Before feminized seeds were developed, growers only had regular seeds to work with. Regular seeds produce male and female plants when grown in normal conditions.
These seeds are ideal for breeders looking to create new phenotypes. They allow the genetics of two plants to be cross-bred to produce offspring that exhibit certain traits, such as a particular flavour profile or a unique colour.
They Produce Female Plants 99% of the Time
Regular seeds produce either male or female plants, and it is up to the grower to cull out any that are not producing smokable buds. This can be a hassle for some, but it is a necessary part of the cultivation process. It also means that there is less waste of space, nutrients and lighting with regular seeds.
This is especially important for those cultivating for seed-production, as male plants can trigger the entire crop to produce seeds, reducing yield and potency. In addition, growing regular seeds can allow you to experiment with hybrids of your favourite strains and create unique cannabis varieties that you cannot get from feminized seeds. They are often also more vigorous plants and able to handle stress well. This is a big plus for those seeking maximum potency and flavour profiles. They are also easier to work with for novices.
They Are More Stable Genetics
One of the biggest benefits of regular seeds is their stability. This is especially useful for growers who cultivate their own seed stock. Regular seeds are less likely to become hermaphrodites if they’re stressed by a sudden change in the photoperiod or lack of water. This means that they can be cultivated as an entire crop without the risk of male plants ruining it.
As a result, regular seeds are also easier for novice growers to work with. This makes them an excellent choice for growers who want to create their own strains of cannabis. In order to create new strains, breeders need male and female plants to cross. These crosses are then harvested to produce seeds with the desired ratio of female plants. While feminized seeds are ideal for growers who want to harvest only female plants, regular seeds are still essential for those wanting to start their own breeding projects.
They Are Less Expensive
The process of weeding out the male plants isn’t a quick and easy task, but it is very cost-effective for growers. This is because the grower can save on buying more seeds since they will be able to use their own seeds from the previous crop.
Growing regular seed also allows the grower to create their own strains by selectively breeding the best traits of each plant. This leads to a more diverse gene pool, which can result in unique and high-quality strains that are better suited for specific growing conditions and personal preferences.
Growing regular seed also gives the grower a better chance of finding rare or old-school phenotypes that were never made into feminized seeds and would otherwise have passed into obscurity. These gems might offer superior aromas, flavor, yield, resistance to pests or terpene profiles and can produce an exceptional smoke. For this reason, many experienced growers prefer to stick with regular seed for their breeding projects.
They Are Organic
There is a whole subset of growers that are passionate about organics, not because they feel the plants produce better or taste better but because they don’t want to be exposed to chemicals at all. For these home growers regular seeds are the best option.
Growing regular seeds enables growers to breed their own strains. This is a skill that takes time to perfect but it’s something that even amateur growers can do. All they need is a male and female plant.
Cloning is also a popular process that requires regular seeds. Unlike many other autoflower seeds that are produced feminized, regular cannabis seeds can be used to make clones. This is a useful process for many reasons including producing high-quality buds, creating new strains, and maintaining the morphology of a specific cultivar.
