Summary
In short, the pros of using Feminised cannabis seeds are pretty simple really; they are guaranteed to produce buds, they keep growing simple (in legal conditions), there's a ton of choice, and they are more likely to be uniform which makes them easy to manage.
How are Feminized Cannabis Seeds Made?
Feminized cannabis seeds are meticulously developed by manipulating the genetics of female plants, ensuring the production of exclusively female seeds. This is achieved through carefully applied techniques, such as the use of chemical sprays or subjecting the plants to light deprivation-induced stress, this is called 'Feminization'. The outcome is a seed with an exceptional 99% probability of yielding a female plant. This is perfect for home growers who don't have the space or resources to both grow cannabis and maintain male plants for breeding purposes. Feminized seeds also eliminate the need for meticulous sexing, saving time and effort. Plus, with uniform growth and harvesting times, they make it easier to plan and manage your crop.
Whats the Difference Between Feminised seeds and Autoflowering Seeds?
So, you might be thinking, "What's the difference between feminized seeds and autoflowering seeds?" The answer lies in their growing cycle and there is a key difference:
- Feminized seeds rely on photoperiods, which means they transition from the vegetative to the flowering phase based on light exposure. These beauties typically need around 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to stimulate flowering. It gives you more control over their growth (in legal conditions) and flowering stages, but also requires a bit more attention.
- In contrast, autoflowering seeds do their thing regardless of light exposure. As the name suggests, they automatically switch to the flowering stage after a certain period, usually within 3-4 weeks of planting. They're less hassle and quick to harvest, making them an ace choice for the newbie grower or if you're a bit short on time, in the correct legal climate of course. If you're planning on growing any weed seeds in the UK you'd need a license from the Secretary of State.
One important thing to remember is that not all feminised autoflower seeds, are photoperiods. 99% of the autoflowering seeds you will find are feminised, meaning the seeds contained within the pack are feminised autoflowering seeds and will produce buds (or flowers). It is also possible to get regular (mixed male & female packs) packs of autoflowering seeds, so be sure to check you're purchasing the ones before placing an order.
Feminised Seeds vs Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
A really common question people ask is should I grow (in legal conditions) or collection autoflowering seeds or feminised seeds? First it's important to understand the distinction between Flowering Type and Sex.
- Flowering Type - There are two different flowering types within cannabis plants; Photoperiod and Autoflowering.
- Sex - There are also two different 'sexes' which you can purchase your cannabis seeds in; Male and Female. Packs of feminised cannabis seeds contain female seeds, and packs of regular cannabis seeds contain a mixture of both female and male seeds.
This means that really the argument is between photoperiod seeds vs autoflowering seeds, but typically people refer to photoperiod seeds as just 'feminised seeds' so in the battle of feminized vs autoflowering, who wins? Well, it depends on what you're after. If you're all about control and maximizing yield, feminized seeds might be your ticket. But if speed and simplicity are your jam, autoflowering seeds are the way to go, just ensure you do it in the right legal conditions and climates.
Feminised Seeds vs Regular Seeds
Okay, so we've covered feminized and autoflowering seeds, but what about regular seeds? Regular cannabis seeds are as Mother Nature intended - a mix of both male and female seeds. This means you have a 50/50 chance of growing a male or female plant. While it's true that males don't provide those fantastic, THC-rich buds, they aren't all bad, especially if you're keen on breeding your own unique cannabis strains.
So why choose feminized seeds over regular ones? For many growers, the biggest advantage is the guarantee of female plants, meaning every seed you plant will result in a bountiful harvest of smokable buds. It's also less labor-intensive, as you won't need to identify and remove male plants to prevent pollination by male flowers.
However, if you're an old-school grower or a budding breeder (pun totally intended!), regular seeds offer the most natural growing process and the chance to experiment with creating your own strains. They’re also generally more robust and less susceptible to stress in the grow room.
In essence, whether you opt for feminized or regular seeds, the choice boils down to what you want from your growing experience. Do you prefer the simplicity and reliability of feminized seeds, or the natural process and adventurous spirit of regular ones? Whichever you choose, may your buds be bountiful and your growing journey a blast.
Just remember that growing cannabis (including breeding cannabis plants) is illegal in the UK without a license from the Secretary of State.
Are Cannabis Seeds Legal in the UK?
So you might be wondering, "Are cannabis seeds legal in the UK?" Well, the good news is, yes they are! But, why and how?. The law makes a distinction between the cannabis plant and the seeds themselves. In the UK, while it's illegal to germinate, cultivate and possess cannabis plants, the sale, purchase, and possession of cannabis seeds are perfectly legal. This is primarily because cannabis seeds on their own don’t contain any of the psychoactive substances that get you high (such as THC). This means you can legally collect and trade a wide variety of cannabis seeds, so with our comprehensive selection can go ahead with peace of mind when purchasing your favourite cannabis seeds such as White Widow or Girl Scout Cookies for collection purposes, or for when hopefully there's a day they are legal to germinate in the UK. Trading cannabis seeds, rather than using them to grow cannabis plants has become a hobby for thousands across the world.
For more information check out the Gov.uk publication on Cannabis Seeds; perfectly legal to purchase and possess.
Types of Feminised Cannabis Seeds
Knowing which type of Feminised Cannabis Seeds best suit your needs is important as there are many different types that are bred for different purposes:-
Still unsure which type of cannabis seeds suits your need? Jump into our Cannabis Seed Finder which will help narrow the selection down so you can get the best seeds for you. There's always the option of checking out our Top 20 Feminised Cannabis Seeds too.
Best Feminised Seeds Breeders
When it comes to the world of top-notch feminized seeds, breeders have been pushing the envelope. We've tallied up our most popular breeders here at Ali Bongo, whether you're growing indoors or fancy some outdoor growing for medicinal use, we consider these breeders to hold the best feminised cannabis seeds, some have even won the Cannabis Cup on a couple of occasions. Each of these breeders brings something unique to the table, ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection for every grower’s delight: