Feminized vs regular cannabis seeds – Which to grow?

Are you stuck deciding between feminized and regular cannabis seeds for your next cannabis grow? Regular seeds produce a mix of male and female plants, whereas feminized seeds are bioengineered to produce only female plants. But which should you choose for your grow?

In this article, we’ll dissect the advantages and potential challenges of growing with regular vs feminized seeds, exploring factors like ease of growth, yield potential, and their suitability for different cultivation methods. We’ll also touch on some key considerations to bear in mind when choosing seeds for your grow.. Ready? Let’s get growing!

What’s the Difference Between Feminized and Regular Seeds?

The main difference between feminized and regular cannabis seeds is the sex of the plants that they produce. Regular seeds are a mix of male and female, meaning approximately half of the plants will be males, which don’t produce buds. On the other hand, feminized seeds are modified to produce only female plants. It is the female plants that produce bud.

Pros and Cons of Growing Regular Cannabis Seeds

  • Pros
    • Genetic Diversity: Regular seeds offer a broad spectrum of plant traits, allowing for natural selection and breeding.
    • Breeding Capabilities: You need male plants to breed, so if this is your goal then regular seeds are the best option.
  • Cons


Pros and Cons of Growing Feminized Cannabis Seeds

  • Pros
    • Guaranteed Females: Feminized seeds almost always produce female plants, eliminating the need for sexing.
    • Maximized Yield: Every plant contributes to the bud yield, making for more efficient use of space and resources.
  • Cons
    • Limited Genetic Diversity: Feminized seeds offer less genetic diversity, which may lead to less robust plants.
    • Not Suitable for Breeding: Without male plants, traditional plant breeding isn’t possible with feminized seeds.

Who Should Grow Regular Seeds?

Regular seeds have their negatives, however, they are still essential and some growers prefer them, so who should be growing regular cannabis seeds? Breeders will mostly grow with regular seeds as they provide both male and female plants, which are required for creating new strains and preserving genetic diversity. They offer a wider range of phenotypes, presenting an opportunity for the selection of unique traits.

Growers interested in cultivation might also prefer regular seeds. The process of identifying and removing male plants and growing 100% organically may be your preferred method.

Additionally, those growing in large outdoor areas where space is less of a constraint may opt for regular seeds. Despite the fact that half the plants (males) will usually be discarded, if you aren’t paying for lights who cares? Plus the price per seed is much cheaper when growing regular seeds.

Who Should Grow Feminized Seeds?

Outdoor cannabis farmers

Feminized seeds are the go-to choice for the majority of growers interested in producing buds. They almost exclusively produce female plants, so for anyone that doesn’t want to risk pollination, feminized seeds are the way to go.

Beginners might find feminized seeds a good starting point, because they remove the need to identify sex and pick out the male plants—a task that requires some experience. Similarly, indoor growers or those with limited space can maximize their productive capacity as every plant grown from feminized seeds contributes to the final yield.

Additionally, feminized seeds have a huge advantage for commercial growers where consistency, predictability, and maximizing output are critical. With feminized seeds, they can maintain a uniform crop with predictable growth and flowering times, all while ensuring high quality bud production.

Can You Tell What Sex a Seed Is?

The short answer? Regular cannabis seeds all look the same so if you think you might be able to save money on regular seeds and pick out the female ones you would be wrong. The sex of a cannabis plant is determined by its genetics at the time of germination, and there’s no definitive way to tell just by looking at the seed.

However, once the plant begins to grow and enters its vegetative stage, sexing becomes possible. Male plants will develop pollen sacs, while female plants will produce pre-flowers with a pair of white hairs (pistils) at the joints of the plant. Recognizing these differences requires a keen eye and some practice, but it’s a crucial skill for any grower using regular seeds.

It’s important to remember that while the sex of a plant from a regular seed is a toss-up, choosing feminized seeds ensures nearly 100% female plants, bypassing the need for sexing entirely.

Do Regular Seeds and Feminized Seeds Grow Differently?

In terms of germination, growth rate, and the care they require, regular and feminized cannabis seeds are essentially the same. Both types need the same basic conditions to germinate and thrive: warmth, moisture, and a good growing medium. Both can also transition from vegetative growth to flowering stage under the same light conditions.

However, the main difference emerges in the flowering stage as the plants mature and their sex becomes apparent. With regular seeds, growers must carefully monitor their crop during the pre-flowering stage to identify and separate male plants, preventing them from pollinating the females. This additional step is not required with feminized seeds, as these are bred to produce only female plants.

Also, it’s worth noting that feminized seeds can sometimes express hermaphroditic traits under stress, producing both male and female flowers on the same plant. Regular seeds can do this too, but the trait may be less common due to the wider genetic diversity in regular seeds.

In essence, while the growing process is broadly similar, the journey from seed to harvest requires a slightly different approach depending on whether you’re growing from regular or feminized seeds.

Feminized vs Autoflower FAQ

Are feminized seeds better for beginners?

For beginners, feminized seeds often offer a smoother path to a successful harvest. They remove the need to identify and remove male plants, a task that can be tricky for those new to cultivation. Additionally, with each plant being a bud-producing female, beginners can maximize their yield, making the whole growing experience more rewarding.

Are feminized seeds 100% female?

While it’s impossible to guarantee absolute certainty in biology, feminized seeds are bred to be as close to 100% female as possible. Advanced breeding techniques aim to ensure that virtually every plant grown from feminized seeds will be female. However, under certain stress conditions, a small percentage might develop male flowers.

Are feminized seeds harder to grow?

Feminized seeds aren’t inherently harder to grow than regular seeds. The germination and growth processes are much the same. However, feminized plants may be slightly more sensitive to stress, which can lead to hermaphroditism. That said, with careful management of the plant’s environment and overall health, this risk can be minimized.

Can feminized plants turn male?

Feminized plants will typically stay female throughout their life cycle. However, extreme environmental stress or genetic instability can cause feminized plants to produce male flowers in a process known as hermaphroditism. While this is relatively rare, it’s something growers should be aware of.

Can feminized seeds turn into hermaphrodites?

Under normal conditions, feminized seeds will develop into female plants. However, if exposed to severe stress—like drastic changes in light schedule or temperature, physical damage, or certain chemical treatments—feminized plants can become hermaphrodites, developing both male and female flowers.

How are feminized seeds made?

Feminized seeds are created by inducing a female plant to produce pollen, a process usually triggered by a mild silver solution. This female pollen is then used to pollinate another female plant. Since both parents are female, the resulting seeds will almost exclusively develop into female plants.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, whether you opt for regular or feminized cannabis seeds hinges on your cultivation goals. Breeders and those looking for genetic diversity might lean towards regular seeds, while those prioritizing a a yield of bud might prefer the hassle-free approach to feminized seeds. Even if you decide to grow with feminized seeds, understanding how to spot a male or hemie among your crop is an important skill for any grower. Now that you understand the importance of this be sure to check out our guide on sexing plants. Enjoyed the read? Don’t forget to like and share this article!

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