Regular cannabis seeds represent the naturally occurring form of the plant’s reproductive material. These seeds are the result of pollination between a male and a female cannabis plant, carrying the full genetic potential of both parents. Unlike other seed types, regular seeds have not been chemically or genetically altered to influence the sex of the resulting plant. This natural process means that each seed carries a roughly equal, 50/50 chance of developing into either a pollen-producing male or a flower-producing female plant.
The Difference Between Regular and Feminized Seeds
The primary alternative to regular seeds is the feminized seed, which is designed to remove the natural genetic gamble of sex determination. Regular seeds contain the full complement of X and Y chromosomes, allowing for the development of both sexes. Feminized seeds, however, are produced through human intervention to eliminate the male Y chromosome from the seed’s genetic makeup.
This process involves stressing a female plant to induce it to produce male flowers and pollen. This pollen, containing only X chromosomes, is then used to fertilize a separate female plant, yielding seeds that are nearly 100% guaranteed to grow into female plants. While feminized seeds are favored for their efficiency, regular seeds offer a broader spectrum of genetic expression.
The Primary Applications for Regular Seeds
Despite the need to manage male plants, regular seeds are the preferred choice for specific cultivation goals, primarily centered on genetic stability and preservation. The most significant application is in the field of cannabis breeding and strain creation. Male plants are necessary to produce the pollen required to cross two different strains or to stabilize the genetics of an existing variety.
Growers use regular seeds to search for the most desirable phenotypes, which are individual plants expressing specific traits from the genetic pool. Once a superior female plant is identified, it is often selected as a mother plant for cloning. Plants grown from regular seeds are often considered more vigorous and genetically stable than those from feminized seeds, making them ideal for maintaining a consistent genetic line.
The Process of Identifying Plant Sex
Because regular seeds produce a mix of male and female plants, identifying the sex of each seedling is a necessary step to ensure a seedless harvest. This determination usually happens during the pre-flower stage, which begins roughly three to six weeks after germination. The visual cues appear at the nodes, which are the points where the branches meet the main stem.
Male plants will begin to develop small, round, ball-like structures called pollen sacs, which contain the pollen needed for reproduction. Female plants, conversely, will develop a small, teardrop-shaped calyx with one or two wispy white hairs, known as pistils, emerging from it. Identifying and removing the male plants is a time-sensitive procedure. If a male plant is allowed to mature and release its pollen, it will fertilize the surrounding female plants, causing them to divert energy from cannabinoid and flower production into making seeds.