Many cannabis growers prefer feminized seeds. However, many breeders and experienced growers prefer to work with regular seed as well.
They offer a better chance of retaining the original genetics of the parent plants. This is important when breeding new strains or cloning a plant.
They are less expensive than feminized seeds
Generally speaking, regular seeds are significantly cheaper than feminized seed varieties. However, they still carry the risk of producing males. This can be an issue for growers who want to maximize their harvests.
Feminized seeds, on the other hand, guarantee that 100% of their offspring will be female plants. This is a huge benefit for growers, especially those who are limited by legal restrictions or have a strict number of plants they can grow indoors.
Regular seeds are less expensive than feminized seeds because they don’t need to undergo any genetic modification. This makes them more stable, and therefore, more valuable to breeders who prefer a stable genetic lineage.
While these are all valid points, it is important to note that there are some disadvantages to both types of seed. For one, regular seed varieties are more resilient, meaning they will deal with stress better and be less likely to become hermaphrodites (which produce both male and female flowers). They will also yield more than their feminized counterparts.
They are more stable
If you’re a genetic purist and prefer seeds that have never been tampered with, then regular seed are the way to go. This type of seed can be genetically stable and will consistently produce the same phenotypes with each generation, meaning you can pass your seeds on to future growers if you’re unable to keep them.
This is especially true for those who are breeding their own strains and need stable plants to produce new cultivars from. Feminized seeds are also notoriously unstable when it comes to cloning, which means you won’t have robust descendants to harvest from them.
On the other hand, regular seeds are less likely to become hermaphrodites and more tolerant of stress, which can be a real bonus for growers who are trying to maintain high-quality cannabis strains and reduce stress during the growing process. They’re also less expensive than feminized seeds, so they can be a good choice for novice or first-time growers.
They are easier to breed
If you want to create the perfect cannabis strain, you need a good breeding program. There are several ways to do this, from crossing males with females to breeding a sativa strain with an indica one.
Ultimately, the best way to breed marijuana is to pick your favourite specimens and cross them with one another. This way, you get a chance to create a strain that’s unique and ideally suited to your specific needs.
You can also try your hand at cloning, which is a bit more complex and requires specialized equipment. For instance, you need to use a specialized micrometer to make sure your clones are in the right size range. It can be a tedious process, but it can yield some excellent results. Alternatively, you can try using autoflowering seeds. This type of seed can produce a high-quality clone within a month’s time, making it an excellent choice for growers who want to save time and money.
They are easier to clone
When cloning plants, you need to consider a number of factors, including the type of plant you’re taking a cutting from; how you take a cutting; the environment you’re growing in; and the nutrients that you feed your clones. All of these variables can make or break your cloning success.
Seeds grow faster than clones and have better vigor because they have a ‘tap root’ that anchors them. Seeds are also more resistant to pests and diseases because they have a greater genetic diversity.
Clones are more susceptible to pests and diseases because they have fewer chromosomes than seeds. This can cause a lot of problems in the grow room and can lead to poor quality yields.
Seeds are also more stable than clones, which can be a big advantage for commercial growers who want to ensure their products are consistently high-quality. They also produce more yields than clones and tend to be easier to keep alive.