If you are a marijuana enthusiast, whether an amateur grower or just a person interested in that subject, you have probably heard about feminized cannabis seeds. But these types of seeds are not some monolith, and they could be categorized in different subgroups. It is very important for many reasons, which we will discuss in this article. Learn more about the kinds of feminized seeds and get better results growing ganja! – if you live in US states that allow the purchase of seeds and the cultivation of marijuana plants, of course!
Autoflowering feminized cannabis seeds – what are these?
Autoflowering feminized cannabis seeds are a specific type of cannabis seed that combines the benefits of both feminized and autoflowering genetics. These seeds (you can get them here: https://ganjafarmer.com/568-feminized-cannabis-seeds) are designed to produce female plants, which are the ones that are blossoming with flowers rich in cannabinoids. They automatically transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage without the need for changes in the light cycle. The other important characteristics of autoflowering strains are:
- Fast growth cycle: these strains typically complete their lifecycle in 8 to 12 weeks from seed to harvest.
- Compact size: autoflowering plants tend to be smaller and more compact, making them ideal for indoor growing and limited space.
- Stealthy growth: due to their smaller size, they are easier to conceal and grow discreetly (not every neighbor need to know what you’re growing in your backyard, even in California or Florida!).
- Hardy genetics: they are generally more resilient to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions.
- Consistent harvests: autoflowering plants provide reliable and consistent yields, regardless of the growing environment.
- Lower THC levels: they usually have slightly lower THC levels compared to photoperiod strains, but still offer a potent experience.
- Ease of growth: these strains are ideal for beginners due to their simple growing requirements and minimal maintenance needs.
The primary benefit of autoflowering feminized seeds is the simplicity they bring to the growing process. Growers do not need to manage light schedules, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. However, due to their rapid growth cycle, there is less time for training and pruning, which might affect the overall yield. Despite this, the ease and speed of growing autoflowering feminized strains make them an excellent choice for novice growers and those seeking quick harvests.
Photoperiod feminized marijuana seeds – full-season and fast version
Classic feminized marijuana seeds that are photoperiod-dependent require changes in the light cycle to begin flowering. These plants typically need 12 hours of darkness each day to switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering one. Because they rely on natural light changes, they are often grown outdoors, where they can reach their full potential over a growing season. These seeds produce robust plants with high yields and potent flowers, making them popular among experienced growers. What are their characteristics?
- Light cycle dependence: require a change in light cycle to flower.
- Longer growth cycle: typically take several months to mature.
- High yields: produce larger harvests compared to autoflowering strains.
- Potent flowers: often have higher THC levels.
- Taller plants: can grow very tall, especially outdoors.
- Training potential: suitable for various training techniques to maximize yield.
- Outdoor preference: thrive in outdoor environments with natural light changes (can also be grown indoors).
The fast version, or semi-auto, feminized marijuana seeds are crossovers between autoflowering and classic photoperiod plants. These strains flower faster than traditional photoperiod plants, but still rely partially on light cycles. They usually begin flowering with less darkness than full-season photoperiod plants, making them a good compromise between speed and yield. Semi-auto seeds offer a shorter growth period while maintaining some characteristics of photoperiod strains, such as higher yields and potency.
- Partial light cycle dependence: require less darkness to start flowering.
- Faster growth cycle: flower faster (1-3 weeks earlier) than traditional photoperiod strains.
- Moderate yields: balance between speed of growth and yield.
- Potent flowers: retain high THC levels.
- Compact size: tend to be smaller than full-season photoperiod plants.
- Versatile growth: suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing.
- Beginner-friendly: easier to manage due to shorter flowering times.
Cannabis seeds come in various genetic forms. Understanding the differences between photoperiod and autoflowering seeds is crucial for growers.
Photoperiod feminized seeds, whether full-season or fast version, offer unique advantages and characteristics. Full-season photoperiod seeds yield larger plants with potent flowers but require longer growth periods and light cycle management.
Fast version, or semi-auto seeds, offer a quicker flowering period while maintaining some benefits of photoperiod plants.
Choosing the right type of seed depends on your growing conditions and desired outcomes. Always check the legal status of cannabis cultivation in your area before purchasing seeds.
