Northern Lights vs Original Auto Northern Lights: Which Autoflower Is Right for You?
1. Introduction
Northern Lights is a classic name in the cannabis world, and it appears in many different versions. For a new grower or anyone shopping for a strong, easy-going autoflower, this can be confusing. Here we compare Northern Lights (auto) by Vision Seeds and Original Auto Northern Lights by FastBuds so you can decide which suits your first grow, your preferred effects, and your yield expectations.
2. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Northern Lights (Vision Seeds) | Original Auto Northern Lights (FastBuds) |
|---|---|---|
| Strain Type | Indica | Hybrid |
| Seed Type | Autoflowering | Autoflowering |
| Breeder | Vision Seeds | FastBuds |
| Genetics (labelled) | The first book in the Northern Lights series | Automatic Northern Lights seeds |
| Flowering / Life Cycle | About 8 weeks | Autoflowering (time not specified) |
| Yield Potential | Good | Good |
| Flavor / Aroma | Impartial | Not specified |
| THC Strength | Very strong | Very strong |
3. Northern Lights (Vision Seeds) Overview
Northern Lights auto by Vision Seeds is an autoflowering, indica-type strain with a reputation for being compact and manageable. Vision Seeds describe it as having an 8-week flowering time, which gives you a clear idea of how quickly it can reach harvest from the start of flowering. The yield is described simply as good, suggesting a solid return without positioning it as an extreme heavy-yielder.
This version of Northern Lights is marked as having very strong THC levels, so it is aimed at users who are looking for pronounced, potent effects rather than something mild. While specific effect descriptions are not provided, the indica label generally indicates a more body-oriented experience compared with many sativa-leaning strains.
The flavor and aroma are described as “impartial”, which implies a more neutral profile rather than a very distinct or dominant taste. For some growers, especially beginners, this can be an advantage: it tends not to overwhelm with a specific aroma and can be easier to share with a range of preferences.
As an autoflowering seed, Northern Lights by Vision Seeds does not require a change in light cycle to begin flowering. This makes it particularly convenient for first-time indoor growers who might not want to manage complex lighting schedules. The concise 8-week flowering time also helps planners who want to estimate their overall growing calendar more precisely.
4. Original Auto Northern Lights (FastBuds) Overview
Original Auto Northern Lights by FastBuds is another take on the same legendary line, but presented as a hybrid-type autoflower. Its genetics are simply described as “automatic Northern Lights seeds,” which reflects FastBuds’ focus on autoflowering versions of classic strains.
Like the Vision Seeds version, this strain is listed as having very strong THC, so it is also geared towards users who want a pronounced, impactful experience rather than something gentle. The specific effects are not detailed in the data, but the hybrid designation suggests that breeders aim for a more balanced profile compared to a strictly indica-labelled variety.
The life cycle is categorised as autoflowering, without a specific week count given. That means you know it will flower automatically regardless of light schedule, but you do not have the same explicit 8-week reference as with the Vision Seeds version. Yield is again described as good, placing it in a similar productivity range.
FastBuds do not list flavor or aroma details here, so if taste and smell are your main decision factors, you will be choosing more on breeder preference, plant type (hybrid vs indica), and overall growing style rather than a defined terpene profile.
5. Key Differences
General Comparison
Both strains are autoflowering Northern Lights variations with very strong THC and good yield potential. The most notable differences are:
- Plant type: Vision Seeds presents Northern Lights as an indica, whereas FastBuds’ Original Auto Northern Lights is listed as a hybrid.
- Breeder approach: Vision Seeds focus on a fast, clearly defined 8-week flowering time, while FastBuds emphasise an autoflowering Northern Lights lineage without specifying the exact number of weeks.
- Flavour and aroma data: Vision Seeds describe their version as having an impartial flavour/aroma; FastBuds offer no flavour description in the provided data.
For a buyer comparing them side by side, the decision often comes down to whether you prefer an explicitly indica-labelled strain with a defined flowering time, or a hybrid autoflower from FastBuds with a more general autoflower description.
Which Is Better for Beginners?
