Will I stress my AFs by changing their light cycle back to 18/6?

Hi-

I was growing in limited space and threw 2 Afghan Kushes into my box which was already on 12/12. I knew they wouldn't yield as much in 12/12, and I didn't have high expectations, just wanted to add them to the grow and hope for the best. They grew very compact, but are healthy, have lots of white hairs around the developing budsites, and have started to stretch just a little.

I now have two boxes and am wondering if I should switch them to 18/6. I know they would flower fine on their own at 18/6 if they had been on that cycle for their whole lives - what I am concerned about is whether a major change will shock the plant? Or will the plant just enjoy the extra light? If it will shock the plant, is it worth it?

I don't have enough knowledge about the light cycle effect on AFs as I don't usually grow them. I understand the basics but would like an opinion from someone with experience.

It's best to have the lights on for 20/4 for autoflowers. You may stress them, but I would go ahead and risk it anyway. At 12/12 the yield really won't be worth it for autos. Even if you have non-auto seeds in the box I would still go for 20/4, more light doesn't hurt during veg and more light=bigger buds for autos.

Thanks Cloudz, I'll do just that.

Cloudz2600 said:

It's best to have the lights on for 20/4 for autoflowers. You may stress them, but I would go ahead and risk it anyway. At 12/12 the yield really won't be worth it for autos. Even if you have non-auto seeds in the box I would still go for 20/4, more light doesn't hurt during veg and more light=bigger buds for autos.

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Just out if interest what's "not worth it" for autos, what size yield......? I'm interested as I've just started my first autos outside at the moment but will be going under 12/12 in a couple of weeks. They're sensi seed super skunk if that makes a difference.....?

the light pattern dosent matter with an auto as they are breed to flower no matter the light conditions.

jesus of Cannabis said:

the light pattern dosent matter with an auto as they are breed to flower no matter the light conditions.

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Thats what I thought but I know next to nothing at the moment.......

I would consider "not worth it" to be something you have to consider on your own. Is a few bowls worth 2-3 months of taking care of a plant? If not then go for it, but frankly anything under 1/2 an oz to me seems like a waste of time considering the time and money needed to grow. Jesus I thought while the light schedule doesn't matter, won't he get a much smaller yield if he throws it in 12/12 as opposed to 20/4 or 24/0.

I have 2 auto fem bubble gums, & 1 blue hymalian that just popped through the soil 2 days ago & I have them on 24 hrs. light, is this correct or do I need to do something different ??? I get alot of things saying it doesnt matter because their autos, is this true or what ???

The breeders usually say 20/4, but I can't imagine 4 hours being that much of an issue. Autos are pretty easy, just don't transplant more than once because each transplant stunts the growth a little(or a lot if you don't know how to transplant correctly) and you can't simply veg longer for fix it.

i went with 23/1 .... grown out 3 different strains several times no problems..... i just couldn't go the whole 24 hours, most people go with either 18/6 or 20/4 like most breeders suggest, as there is not much to suggest that 23 or 24 hours of light produces more then 18/6 ... but there is a decent saving to be made with the electric bill,
i went 23/1 because i needed the light to keep the temps up as i grew in an unheated outbuilding