Auto White Widow Specifications: What Changes When Ruderalis Joins the Cross
An autoflower is not simply a faster version of the same plant. The ruderalis parent shortens the life cycle, limits height and slightly lowers peak THC and yield per plant in exchange for independence from light hours. The table below sets out the figures for this seed bank’s auto White Widow; where a value differs from the photoperiod strain, the difference is noted so growers know exactly what they are trading. All figures assume a competent grow — the 10-week guide below shows how to reach them.
| Parameter | White Widow Autoflower |
|---|---|
| Genetics | White Widow (Brazilian Sativa × South Indian Indica) × Ruderalis |
| Type | Autoflowering hybrid |
| Indica / sativa ratio | Balanced, slightly indica-leaning (approx. 60/40), ~15% ruderalis |
| THC | 20–23% (photoperiod version: 20–25%) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Flowering type | Automatic — begins at 3–4 weeks regardless of light |
| Flowering time | 7–8 weeks after onset |
| Seed to harvest | 10–12 weeks (photoperiod: 16–20) |
| Indoor yield | 350–450 g/m² (1.1–1.5 oz/ft²) |
| Outdoor yield | 80–150 g per plant (3–5 oz) |
| Height indoors | 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) |
| Height outdoors | 80–100 cm (2.6–3.3 ft) |
| Climate | Any; multiple outdoor runs per year in warm regions |
| Difficulty | Easy, mold resistant, tolerant of light leaks |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene |
| Effects | Euphoric, relaxed, creative — slightly softer than photoperiod |
How the Autoflowering White Widow Line Was Built
The photoperiod original dates to the early 1990s, when Scott Blakey (Shantibaba) crossed a Brazilian sativa landrace with a South Indian indica for Green House Seeds in Amsterdam. The 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup win made it a standard; the later split between Green House’s White Widow and Shantibaba’s Black Widow at Mr. Nice created two parallel lines that most breeders still draw from. Autoflowering White Widow is younger. The first commercial autos appeared around 2008, when breeders learned to cross elite strains to Cannabis ruderalis — a short, low-THC subspecies from Russia and Central Asia that flowers by age rather than by day length — and then backcross to recover potency.
Early auto White Widows carried too much ruderalis: small, weak and rarely above 12% THC. The modern seed is the result of three or four generations of selection in which the ruderalis share was pushed down to roughly 15% while the automatic trigger was kept. The result tests in the low twenties for THC, builds the same white trichome coat, and behaves like a compact White Widow that happens to flower on its own schedule. Dutch Passion, Fast Buds, Green House and Seedsman each sell their own auto selections; the in-house line here derives from Dutch Passion-type stock.
Why ruderalis makes the plant flower on its own
Ruderalis evolved at high latitudes with short summers, where waiting for shortening days would mean freezing before seed set. It therefore flowers after a fixed number of days from germination. Crossed into White Widow, that trait overrides the photoperiod trigger: the plant begins to flower at three to four weeks under any light schedule, including 20 hours of light a day. This is also why auto plants are small — there is no vegetative stage to extend — and why the clock cannot be paused.
Related autoflowering strains from the White family
- White Widow × Crystal Meth Auto — heavier resin, 22–24% THC, 9 weeks.
- White Russian Auto — White Widow × AK-47 auto line, more sedative.
- Blue Widow Auto — berry aroma, purple coloring under cool nights.
- White Rhino Auto — denser buds, stronger body effect.
- CBD White Widow Auto 1:1 — ~7% THC / 7% CBD, same cycle length.
Effect, THC and Terpenes of Auto White Widow
The question most growers ask is whether the autoflower version feels like the original. The answer from users is yes, with a small caveat: the ruderalis share rounds off the top of the potency curve, so the auto is marginally softer at the same dose. The character of the experience — a clear, sociable onset followed by relaxation without sedation — is intact, and the terpene profile is close enough that blind tasters rarely separate the two.
What a 20–23% THC autoflower feels like in practice
The first twenty minutes bring the sativa side: elevated mood, easy conversation, a tendency toward creative tasks. Over the next hour the indica side settles in as physical ease across the shoulders and legs. Because peak THC sits two or three points below the photoperiod plant, the effect is a little more forgiving of a heavy first draw, which is one reason auto White Widow is a common recommendation for newer consumers. Duration is two to three hours. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common; mild anxiety at high doses is reported by a minority of users, mostly those with low tolerance. Effects vary with individual tolerance and with how the plant was grown and cured, and any reports of relief from stress or low appetite are user accounts rather than medical claims.
