Autoflower problems and a question

Ive tried to start 2 autos now. One is a crystlemeth auto and the other was a fast n vast. Did the crystlemeth hydroponicly and it grew like 2 inches before flowering? The fast n vast i tried to start in dirt and it didnt even want to pop. Do they have to be ran under 24hr light or is 18hrs acceptable? I really want to try again but worried. Pic is the crystle.

Autos are very fickle kritters, experienced growers do well , average growers hate em, i find a 6-2 or 7-1 light cycle good, it maintains a even temp, but there is a lot of theory on Autos & lights..........the best grow from a auto ive seen is 1 kilo dry, in coco & perlite, but dont over do the nutes..........as for germination , i soak my seed in a shot glass for a day or 2 , until i see a little tap root

Good luck

I'm growing my autos under 18/6. They started flowering when they were about 8 inches tall. They're now about 2 feet tall and I should get about an O out of each plant. As far as germinating, they're seeds just like PP seeds so w.e technique you use of PP use on autos too except plant them in their final container from the getgo.