Cannabis Genetics Explained

Regular, Feminized, and Autoflower

When you shop for cannabis seeds, the labels can be confusing: regular, feminized, autoflower. These terms describe how the seeds grow, and choosing the right one can make or break your grow. Let’s break it down simply.

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🌱 Regular Seeds

What they are:

• The “original” form of cannabis seeds.
• Each seed has a 50/50 chance of becoming male or female.

Pros:

• Natural genetics—great for breeding new strains.
• Often cheaper than feminized or autoflowers.

Cons:

• Males don’t produce buds, and they can pollinate your females (which lowers bud quality).
• You’ll need to identify and remove males early on.

Best for: Experienced growers and breeders who want natural genetics or plan to make seeds.

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🌸 Feminized Seeds

What they are:

• Specially bred seeds that almost always grow into female plants (the ones that make buds).

Pros:

• No need to worry about males—saves space and time.
• Reliable and consistent for beginners.

Cons:

• Can be slightly more expensive.
• Not ideal for breeding since they’re designed for bud production only.

Best for: New growers who want guaranteed buds with minimal hassle.

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⚡ Autoflower Seeds

What they are:

• Seeds bred with Cannabis ruderalis genetics, which makes them flower automatically after a set time (usually 2–4 weeks), regardless of light cycle.

Pros:

• Super fast harvests (8–12 weeks total).
• Small, stealthy plants—good for limited space.
• Easier light schedule (they flower on their own).

Cons:

• Smaller yields compared to regular or feminized plants.
• Less time to fix mistakes (since they grow on a timer).
• Limited training options.

Best for: Growers who want quick results, stealth grows, or simple setups without strict light schedules.

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🌟 Pro Grower Gem

If it’s your first grow, go with feminized seeds. They’re predictable, bud-heavy, and forgiving. Once you’re confident, experiment with autoflowers for fast harvests or try regular seeds if you want to dive into breeding.