What Are Fast-Flowering Cannabis Seeds?
Fast-flowering cannabis seeds are a convenient option for cultivators looking for a way to produce resinous yields in a shorter time frame—all without compromising on quality. Marijuana seeds are considered to be "fast-flowering" if they have a flowering time of approximately 55-65 days or fewer.
While many fast-flowering strains are created by crossing photoperiod and autoflowering plants (which contain ruderalis lineage)–this isn’t always the case. Some photoperiod plants are simply bred to flower quite quickly, yet do not contain significant autoflowering traits.
In general, though, fast-flowering strains will have a mixture of appealing traits—including potency, robust terpene profiles, complex flavors, and natural hardiness and resistance.
Perhaps best of all, fast-flowering seeds significantly reduce the flowering period compared to traditional photoperiod strains, which makes them an especially appealing choice for growers who value efficiency and speed.
Below, we'll offer a glimpse into:
- The advantages of fast-flowering cannabis seeds
- Best practices for successful cultivation
- Fast-flowering strains to consider
How quickly do fast-flowering seeds grow?
Fast-flowering cannabis seeds will typically shorten the flowering time by one to five weeks—although the precise timeframe will vary depending on the strain. On average, our photoperiod strains take approximately 21 weeks to go from seed to harvest, with a flowering period of 8-12 weeks. Fast-flowering seeds, however, can be harvest-ready in as few as 16-20 weeks, with an approximate flowering period of just 6-8 weeks.
What are the benefits of fast-flowering seeds?
Fast-flowering seeds can be particularly helpful for growers who live in regions with shorter growing seasons or are simply looking for greater annual yields. Fast-flowering seeds won't dramatically alter the fundamentals of cannabis cultivation---but they do offer some notable benefits, including:
- Shorter Cultivation Time: Fast-flowering seeds can shave 2-5 weeks off the flowering period of traditional photoperiod strains. This means you can enjoy quicker harvests without sacrificing quality.
- Climate Adaptability: Fast-flowering cannabis plants are ideal for areas with shorter growing seasons or unpredictable weather. Their rapid growth helps reduce exposure to conditions that may occur later in the year – such as chillier weather, rain, or storms.
- Multiple Harvests Per Season: The shortened growth cycle allows for multiple planting and harvesting cycles within a single season, maximizing yield potential.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Because fast-flowering strains mature more quickly, there is less time for pests or disease to surface. Additionally, many fast-flowering strains have autoflowering lineage, which means they have a stronger, built-in resistance toward these issues.
- Energy Efficiency for Indoor Growers: A faster growth cycle requires less energy be spent on things like lighting and climate control, which in turn will reduce your overall costs when cultivating indoors.
Growing Tips for Fast-Flowering Seeds
- Light Cycles Matter: It's important to note that photoperiod fast-flowering strains will require a change in lighting, just like regular photoperiod plants. This allows growers to control the length of the vegetative period while still benefiting from a shorter flowering phase
- Nutrient Timing: Due to their shorter life cycle, fast-flowering plants need nutrients delivered on a tighter schedule. Use cannabis-specific fertilizers and monitor feeding closely.
- Training Techniques: Methods like the Sea of Green (SOG) can maximize yields by focusing on many small plants rather than fewer large ones.
- Monitor Environment: Maintain stable temperatures (70-85°F) and humidity levels (40-60%) to support healthy growth.
Fast-Flowering Photoperiod Strains
- Zoap: This perfectly-balanced hybrid is known for its euphoric and relaxing effects and flowering time of just 55-65 days. Growers are looking for yields of approximately 18-24 ounces per square meter indoors and up to 35 ounces per plant outdoors.
- White Widow: White Widow is an indica-dominant hybrid with up to 23% THC, celebrated for its resinous buds and ease of cultivation. It flowers in 55-65 days and yields approximately 18 ounces per plant indoors and up to 22 ounces per plant outdoors.
- Dutch Treat: Dutch Treat is an indica-dominant hybrid with 25% THC, known for its sweet, piney aroma and relaxing effects. It flowers in 55-65 days, yielding around 12 ounces per square meter indoors and 4-8 ounces per plant outdoors.
- Cherry Runtz: Cherry Runtz is a flavorful hybrid with fruity notes and balanced effects. It flowers in 55-65 days, yielding approximately 19 ounces per square meter indoors or up to 19 ounces per plant outdoors.
- Animal Mints: Animal Mints is a potent hybrid with a minty flavor profile and relaxing effects. It flowers in 55-65 days, with high yields typically exceeding 20 ounces per plant outdoors, though specific indoor yields are not provided.
- Black Runtz: Black Runtz is a balanced hybrid with up to 25% THC, offering fruity, candy-like flavors and calming effects. It flowers in 55-65 days, yielding approximately 18-21 ounces per square meter indoors and up to 35 ounces per plant outdoors.
Fast-Flowering Auto Strains
- Candy Kush Auto: Candy Kush Auto is a sweet-tasting indica-dominant hybrid that offers a quick harvest for impatient growers. It flowers in just 45-55 days, yielding around 2-7 ounces per plant outdoors, with similar yields indoors.
- Super Skunk Auto: This indica-dominant strain is famous for its pungent aroma and relaxing effects. Super Skunk Auto also flowers in just 55-65 days.
- Rainbow Kush Auto: Rainbow Kush Auto is a colorful hybrid known for its happy-go-lucky effects and vibrant, eye-catching hues. This strain has an especially speedy flowering time of just 50-60 days, and can yield nearly 27 ounces per plant when grown outdoors.
- Pink Runtz Auto: Pink Runtz Auto is a fruity strain with vibrant colors and balanced effects with a flowering time of 55-65 days.
- Blue Cookies Auto: This potent indica-heavy hybrid has delightfully sweet flavors and long-lasting effects. With its efficient flowering time of 55-65 days and delectable taste, there's plenty to love!
Fast-flowering cannabis seeds provide a unique advantage for growers looking to balance speed with quality—and by understanding the nuances of fast-flowering cannabis seeds, growers can make informed decisions about whether these strains are a good fit for their goals and environment.
No matter where you’re growing—inside or out—fast-flowering seeds make things easier. They’re tough, quick, and super reliable. Plus, there’s a ton of options, whether you’re after something strong and euphoric or a more balanced hybrid. Check out cultivars like White Widow Feminized, Blue Runtz, and more to see what makes these seeds so popular.
