FAQ

 Cannabis seeds can be classified into different categories based on their genetics and growing characteristics. The two main types of seeds you've mentioned – feminized seeds and autoflower seeds – have unique properties that cater to different growing preferences and conditions.

Feminized seeds: These seeds are genetically modified to produce only female plants. In the cannabis life cycle, only female plants produce the cannabinoid-rich buds that are sought after for recreational and medicinal use. By eliminating the chance of growing male plants, which do not produce buds and can pollinate female plants, growers can focus their efforts on cultivating and harvesting female plants.

Autoflower seeds: These seeds come from cannabis plants that have been crossbred with the ruderalis species, which has a natural autoflowering trait. Autoflowering plants automatically switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage based on their age, rather than the light cycle. This makes them ideal for growers who want a quicker harvest or who don't want to control the light cycle.

Now, to address your question about autoflower seeds being feminized: it is true that many autoflower seeds on the market are also feminized. This is because growers typically want to maximize their yield of cannabinoid-rich buds, and having both autoflowering and feminized traits in a single seed allows for faster growth cycles and an all-female crop. However, not all autoflower seeds are necessarily feminized, and it is possible to find non-feminized autoflower seeds as well.

In summary, while many autoflower seeds are indeed feminized, the two terms refer to different genetic traits. Autoflower seeds describe plants that flower automatically based on age, while feminized seeds describe plants that are genetically guaranteed to be female.

The reason you don't see a separate category for seeds that are both autoflowering and feminized is that these seeds are often already included within the autoflowering category. When browsing seed websites, you'll likely find that a majority of the autoflowering seeds they offer are also feminized. This combination is quite popular among growers, as it provides the benefits of both traits: quick growth and an all-female crop.

Seed vendors may not explicitly create a separate category for seeds with both traits, as they are already well-represented within the autoflowering category. However, they typically provide information on whether an autoflowering seed is also feminized in the product description or details.

When shopping for cannabis seeds, it's essential to read the product description carefully to ensure you are purchasing seeds with the specific characteristics you desire, whether it be autoflowering, feminized, or both.

There are several reasons why a grower might choose to cultivate feminized seeds instead of autoflowering seeds that are also feminized. Some of these reasons include:

Photoperiod control: Feminized seeds are generally photoperiod-dependent, meaning they rely on changes in the light cycle to transition from the vegetative to the flowering stage. This allows growers more control over the growth and flowering phases, which can lead to optimized yields and quality. In contrast, autoflowering plants have a predetermined life cycle and switch to the flowering stage based on their age, giving growers less control over these phases.

Plant size: Autoflowering plants typically grow smaller than their photoperiod-dependent counterparts. This can be an advantage for growers with limited space or who prefer discreet cultivation. However, for growers who want larger plants and potentially bigger yields, feminized seeds from photoperiod-dependent strains might be a better choice.

Training and pruning: Due to their smaller size and faster life cycle, autoflowering plants may not respond as well to training and pruning techniques compared to photoperiod-dependent plants. Growers who want to utilize these techniques to maximize yield and manage plant growth might prefer feminized seeds from photoperiod-dependent strains.

Genetic diversity: While autoflowering strains have become more diverse over time, there is still a wider range of photoperiod-dependent strains available. Growers looking for specific traits, such as flavor profiles, cannabinoid content, or other characteristics, might have more options to choose from among feminized, photoperiod-dependent seeds.

Potency: Historically, autoflowering strains have had lower cannabinoid content than photoperiod-dependent strains. However, through selective breeding, many modern autoflowering strains now boast potency levels comparable to their photoperiod counterparts. Nonetheless, some growers might still prefer feminized seeds from photoperiod-dependent strains in pursuit of maximum potency.

Ultimately, the choice between feminized seeds and autoflowering feminized seeds depends on the grower's preferences, experience, and cultivation goals. Each type of seed has its own advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these differences can help growers make the best decision for their specific needs.