Juice at the beginning of the cycle, Top·Max during flowering, and Alg·A·Mic in case of stress. Adding an organic Cal/Mag can be useful under LED or in coco.
Other Reliable Choices
- Advanced Nutrients : Thanks to pH Perfect technology, no need to adjust pH. Very practical for beginners. To be combined with Big Bud or Overdrive.
- Canna : Versatile and effective in hydroponics or coco. Ideally combined with Canna Boost and PK 13/14.
- Green House Powder Feeding : Powder formula with simplified dosing for short flowering. To be combined with BioEnhancer for more vitality.
- Bio Technology AUTO A+B (No longer sold anywhere) : A former appreciated formula, now discontinued, but still used by some nostalgics.
Summary Table of Fertilizers for Autoflowering
| Fertilizer | Composition | Steps | Substrates | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAC Fast Food | Organic/mineral | Full cycle | Soil, Coco | Simplicity, high yield |
| BAC Auto Stimulator | Organic | Complete additive | All | Stimulates roots, improves plant health |
| Autoflower Supermix | Mineral | Full cycle | Soil, Coco, Hydro | Rapid absorption, explosive flowering |
| Autonabis | Organo-mineral | Full cycle | Soil, Coco | Stimulates roots, complete nutrition |
| Terra Aquatica | Bio/mineral | Full cycle | All | Efficient absorption, stimulates vigor |
| Advanced Nutrients | Mineral | Growth/Flowering | All | Automatic pH regulation, easy to use |
| Canna | Mineral/organic | Growth/Flowering | All | Reliability, precision |
| Green House Powder Short | Mineral powder | Short full cycle | All | Easy dosing, professional results |
| Top Auto (Top Crop) | Organo-mineral | Full cycle | Soil, Coco | Strong growth, dense and aromatic flowering |
Conclusion
Choosing the right fertilizer for your autoflowering plants is a major lever for successful cultivation. Whether you prefer an ultra-efficient mineral approach, respectful organic nutrition, or a simple all-in-one solution, each range presented here has proven itself with growers. Don't forget that synergies between base fertilizers and boosters can multiply the performance of your autos.
Take into account your level, your growing method (soil, coco, hydro), and your final goals (yield, taste, speed) to make the right choice.