Potency differences between the auto and photoperiod plant
Laboratory tests on modern auto White Widows from the main breeders cluster between 20% and 23% THC, against 20–25% for photoperiod seeds and 18–26% across all phenotypes. CBD remains below 1%. The gap has narrowed with every generation and is small enough that growing conditions — light intensity, nutrient timing, harvest window — matter more than the ruderalis share. Breeder-by-breeder figures are listed in the auto breeder table.
Aroma: earthy pine from a plant you can hide on a balcony
Myrcene gives the earthy, slightly musky base; caryophyllene adds black pepper; pinene supplies the resinous pine top note. Limonene, linalool and humulene sit underneath and come forward after curing. The aroma is strong for a plant this size — a single auto in flower can scent a room — so the strain’s small footprint should not be mistaken for a low-odor grow. Indoor growers need a carbon filter from week five; balcony growers should place the plant downwind of neighbors.
Effect profile (user reports)
Terpene share (typical)
Growing White Widow Autoflower Seeds: The 10-Week Schedule
Autoflowers punish delay and reward preparation. Because the plant will flower at three to four weeks whether or not it is ready, every day lost to transplant shock, overwatering or weak light is a day of final size lost forever. The schedule below is built around that fact. It applies indoors and outdoors; temperatures are given in both scales, and outdoor growers in the northern hemisphere can start any time from late April to early July, with a second or third run possible in warm regions.
Germinating directly into the final pot
The paper-towel method — seeds between damp towels on a plate, dark, 21–25 °C (70–77 °F), checked daily — produces a taproot in one to four days and is the method required by the germination guarantee. The difference for autos is what happens next: the sprouted seed should go straight into its final container, 10–15 litres (3–4 gallons) of light, airy soil, rather than a seedling cup. Autos do not have time to recover from transplanting, and a root ball that hits the pot wall at week two will cap the plant’s size.
Weeks 1–3: the only growth window there is
Lights run 18/6 or 20/4 for the whole cycle; there is no schedule change to make. Seedlings want 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), humidity around 65%, and very light watering in a ring around the stem rather than a soaking. Nutrients start at quarter strength once the third set of true leaves appears, nitrogen-leaning. This is the period in which a grower can still influence final size, so light should be strong from day one — a 100–150 W LED per plant is adequate. Low-stress training can begin at day 14: bending the main stem gently sideways and tying it down opens the plant without the recovery time that topping would cost.
Weeks 3–4: pre-flowers and the stretch
Pistils appear at the nodes around day 21–28, and the plant stretches by a third to a half over the next ten days. Humidity comes down to 50–55%; feeding shifts toward phosphorus and potassium. No topping from this point — removing the main tip after flowering has begun reduces yield rather than increasing it. LST can continue through the stretch.
Weeks 5–10: flowering on its own clock
Buds form and thicken from week five, and the white trichome coat appears around week seven. Temperatures of 20–26 °C (68–79 °F) and humidity falling from 50% to 40% protect the dense flowers from mold, to which this strain is already more resistant than most. Cal-Mag is useful in coco; in soil a bloom feed at half the label rate is usually enough, as autos burn more easily than photoperiod plants. The smell peaks from week six — a carbon filter should already be running. Heavy top colas on a 60–90 cm plant rarely need support, but a single stake is cheap insurance.
Indoor tent vs balcony vs garden
| Parameter | Indoor tent | Balcony / container | Garden bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 18/6 or 20/4 LED, 100–150 W per plant | 6+ h direct sun | Full sun |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C / 68–79 °F | Tolerates 15–30 °C / 59–86 °F | Same; start after last frost |
| Pot size | 10–15 L / 3–4 gal | 10–15 L fabric pot | Direct sow or 20 L |
| Height | 60–90 cm | 70–100 cm | 80–100 cm |
| Yield | 350–450 g/m²; 60–120 g per plant | 60–100 g per plant | 100–150 g per plant |
| Runs per year | 4 | 2–3 in warm climates | 2 (May and July starts) |
| Main risks | Overfeeding, transplant shock | Wind, heat on concrete | Caterpillars, late rain |
Training autos without stalling them
Only low-stress training is recommended. Bending, tying and gentle leaf-tucking expose more bud sites and widen the canopy with no recovery penalty. Topping, FIMing and heavy defoliation are techniques for photoperiod plants with weeks of veg to recover; on a ten-week auto they cost more than they return. Sea of Green — many small autos packed at one per 30 cm — is the most efficient way to use a tent, and SCROG is possible on a low screen if the net is set at about 25 cm and the plant trained under it from day 14.
