Cannabis is a plant that has existed for centuries and is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Today, growing feminized cannabis seeds is becoming increasingly popular as people become more interested in the effects of this plant.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about feminized seeds. We’ll discuss what feminized seeds are, how they work, the benefits of using them, and how to grow them. So keep reading to learn more!
What are feminized seeds?
Feminized seeds refer to cannabis plants that have been bred to produce only female plants. These cannabis plants have been modified to produce only female plants with buds.
The flowers of the female cannabis plant are prized for their terpenes and cannabinoids, which are produced in the flowers. The THC is responsible for the "high" or psychoactive effect experienced by users. However, other cannabinoids produced by female plants are also considered beneficial in treating various diseases.
Male plants, on the other hand, produce pods that can pollinate female plants and result in significant yield losses. Consequently, those who grew seeds using traditional methods had to identify as early as possible which type of plant was developing, in order to remove the males.
The invention of feminized seeds in the 1990s revolutionized the industry. Feminized seeds are designed to produce only female plants with near-perfect reliability. This development has made growing cannabis much easier and less expensive by eliminating uncertainty.
The Difference Between Autoflowering and Feminized Seeds
Before we move on to the main differences between these two types of cannabis seeds, let’s review the definition of autoflowering seeds.
What is an autoflowering plant?
"Auto-flowering" seeds are a popular choice among beginner growers because they flower on their own, are easier to grow, smaller, and faster to harvest than feminized seeds.
They do not require a strict light cycle. In other words, they do not depend on photoperiod to flower. They are more resistant to temperature fluctuations, pests, and mold. This makes them an excellent starting point for beginners interested in growing cannabis.
Feminized seeds vs. autoflowering seeds
There are several differences between feminized seeds and autoflowering seeds. These differences also depend on whether the plants are grown indoors or outdoors.
Light cycles and harvesting
For many growers, the length of the growing cycle is crucial. Autoflowers are ideal for producing multiple harvests throughout the year. If you want multiple harvests per season, autoflowers may be the right choice for you. The typical growth time for an autoflower, from seed to harvest, is 8 to 12 weeks.
Feminized seeds are generally ready for harvest 12 to 20 weeks after sowing, and they do not begin to flower until they receive 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day, unlike autoflowers, which typically flower 2 to 4 weeks after planting.
If you’re growing feminized seeds outdoors, you’ll need to adjust your lighting schedule or wait until fall to ensure the plant gets enough light to thrive. Autoflowers, on the other hand, aren’t affected by this; they therefore offer much greater convenience and simplicity for those who want a quick and easy approach to growing these seeds.
With feminized seeds, you can choose to extend the vegetative stage. As a result, your plants will grow taller.
Differences in size
Cannabis plants grown from feminized seeds are robust and can grow up to 4 meters tall, whereas autoflowering plants remain very small, reaching a maximum height of 60 to 80 centimeters.
If you’re growing indoors, you have control over the amount of light your feminized plants receive. These plants have a longer vegetative phase. Ideally, they should be exposed to 18 hours of light throughout the vegetative phase. With this cycle of 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness, your plants will focus solely on growth. It is only when you adjust the timer on your grow lights to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness that the flowering phase begins.
Thanks to this characteristic, feminized plants allow you to select the best plants to serve as mother plants and then grow new plants from cuttings based on their qualities (speed, vigor, resistance, aroma).
How to Grow Feminized Cannabis Flowers
If you’re growing cannabis indoors, you’ll need to manually control the day/night cycles. Growers often do this once the plants have reached a sufficient size (about half their desired height). To explain further, at the start of their flowering period, plants tend to spread out. For this reason, they need adequate and appropriate growing space to develop properly.
To start the flowering process for feminized cannabis indoors, growers should switch their lighting to a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle. The longer nights will simulate autumn conditions, triggering the plants to flower.
Outdoors, feminized cannabis should be planted in an ideal climate and at the optimal time of year. Since daylight hours vary throughout the year, you’ll need to develop a specific plan to get your plants to flower based on their needs. To meet these requirements, you’ll generally need to plant them in the spring (after the last frost) and harvest them in the fall.
How long does it take to grow feminized cannabis?
Whether you want to grow cannabis outdoors or indoors, the length of the growing cycle will depend on the type and strain of cannabis. Some strains, such as Indica, flower quickly and have short flowering periods of just 6–7 weeks. Other types, such as Haze, take twice as long (12 weeks) to reach maturity.
What about the temperature and humidity?
In general, feminized cannabis thrives in temperatures that are neither too cold nor too hot (around 21°C). Extreme temperatures will halt growth and cause additional problems. Grow in an environment where you have complete control over the temperature if you don’t live in a favorable climate. If necessary, install a heating/cooling system.
The ideal humidity level for cannabis plants varies depending on their stage of development. Seedlings and growing cannabis plants prefer a more humid environment, with a humidity level of around 70%. When your cannabis plants are flowering, lowering the relative humidity to 40–50% can help prevent mold.
The pH level
When watering your cannabis grown in soil, keep in mind that the pH level of your water/nutrient solution must be between 6 and 7. Even if nutrients are present, your plants won’t absorb them if the pH level is incorrect. A few drops of a pH-raising or pH-lowering solution can be used to adjust the pH level of your water.
What are the best strains of feminized cannabis plants?
There are thousands of feminized hybrids, but most of them come from just a few families. Each family has distinct characteristics that can give you clues about its origin and effects. Here are our most popular ones:
MOBY DICK: This cannabis strain is known for its abundant yield, ranging from 650 g/m² when grown indoors to 1,500 g per plant outdoors. Moby Dick a Sativa-dominant hybrid with citrusy, spicy aromas and hints of cedar. The Sativa psychoactive effect is felt quickly because it is very powerful and intense. If you enjoy the Sativa high, go for the iconic Moby Dick
CRITICAL+ 2.0: This is a feminized, Indica-dominant strain with spectacular yield potential. CRITICAL+ 2.0 a collector’s item that won’t disappoint when you grow it, offering yields of up to 700 g/m² indoors and 1,300 g per plant outdoors. In terms of aroma, you’ll experience intense, deep, and complex flavor sensations, with a scent blending notes of pine, lemon, and spices. We highly recommend trying Critical+ 2.0
CRITICAL JACK: Here is another feminized collector’s seed that is sure to make waves. As you might expect, this strain is no slouch when it comes to yield, producing 625 g/m² indoors and at least 1,200 g per plant outdoors. It is a Sativa-dominant hybrid characterized by large, solid, and heavy buds. Critical Jack will remind Critical Jack of the complexity of the Haze lineage with an aromatic blend of cedar, incense, pine, and spices, complemented by subtle citrus notes. If you want to experience a poignant fusion of flavors in your mouth, go for Critical Jack
ORIGINAL AMNESIA: This is a feminized Sativa-dominant collector’s seed that has been well-known in Amsterdam’s coffee shops since the early 2000s. With equally abundant yields indoors and outdoors, this plant will be very generous to those who care for it well. You’ll find fresh, delicate aromas of citrus, Haze, cedar, incense, and spices. If you’re looking for powerful, euphoric, and energizing effects, Original Amnesia here for you!
Discover Silent Seeds Seeds' feminized seeds Silent Seeds
You now have everything you need to get started growing feminized cannabis seeds. The next step is to decide which variety of seeds to grow and where to buy them. To do so, look no further than Silent Seeds ! Take advantage of our years of experience in the field and have fun choosing from our seed collection!
We hope you found this article helpful and that your new garden will be a great success!
