8 Sativa Autoflower Strains to Grow

Sativa autoflowers combine sativa-leaning genetics with ruderalis, so they flower by age instead of waiting for a light change. Kind Seed Co picks eight sativa autoflower strains, what each smells and grows like, and how to get the best from them at home.

Picking a strain is one of the first real decisions in any grow. The right one suits your space, your schedule and your taste. This list sticks to sativa-leaning autos with a live product page, so you can check the details for each one before you buy.

What makes a sativa autoflower different

A sativa autoflower brings together two very different parents. On one side are sativa-leaning genetics, which often grow into a taller, airier plant with more space between bud sites. If you want to know more about how sativas behave in the garden, read our post on growing sativa plants.

On the other side is ruderalis, a wild type of cannabis from regions with short summers and long winters. Ruderalis evolved to flower based on age rather than daylight, and it passes that trait on. The result is a plant that switches from vegetative growth to flowering on its own, without the light change a photoperiod plant needs.

It is worth clearing up one common myth. Autoflowers are not all sativa crosses. Breeders cross ruderalis with indica, sativa and hybrid genetics, so an auto can lean any way. The strains below were chosen because each product page lists them as sativa-leaning, or in one case as a hybrid autoflower that has long been a favorite on sativa lists.

How we picked these sativa autos

We looked at three things for every strain on this list.

• Quality and sturdiness. A good auto should be vigorous and hold up to the ordinary ups and downs of a home grow.
• Growth cycle. Autos move fast, and knowing roughly how long a plant takes helps you plan your space and harvest date. Each product page lists the expected flowering time.
• THC and CBD levels. Cannabinoid content is part of every strain profile. Each product page lists the THC and CBD potential for that strain.

We also kept both indoor and outdoor growers in mind. Several of these strains enjoy sun and warmth, while others stay manageable in a tent. Every strain here has a live product page, so what you read is what you can actually order.

8 sativa autoflower strains to grow

1. Super Lemon Haze Auto

Super Lemon Haze Auto is a sativa autoflower bred from Super Lemon Haze and ruderalis. Its product page lists citrus, lemon, earthy, sweet and spicy notes, so expect a bright, zesty jar. It likes plenty of light and is a steady, low-fuss grow.

2. Amnesia Haze Auto

Amnesia Haze Auto pairs Amnesia Haze with ruderalis. The aroma leans earthy and citrus, with lemon and a sweet edge. It is a relatively easy grow that does best with plenty of light and warmth. Check the product page for flowering time, since this one takes a little longer than most autos on the list.

3. Sour Diesel Auto

Sour Diesel Auto is listed as sativa dominant and carries the pungent, fuel-like aroma the name promises, with sour, lemon and earthy notes behind it. It suits both indoor and outdoor grows. Plan for a strong smell in late flower and have your odor control ready.

4. AK47 Auto

AK47 Auto is a sativa-heavy hybrid that crosses AK-47 with Lowryder. Its product page lists earthy, flowery, skunky, pungent and sweet notes. It is a resilient variety that handles a range of climates, which makes it a solid pick for newer growers.

5. Blue Dream Auto

Blue Dream Auto crosses Blue Dream with ruderalis. Its aroma leans sweet and fruity, with blueberry, berry, herbal and vanilla notes. It is relatively easy to grow and does well in sunny conditions, so it is a good fit for outdoor growers as well as tents.

6. Green Crack Auto

Green Crack Auto brings citrus, earthy and woody notes to the list. Its product page lists Afghani and Skunk #1 in its background alongside ruderalis. It is a sturdy plant that does not need much maintenance, which makes it another friendly option for beginners.

7. Jack Herer Auto

Named after the well-known cannabis activist, Jack Herer Auto is a sativa-leaning auto with Haze in its background. Expect earthy and pine notes along with lemon, pepper and spice. It does well in temperate climates and holds up well against common pests.

8. Pineapple Express Autoflower

Pineapple Express Autoflower from 42 Fast Buds rounds out the list. Its product page lists it as a hybrid autoflower, so it sits closer to the middle than the others here. Growers know the name for its tropical, fruity aroma. It does best with plenty of light and a moderate amount of care.

Sativa autos at a glance

Each product page also lists the main terpenes behind those aromas. Super Lemon Haze Auto lists terpinolene, Blue Dream Auto and Jack Herer Auto both list pinene, and Green Crack Auto lists limonene and ocimene among others. If you already know which aromas you enjoy, the terpene list is a handy way to narrow things down.

Tips for growing sativa autoflowers

Autos are forgiving, but sativa-leaning plants have a few quirks worth planning for. Most of them come down to the fact that an auto runs on a fixed clock, so there is less room to correct mistakes than with a photoperiod plant.

• Keep the lights on 18/6. Autos do not need a light flip to flower. Many indoor growers run 18 hours on and 6 hours off from seed to harvest. Our guide to DLI for autoflowers explains how much light your plants are really getting.
• Plan for height. Sativa-leaning plants can stretch once they start to flower. Leave headroom between the canopy and your light, and check each product page for expected height.
• Feed lightly. Autos are smaller than most photoperiod plants and are easy to overfeed. Start at a lower strength and build up only if the plants ask for more.
• Skip transplant stress. Autos run on a fixed clock and have little time to recover from setbacks. Many growers start them in their final pot to avoid a transplant.
• Train gently. Low-stress training, such as bending and tying down branches, can open up an airy sativa canopy. Avoid harsh methods that stall growth.

For a full walkthrough from seed to harvest, read our autoflower grow guide.

Find your next sativa auto

The right strain is not only about yield or THC. It should match your taste, your space and how much time you want to spend on the grow. Browse the full range of sativa autoflowers, or compare more options on our top 10 autoflower sativa strains page.