Harvest timing on a plant that will not wait
Autos ripen fast and from the top down. Trichomes are checked with a loupe from week nine; the window is when most are cloudy and 10–20% amber, usually day 70–80. Some growers take the top colas first and give the lower buds another week of light. Drying runs seven to ten days at 15–21 °C (60–70 °F) and 50–60% humidity, then a two- to four-week cure in jars burped daily for the first fortnight.
Expected yield by grow size — autoflower
The table converts the typical auto White Widow range — 350–450 g/m² indoors and 80–150 g per plant outdoors — into dried flower for common canopy areas and plant counts. For any other size, multiply the area or plant count by the same figures.
| Grow size | Dried flower (g) | Dried flower (oz) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 m² indoor canopy | 175–225 g | 6–8 oz |
| 1 m² indoor canopy | 350–450 g | 12–16 oz |
| 1.5 m² indoor canopy | 525–675 g | 19–24 oz |
| 2 m² indoor canopy | 700–900 g | 25–32 oz |
| 3 m² indoor canopy | 1050–1350 g | 37–48 oz |
| 1 outdoor plant | 80–150 g | 3–5 oz |
| 2 outdoor plants | 160–300 g | 6–11 oz |
| 3 outdoor plants | 240–450 g | 8–16 oz |
| 5 outdoor plants | 400–750 g | 14–26 oz |
| 10 outdoor plants | 800–1500 g | 28–53 oz |
Autoflower vs Feminized Photoperiod White Widow: The Trade-Offs
Both seed types are 100% female and both grow the same strain, so the decision comes down to time, space and control. Feminized photoperiod seeds flower only when the grower switches to 12/12, which allows unlimited veg time, larger plants and 400–500 g/m²; they take 16–20 weeks. Autoflower seeds remove the schedule and the decision, finish in 10–12 weeks at 60–100 cm, and give 350–450 g/m² indoors — a lower figure per plant but a higher one per year, because four runs fit where two would. Regular White Widow seeds exist for breeders, and the fast version is a photoperiod feminized line that shaves a week; neither competes with the auto for a first grow.
Autoflower
Seed to harvest. Four harvests a year from one tent.
Feminized photoperiod
Seed to harvest. Two harvests a year, larger plants.
| Parameter | Autoflower | Feminized photoperiod | Regular | Fast version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | 100% female | 100% female | ~50% male | 100% female |
| Flowering trigger | Age (3–4 weeks) | 12/12 light | 12/12 light | 12/12 light |
| Seed to harvest | 10–12 weeks | 16–20 weeks | 16–20 weeks | 14–18 weeks |
| Height | 60–100 cm | 100–200 cm | 100–200 cm | 100–180 cm |
| THC | 20–23% | 20–25% | 20–25% | 17–21% |
| Yield | 350–450 g/m² | 400–500 g/m² | 400–500 g/m² | 400–450 g/m² |
| Harvests per year (indoor) | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2–3 |
| Light leaks tolerated | Yes | No (hermaphrodite risk) | No | No |
| Best for | Beginners, small spaces, speed | Maximum yield, training | Breeding | Short outdoor seasons |
| Price per seed | From $10.90 | From $11.80 | From $4.90 | From $12.50 |
Autoflower — choose it if
- You want flower in under three months
- Space is under 1 m² or outdoors with light pollution
− You cannot fix mistakes mid-grow
Feminized photoperiod — choose it if
- You want the biggest possible plant
- You plan to SCROG or keep clones
− Light leaks and schedule errors are costly
Who should not buy the autoflower
Growers who intend to take clones, keep a mother plant or breed need photoperiod or regular seeds; an auto cannot be held in veg. Growers chasing the absolute maximum per plant — a two-meter outdoor tree yielding 600 g — should buy feminized seeds. Everyone else, and especially anyone on a first grow, will find the auto the easier route to a jar of White Widow. The matching packs are in the order section.
