New Grower Is total darkness in the 'night' period as critical for autos as photoperiod strains?

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funkfarmer

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Greetings fellow AFN'ers,
As a long term photoperiod sensitive cannabis grower I have a query about the need for 100% total darkness in the hours autoflowering plants are not lit.Like many of us discover when we are new growers,light leaks during the dark period can wreak absolute havoc in the form of stress induced male flowers on photoperiod sensitive varieties.I have spent many an hour sitting in total darkness in a grow space waiting for my eyes to adjust to the pitch black in order to spot out any miniscule pin-pricks of light and making good leaks in flaps and zips etc.As a relative newbie to the world of auto horticulture I wondered if anyone could tell me whether or not autoflowering cannabis plants need the same conditions during 'rest' time,or whether or not their lack of photosensitivity means that 100% darkness is not so much of a requirement for them.This is a question I really would love answered,especially by someone that has grown autos that are not on a 24hr lit regimen and that aren't in total darkness during the time lamps are switched off..:toke:
 
Autos aren't as sensitive as photos ,they will flower without any dark period.I grew mine on a 18/6 light period total 100% darkness isn't needed even if you interupt their dark period for some reason they will still flower.Even photos need more than a small pinprick or a slight inderect light to disrupt the cycle.Don't worry about small light penitration.
 
What happens in the real world when photoperiod sensitive cannabis is planted outside? There is nowhere near total darkness anywhere in the 48 states. If photoperiod sensitive cannabis is really that sensitive it must be something which humans cultivated into the genetics.
 
Over the years stress due to light leaks seem to me to be the most touted reason for male flowers to appear on female plants during the bloom cycle..I find it to be the number one point of blame in most replies to forum posts regarding 'hermy' issues.I have grown indoors for some time under HID lighting and anytime I have found male flowers on plants which were otherwise female,in environmentally good conditions I was always able to attribute light stress as a source..
 
Hi Funkfarmer,

Welcome to AFN, this is very interesting, not sure this problem is as prevalent with autoflowers as many people run 24/0 throughout the entire grow. In any case in my last grow the lights were on 20/4, but the tent wasn't very light secure and there were no issues. Good luck with your grow.

Regards - RF
 
I wouldn't be overly worried about minimal levels of light. Autoflowers are grown outside on people patio's and do well despite street lights etc. And welcome to AFN Funkfarmer ! Home to some decent folk !
 
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