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Wondering whether to grow feminised or regular cannabis seeds? Choosing the right cannabis seeds is one of the most crucial decisions for growers, whether they are growing for personal use or to cultivate new strains. Two of the main categories of cannabis seed types include feminised and regular cannabis seeds; the choice between the two is to be made based on the features they offer.
Let’s evaluate which cannabis seed type offers higher yields, lower risks, simplified growing, and natural resilience by exploring their features.
What Are Feminised Cannabis Seeds?
Feminised seeds are genetically engineered variants that are bred to produce only female plants. Unlike regular seeds, these plants are almost always bud-bearing female plants.
The purpose of growing plants from feminised cannabis seeds is to eliminate any chances of having male plants that lead to pollination. The result is healthy plants that produce flower-rich buds instead of seeds.
The process of making feminised seeds is as follows:
- Treating female cannabis plants to block ethylene (the hormone which promotes flowering).
- The plant then develops pollen sacs with pollen containing XX chromosomes.
- This female pollen is used to pollinate an untreated female plant, creating feminised seeds.
The benefits of growing feminised cannabis seeds include:
- Guaranteed female cannabinoid-rich flower-producing plants.
- Saves time, space, and resources.
- Offers higher, more potent yields.
- Streamlines the growing process and simplifies cultivation.
However, these also have certain drawbacks:
- Not suitable for breeding
- Risk of hermaphroditism (producing male flowers)
Feminised seeds are the best choice for home growers, small-scale cultivators, and beginners who wish to try growing cannabis.
What Are Regular Cannabis Seeds?
Natural or regular cannabis seeds are non-genetically altered seeds that have a 50/50 chance of being male or female. These are produced by the natural pollination of female cannabis plants with pollen from male plants and offer genetic diversity and resilience.
The purpose of regular cannabis seeds is that breeders use them to create new strains. Since each plant has the chance of growing into either a male or a female plant, the male plants need to be identified and removed to maintain bud quality.
The benefits of growing regular cannabis seeds are:
- Full genetic stability
- Enables seed production
- Cross-breeding and creating new strains
- Cloning to create strong, healthy mother plants
- Cost-effective cultivation
However, while growing these, people may face the following challenges:
- Less predictable harvest with no guarantee of bud-producing plants.
- Male plant management to prevent pollination and seed production.
Regular cannabis seeds are best for breeders, experienced growers, and collectors.
Feminised vs Regular: Side-by-Side Comparison
Choosing between feminised and regular cannabis seeds depends on your goals, experience, and resources. By opting for feminised seeds, you will get bud-bearing plants that maximise your yield. Regular seeds need a little more work, but are great for breeding new strains.
A tabulated comparison of feminised versus regular cannabis seeds is as follows:
| Feature | Feminised Seeds | Regular Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Sex | Almost always female (99% success rate) | 50% Male / 50% Female |
| Ideal For | Home growers, small-scale | Breeders, experienced growers |
| Seed Production | No | Yes |
| Risk of Male Plants | Minimal | High |
| Yield | Higher average bud yield per seed since every plant is a female producer. | Yield can be halved, as male plants are usually discarded before flowering. |
| Cultivation Difficulty | Easier for beginners. No need to identify and remove male plants. | More challenging. Requires the grower to “sex” the plants and cull the males. |
| Breeding Potential | Not suitable for breeding new strains or creating new seeds, as they lack male genetics. | Ideal for breeders who want to cross male and female plants to develop new varieties. |
| Genetic Stability | May be less genetically stable due to the breeding process, which can lead to hermaphroditism under stress. | More genetically stable and resilient, as they are produced through natural pollination. |
| Cost | Generally, more expensive due to the specialised breeding techniques required for their production. | Typically cheaper, which helps offset the need to discard male plants. |
| Efficiency | Maximises the use of grow space, as every plant produces buds. | Inefficient use of space, time, and nutrients for male plants that must be discarded. |
Table 1: Feature-wise Comparison of Feminised and Regular Cannabis Seeds
Pros and Cons of Each Seed Type
Feminised seeds maximise bud production. However, they do not offer genetic diversity and are unsuitable for breeding. Regular seeds enable cross-breeding and offer valuable “mother plants”. However, growers have to identify and remove males to prevent unwanted pollination.
A comparative table of the pros and cons of feminised and regular cannabis seeds is as follows:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Feminised |
|
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| Regular |
|
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Table 2: Pros and Cons of Feminised and Regular Cannabis Seeds
Which Should You Choose?
The choice between feminised and regular cannabis seeds should be made on the basis of the following:
- The experience level of the grower (feminised seeds for beginners vs regular seeds for advanced growers).
- The purpose of growing the plant, i.e., flower production (feminised seeds) vs breeding (regular seeds).
- Grow space available (feminised seeds for growing in limited space).
- Legality and goals such as seed preservation (regular seeds) and personal use (feminised seeds).
Expert Tips on Choosing Cannabis Seeds
Before you pick a seed type and start growing, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Always buy from trusted seed banks (especially in the UK).
- Check legal limits and guidelines before germination.
- Consider starting with feminised, then explore regular seeds for long-term projects.
- You can also look into autoflowering seeds for fast growth.
- Consider the strain characteristics and type (Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid).
- Decide whether you are looking for a CBD or THC high strain.
- Be sure to check the description for yield, flavour, and aroma.
- Evaluate the growing conditions, like space and climate.
- Check the pest and mold resistance of the seed.
- Understand the implications of growing indoors versus outdoors.
- Store the procured seeds properly to maintain their viability.
Final Thoughts
The decision between feminised and regular cannabis seeds depends on the grower’s goals and experience. For simple growing and high yields, feminised seeds are the best choice. On the other hand, regular seeds offer versatility, resilience, and genetic diversity. This makes it important to define goals and experience level before choosing.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Seed
Whether you’re just starting out or exploring the art of cannabis breeding, choose seeds that align with your goals. Browse our curated collection of premium feminised and regular seeds today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Regular Seeds Still Produce Female Plants?
Yes, approximately 50% of regular seeds are female, but they must be identified early.
Are Feminised Seeds Genetically Stable?
Yes. When sourced from reputable breeders who practice a safe and responsible process for creating feminised seeds, the product is usually stable.
Can I Breed New Strains With Feminised Seeds?
No, feminised seeds are unsuitable for true breeding projects.
Are Regular Cannabis Seeds Better Than Feminised?
Regular cannabis seeds are better for breeding, cloning, and offering natural stability that prevents hermaphroditism. However, feminised seeds will yield a better, more stable crop.