Back to contentsAuto White Widow From Different Breeders Compared
Several seed banks sell an autoflowering White Widow, and because each crossed its own photoperiod stock to its own ruderalis line, the plants differ in cycle length, size and potency. The table reports breeder-published figures without ranking; the right choice depends on whether speed, size or THC is the priority.
| Breeder | Version | THC | Seed to harvest | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch Passion | Auto White Widow | 22–26% claimed | 10–11 weeks | 70–100 cm | From the Classic F1 line; among the most potent autos |
| Fast Buds | Original Auto White Widow | ~20% | 9–10 weeks | 60–90 cm | Fastest finish; compact, uniform |
| Green House Seeds | White Widow Auto | Not published | 10–11 weeks | 60–90 cm | From the original name holder; sativa-leaning |
| Seedsman | White Widow Auto | ~20% | 10–12 weeks | 60–100 cm | Budget line with the largest review base (1 200+ reviews) |
| Growers Choice | White Widow Auto | 23% claimed | 10–11 weeks | 60–90 cm | US-bred, indica-leaning |
| Turbo Autoflower Seeds | White Widow Autoflower | 20–23% lab-tested | 10–12 weeks | 60–100 cm | Dutch Passion-derived; selected for mold resistance and resin |
The in-house auto was selected for three traits in order: consistent trigger timing (so a tent finishes together), trichome density, and resistance to botrytis in the dense top colas. Growers who want the shortest possible cycle should look at Fast Buds; those who want the highest potency on paper should look at Dutch Passion.
Back to contentsOrder White Widow Autoflower Seeds: Packs, Per-Seed Price and Guarantee
Autoflower packs run from five to one hundred seeds. Because autos are usually grown several at a time in Sea of Green, the ten- and twenty-five-seed packs are the most popular and carry the best per-seed price for home growers; the hundred-seed bulk pack serves collectives and small commercial rooms. Free bonus seeds are added to every order and orders above the regional threshold ship free. Stock figures are live from the seed bank’s own warehouse.
- Seeds
- 5
- Per seed
- $13.00
- Seeds
- 10
- Per seed
- $10.90
- Seeds
- 25
- Per seed
- $8.76
- Seeds
- 100
- Per seed
- $6.59
- Seeds
- 5
- Per seed
- $11.80
- Seeds
- 10
- Per seed
- $4.90
- Seeds
- 5
- Per seed
- $13.80
| Feature | Turbo Autoflower Seeds | Typical seed bank |
|---|---|---|
| Germination guarantee | 90%, free replacement | Limited or conditional |
| Free seeds | Every order | Above a spend threshold |
| Auto-specific grow support | Grower on email and chat, 7 days | Generic FAQ |
| Shipping origin | Own warehouse, tracked | Drop-shipped, often untracked |
| Stealth packaging | Standard on all orders | Varies |
| Lab-tested THC range | Published per batch | Catalog figure only |
| Payment options | Cards, crypto, bank transfer, cash | Cards or crypto only |
Germination guarantee terms for autoflower packs
The seed bank guarantees 90% germination on every pack. If fewer than nine seeds in ten produce a taproot using the paper-towel method described in the grow guide, the customer contacts support within 30 days of delivery, describes the method used and attaches a photo where possible; replacements ship free. Autos have one additional condition: seeds must be sown immediately after sprouting into their final pot, because a taproot left in the towel for days is the most common cause of a “dud” that in fact germinated.
Bonus seeds and bulk pricing
Free seeds with every order
Two bonus seeds are added to every order, four on orders over $100, six over $150 and ten over $250; the bonus strain rotates monthly and is often an auto. Bulk and wholesale buyers of 100 seeds or more receive same-strain bonus seeds to keep lots uniform, and can request volume quotes for larger quantities.
Shipping, Tracking and Payment Worldwide
Orders leave the warehouse within one business day in plain packaging that names neither the product nor the seller. A tracking number is emailed on dispatch.
Delivery times by region
| Region | Delivery | Free shipping from | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 3–7 business days | $99 | Yes |
| Europe and UK | 3–8 business days | €89 / £79 | Yes |
| Australia and New Zealand | 7–14 business days | A$149 | Yes |
| South America | 8–16 business days | $129 | Yes |
| Rest of world | 8–20 business days | $149 | Yes |
Lost or damaged tracked parcels are reshipped once at no cost. Countries that prohibit seed import are excluded at checkout, before payment.
Accepted payment methods
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Bitcoin
- USDT
- SEPA transfer
- International bank transfer
- Cash or money order by post
Crypto and cash are anonymous and fee-free; cards are charged in the customer’s currency. American Express and prepaid gift cards are not accepted.
Back to contentsLegal Position of Autoflower Seeds and Responsible Use
What is sold
Autoflower seeds are sold as collectible genetic material. Ungerminated seeds contain no meaningful THC. In the United States cannabis seeds fall under the 2018 Farm Bill’s hemp definition, confirmed by the DEA in January 2022; elsewhere seed possession is often legal while cultivation is separately regulated.
