Cannabis is a plant that has been around for centuries and is used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Nowadays, growing feminized cannabis seeds is becoming more and more popular as people become interested in the effects of this plant.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about feminized cannabis seeds. We’ll talk about what feminized seeds are, how they work, the benefits of using them, and how to grow them. So read on to find out more!
What are feminized cannabis seeds?
Feminized seeds refer to cannabis plants that have been developed to produce only female strains. These cannabis plants have been modified to create only female plants with buds.
The flowers of the female cannabis plant are valued for their terpenes and cannabinoids, which are produced in the flowers. THE THC is responsible for the “high” or psychoactive effect that users experience. However, others cannabinoids excreted by female plants are also considered useful in the treatment of several diseases.
Male plants, on the other hand, produce pods that can pollinate female plants and cause significant losses in yield. Therefore, those who grew seeds in the traditional way had to identify as early as possible what type of plant was growing, in order to get rid of males.
The invention of feminized cannabis seeds in the 1990s revolutionized the industry. Feminized cannabis seeds are designed to generate only female plants with near-perfect reliability. This development has made growing cannabis much easier and less expensive by removing uncertainty.
Difference between autoflowering and feminized seeds
Before moving on to the main differences between these two types of cannabis seeds, let’s recall the definition autoflowering seeds.
What is an autoflowering plant?
So-called “auto” flowering cannabis seeds are a popular choice for beginning growers because they flower on their own, are easier to grow, smaller, and quicker to harvest than feminized seeds.
They are not dependent on a rigorous light cycle. In other words, they do not depend on the photoperiod to flower. They are more resistant to temperature variations, parasites and mold. Making it a great entry point for novices interested in cannabis production.
Feminized seeds vs autoflowering seeds
There are several differences between feminized and autoflowering seeds. These differences also depend on the type of cultivation, namely indoors or outdoors.
Light cycles and harvest
For many growers, the length of the growing cycle is crucial. Autoflowers are ideal for producing multiple harvests per year throughout the year. If you want multiple harvests per season, autoflowers may be your choice. The typical duration of an autoflower from seed to harvest is 8-12 weeks.
Feminized cannabis seeds are typically ready to harvest after 12 to 20 weeks from seed, and they do not begin flowering until receiving 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day, unlike autoflowers, which usually flower 2 to 4 weeks after planting.
If you are growing feminized seeds outdoors, you will need to change your lighting schedule or wait until fall to ensure the plant receives enough light to thrive. Autoflowers, on the other hand, are not affected by this; therefore they offer much more convenience and simplicity for those who want a quick and simple approach to growing these seeds.
Thanks to feminized seeds, you can opt for a longer vegetative period. You will therefore have longer plants.
Differences in size
Cannabis plants produced from feminized seeds are robust and can reach up to 4 meters in height, while autoflowering plants remain very small, reaching a maximum of 60 to 80 centimeters in height.
If you grow indoors, you have control over the period of light your feminized plants receive. The latter have a longer vegetative period. Ideally, they should be exposed to 18 hours of sunlight throughout the growing season. With this cycle of 18 hours of light and 6 hours of sleep, your plants will only grow. Only when you change the timer on your grow lights to 12 hours light and 12 hours dark does the flower phase begin.
Feminized plants allow you, thanks to this property, to select the best plants to become mothers and then grow crops from cuttings according to their qualities (speed, strength, resistance, scent).
How to Grow Cannabis Flowers feminized
If you are growing cannabis indoors, you will need to manually adjust the day/night cycles. Growers often do this when the plants have reached a sufficient size (about half the desired height). To explain better, at the beginning of their flowering period, plants tend to spread out during the beginning of their flowering phase. For this reason, they need adequate and appropriate growing space to develop well.
To begin flowering feminized cannabis indoors, growers should change their lights to a 12 hour light, 12 hour dark schedule. Fall conditions will be boosted by a longer night, causing plants to flower.
Outdoors, feminized cannabis should be planted in an ideal climate and at the optimal time of year. As sunlight hours vary throughout the year, depending on the needs of your plants, you will need to develop a specific plan to get them to flower. To meet this demand, you will generally need to plant them in the spring (after 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 cultivation will be determined by the type and variety of cannabis. Some strains, such as indica, flower quickly and have short flowering periods of only 6-7 weeks. Other types, like Haze, take twice as long (12 weeks) to mature.
What about temperature and humidity?
In general, feminized cannabis grows in temperatures that are neither too cold nor too hot (around 21°C). Any extreme temperature will cause growth to stop and additional problems. Grow in an environment where you have full temperature control if you do not live in a favorable climate. If necessary, install a heating/cooling system.
The right humidity for cannabis plants is different depending on their stage of development. Seedlings and growing cannabis plants prefer a more humid atmosphere, around 70% humidity. When your cannabis plants are flowering, lowering the relative humidity to 40-50% can help prevent mold.
pH level
When watering your soil-grown cannabis, keep in mind that the pH level of your water/nutrient solution should be between 6 and 7. Even if nutrients are supplied, your plants do not absorb them since the pH level is incorrect. A few drops of a pH raising or lowering solution can be used to adjust the pH level of your water.
What are the best strain families of feminized cannabis plants?
There are thousands of feminized hybrids, but the majority of them come from a small number of families. Each of them has distinct characteristics that can give you clues about its origin and effects. Here are our most popular ones:
MOBY DICK: It is a cannabis strain known for its abundant production ranging from 650 g/m2 if you grow indoors and 1500 g/plant outdoors. Moby Dick is a Sativa-dominant hybrid, with lemony, spicy aromas and hints of cedar. The psychoactive Sativa effect is quickly felt because it is very powerful and poignant. If you like to feel the Sativa effects, opt for the iconic Moby Dick!
CRITICAL+ 2.0: It is an Indica-dominant feminized cannabis seed with spectacular production potential. CRITICAL+ 2.0 is a collector’s seed that will not disappoint you when growing it, offering a production of up to 700g/m2 indoors, and 1300g/plant outdoors. In terms of aromas, you will feel intense, deep and complex taste sensations, with a fragrance mixing notes of pine, lemon and spices. We highly recommend you try Critical+ 2.0!
CRITICAL JACK: Here is another feminized collectible seed that will still get a lot of attention. As you can probably imagine, this seed is also not shy in productivity with 625 m/m2 indoors and at least 1200 g/plant outdoors. It is a Sativa-dominant hybrid characterized by large, solid and heavy flowers. Critical Jack will remind you of the complexity of the Haze lineage with an aromatic blend of cedar, incense, pine and spices with fine notes of lemony taste. If you want to feel a poignant fusion of flavors in your mouth, opt for Critical Jack!
ORIGINAL AMNESIA: It is a Sativa-dominant feminized collectible seed already very well known in Amsterdam coffee shops since the early 2000s. With a level of production also very abundant indoors and outdoors, this plant will be very generous to those who takes great care of it. You will find fresh and delicate aromas of citrus, Haze, cedar, incense and spices. If you are looking for powerful, euphoric and energizing effects, Original Amnesia is here to serve you!
Discover the feminized seeds of Silent Seeds!
You now have everything you need to get started in growing feminized cannabis seeds. The next step is to decide which variety of cannabis seeds to grow and where to buy them. To do this, look no further than Silent Seeds ! Benefit from our years of experience in the field and have fun choosing between our collection seeds!
We hope you found this article helpful and that you have great success with your new garden!