Both options are autoflowering, which already simplifies growing for beginners because you do not have to change light schedules to trigger flowering. However, there are small differences that may matter if this is your very first grow:
- Northern Lights (Vision Seeds): The clearly stated 8-week flowering time provides more predictable planning for new growers. The indica categorisation can also appeal to those who want a straightforward, compact-feeling strain type.
- Original Auto Northern Lights (FastBuds): Also beginner-friendly as an autoflower, but without a specified flowering duration in the data. Some newcomers may find the hybrid label appealing if they want a strain that aims to blend traits from different types of cannabis.
If you are completely new and value clear timing information, the Vision Seeds version may feel more accessible because of the stated 8-week flowering time. If you are comfortable with some flexibility in the schedule and are more focused on breeder or hybrid characteristics, the FastBuds option is also suitable for first grows.
Yield Comparison
In terms of yield, both strains are described simply as having good production. There is no specific gram-per-square-metre figure or indoor/outdoor breakdown provided for either:
- Northern Lights (Vision Seeds): Good yield, with the added benefit of a known 8-week flowering period, which can help you estimate productivity over time.
- Original Auto Northern Lights (FastBuds): Also listed as good in terms of yield potential, aligning it broadly with the Vision Seeds version.
Because the yield descriptions are identical and no detailed numbers are given, you should treat them as roughly comparable in productivity. In practice, yield will depend heavily on your environment, nutrition, and growing technique rather than the label alone.
Effects Comparison
Both strains are marked as having very strong THC, but there are no detailed effect descriptions in the provided data. That means we can only compare them based on their type labels:
- Northern Lights (Vision Seeds): As an indica, it is generally chosen by people who prefer an indica-leaning experience and the kind of body-focused effect profile that variety is typically known for.
- Original Auto Northern Lights (FastBuds): As a hybrid, it is likely bred to offer a more mixed character, aiming to balance aspects associated with different cannabis types.
If your main priority is strong effects, both will meet that requirement according to the THC information. Your choice comes down to whether you want a clearly indica-labelled option or a hybrid that combines characteristics under the same powerful potency umbrella.
6. Which Should You Choose?
To decide between Northern Lights auto from Vision Seeds and Original Auto Northern Lights from FastBuds, consider the following scenarios:
-
You are a first-time grower who wants clear timing and a simple plan:
The Vision Seeds Northern Lights, with its 8-week flowering time, gives you a straightforward schedule and an indica-type plant. This can make it easier to plan your first run and know when to expect harvest. -
You are focused on strong effects above everything else:
Both strains advertise very strong THC, so either can serve a user seeking potency. In this case, your choice may lean more on breeder preference (Vision Seeds vs FastBuds) and whether you prefer an indica label or a hybrid label. -
You want a balanced type label and don’t mind flexible timing:
If you like the idea of a hybrid Northern Lights autoflower and are comfortable without a precise week count given, FastBuds’ Original Auto Northern Lights is a logical choice. -
You are a grower focused on high yield:
Both are marked as having a good yield. Since neither lists exact yield figures, you should assume they fall into a similar productivity band and base your decision more on plant type and breeder than on expected difference in output. -
You care about flavour and aroma information:
Vision Seeds at least notes an impartial flavour/aroma, suggesting a more neutral profile. FastBuds provide no flavour notes in the supplied data, so if having any aroma description is important, the Vision Seeds strain has a small advantage in terms of transparency.
7. Final Thoughts
Both Northern Lights autos cater well to beginners and growers who want strong, reliable effects in a compact autoflowering format. The Vision Seeds version stands out for its clearly defined 8-week flowering time and indica label, making it attractive to first-time cultivators who want predictability. The FastBuds Original Auto Northern Lights offers a hybrid twist on the same classic name, appealing to those who like a more mixed plant profile and trust the FastBuds autoflowering line.
If you value precise timing and a straightforward indica option, Northern Lights auto from Vision Seeds is a practical choice. If you prefer a hybrid take on this classic with very strong THC and you are comfortable with a less defined schedule, Original Auto Northern Lights by FastBuds is equally worth considering.