The buyer’s responsibility
Rules on germination differ by country, state and province and change often. Buyers must check local law before germinating. Nothing here is legal advice.
Age and health
Sales are limited to adults of legal age in their jurisdiction (18 or 21). Effect descriptions are user reports and have not been reviewed by any medical regulator; anyone with a health condition should seek professional advice first.
A plant is a plant
Autoflowers are sometimes marketed as a way around plant-count limits because they are small; they are not. A plant is a plant in every jurisdiction that counts them. Further detail is in FAQ question 9.
What Growers Report From Auto White Widow
Reviews are from verified purchasers of this seed bank’s autoflower seeds and include the setup and dry weight where reported. Negative reviews stay published and are answered; germination complaints are handled under the guarantee.
Eleven weeks from seed to jar. Four plants, 55–60 cm, about 90 g each under a 150 W LED. Smell was strong from week six — buy the filter before you need it.
Grew through a hot, humid summer with no problems. Not the biggest yield — around 70 g a plant — but the easiest plant I’ve run. Effect is relaxed but clear.
Sixteen plants, 20/4 light, no topping, just tucking. 540 g dry at day 78. All finished within four days of each other, which is the whole point of SOG.
Direct-sowed 1 June, harvested 20 August. Tallest was 95 cm and gave 140 g. Caterpillars got into one cola; nothing to do with the seeds.
First grow ever. Transplanted two at week two and they stayed tiny — my fault, the guide says not to. The other eight averaged 80 g. Smooth, pine-tasting smoke.
Three of five germinated. Support sent five replacements within a week, no argument. Those all came up and finished in 74 days.
Autoflower White Widow Questions Answered
How long does White Widow autoflower take from seed to harvest?
Ten to twelve weeks. Flowering begins automatically at three to four weeks and lasts seven to eight weeks. There is no light-schedule change; outdoors, starts from late April to early July all finish before autumn in the northern hemisphere.
What yield can I expect from auto White Widow?
Indoors 350–450 g/m² under 18/6 or 20/4 light; per plant 60–120 g in a tent and 80–150 g outdoors in full sun. The yield table above converts these to common grow sizes.
How strong is the autoflower compared with the photoperiod strain?
Lab results sit at 20–23% THC against 20–25% for the photoperiod plant. CBD is under 1% in both. The difference is smaller than the variation caused by growing conditions.
Is auto White Widow indica or sativa?
A balanced hybrid, slightly indica-leaning at roughly 60/40, with about 15% ruderalis for the automatic flowering trait. The effect starts cerebral and finishes relaxed.
Is White Widow autoflower a good strain for beginners?
Yes — it is one of the most recommended first-grow strains. It tolerates light leaks, humidity and temperature swings, resists mold and needs no schedule change. The one rule is to avoid transplanting and topping.
Should I buy autoflower or feminized photoperiod White Widow?
Autoflower for speed, small spaces and simplicity; feminized photoperiod for maximum plant size and training. The trade-off table sets out the differences.
How do I germinate autoflower seeds?
Paper-towel method at 21–25 °C in the dark; a taproot appears in one to four days. Sow immediately, root down, 1 cm deep, directly into the final 10–15 L pot to avoid transplant shock.
Is there a germination guarantee on autoflower packs?
Yes — 90% germination with free replacements, provided the paper-towel method is used and support is contacted within 30 days. Terms are in the order section.
Are autoflower seeds legal to buy where I live?
Seeds are legal to buy as collectibles in many countries while germination is regulated separately; in some countries both are prohibited. The seed bank does not ship where import is banned, and buyers remain responsible for local law. See the legal section.
How long is shipping and is the package discreet?
Dispatch within one business day in unbranded packaging; 3–7 days to North America, 3–8 to Europe, 7–20 elsewhere, all tracked. Details by region are in the shipping table.
Which payment methods are accepted?
Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, USDT, bank transfer, and cash or money order by post. Crypto and cash are anonymous and fee-free.
Does a small autoflower still smell strongly?
Yes. From week five the earthy pine and pepper aroma is strong enough to scent a room. Use a carbon filter indoors and consider neighbors outdoors.
How much do White Widow autoflower seeds cost?
From $13.00 per seed in a 5-pack down to $6.59 per seed in a 100-pack, with the 10- and 25-packs at $10.90 and $8.76. Bonus seeds are added to every order.
