Auto-Flowering vs Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Marijuana seeds come in several different forms, two of the most popular being auto-flowering seeds and feminized seeds. But what is the difference between auto-flowering and feminized marijuana seeds? How do you know which one is best for your growing ventures?

Auto-flowering marijuana seeds automatically grow without relying on light cycles. Feminized marijuana seeds grow like regular seeds, relying on light cycles, and only contain female genetics that produce female buds. Female buds are the only buds that you can smoke, unlike their male counterpart, which you cannot consume.

Both types of seeds have their advantages, which is why it’s important to understand each one. A better understanding means a stronger, healthier yield, which is the ultimate goal of every grower. And before you buy either auto-flowering or feminized seeds from your favourite online seed retailer, you should be setting yourself up for the best chance at a prosperous yield. Keep reading to uncover more about these two popular seeds.

 

Auto-flowering Marijuana Seeds

Auto-flowering seeds (also known as Cannabis ruderalis) get their name from their autonomy. While you still need to give them the basic necessities – water, nutrition, and of course a few loving words of encouragement – these seeds do not need regular light cycles.

This is quite different from other seeds, especially feminized, as they will only reach the flowering process if they receive a certain amount of light. In other words, they are photoperiod plants. Photoperiodism is the response to changes in daylength, which allows plants to adjust to seasonal environmental changes.

So, instead of flourishing into their final form thanks to light, these plants actually flower once the plant reaches a certain age. You should still use some light to help these seeds on their way, but they are not as dependent on it as feminized or other types of seeds.

Auto-flowering marijuana seeds are fast-growing and produce short plants with thick stems. This all makes sense when you consider their origins close to the North and South Pole. With such extreme, cold conditions, these plants have had to adapt to survive. They’re short to retain heat better, and buds grow quickly to reproduce before they get exposed too much to the cold and die out.

Just starting out? Auto-flowering seeds are most likely the way to go for you. Beginner growers often find these seeds significantly easier to grow than others. You don’t have to worry about constant surveillance, and there is a lot more room for error. Plus, you can account for more harvests in one period since these seeds flower at a faster rate. This means more weed than other seeds, in the same amount of time.

Pros

• Ideal for beginner growers
• Fast harvest period
• Short and compact for easy growing indoors
• Not reliant on light cycles
• High in CBD
• Strong genetics

Cons

• Unable to clone (or at least very difficult)
• Reduced yield
• Less potent in THC

 

Most Popular Auto-Flowering Strain

If you’ve found yourself to be a fan of the auto-flowering variety, or are simply curious to try it out, then you should give the best-of-the-best a go. There are countless auto-flowering seeds that are fan-favourites, but there’s one in particular that finds itself at the top.

Candy Kush is the best-of-both-worlds as auto-flowering feminized seeds. They have all the advantages of auto-flowering – easier to grow and faster yield – as well as the feminized genetics. This means the growing process is streamlined, plus they are already feminized, so you don’t need to remove the male plants.

Here are some key things to know about Candy Kush:

• Heavily crystalized buds
• Sweet and spicy flavours
• Rapid flowering time between 6 and 8 weeks
• Short plant stature ideal for indoor growing

Why is this the most popular? Candy Kush is loved for its potent flavour and effects. It offers sedative and euphoric effects, making it the perfect afternoon or evening strain to kick your feet up and relax.

 

Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Feminized seeds are seeds that only produce female plants, and hence are hugely popular among experienced cultivators. They produce huge yields with strong, potent buds, and are much easier to clone. This means that growers don’t need to purchase new seeds each time, and can instead clone their existing seeds that produced the best plants. You know, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?

Essentially, feminized seeds eliminate that 50/50 chance of having female or male plants. Male plants are undesirable because they grow pollen sacs instead of buds. It’s these pollen sacs that make the male plants unsuitable.

Not only can you not smoke male plants, but they can also pollinate the female plants. Once pollinated, the female plants will produce seeds, not buds, so you can’t harvest them to make them into the bud you know and love. This should be left to the real expert growers, as removing the males can be a delicate process.

To be fair, male plants do have a couple of uses. For instance, they can be harvested to make a soft hemp fibre, used for clothes or other homeware pieces.

Pros

• Ideal for experienced growers
• Potent yield
• Stronger genetics
• Only produces female plants
• Cost-effective
• Ideal for cloning

Cons

• Slightly slower harvest period
• Possibility of hermaphrodite plants

 

Most Popular Feminized Strain

If you think you’re more of a feminized seed kind of gal or guy, then give the best strain on the market a go: Allen Wrench. High in THC, this strain offers some great earthy, woody flavours, and it won’t knock you out on the couch like some other THC-dominant varieties.

Here are some key things to know about Candy Kush:

• Rich, earthy flavours
• Fast flowering time between 10 and 11 weeks
• High THC concentration of 24%

Growing Allen Wrench should be done by fairly experienced growers. You can grow it inside or out, but if you do grow indoors then we suggest you install an odour-control system, as its aroma is pretty potent.

 

Which One Should I Choose?

Looking at the difference between auto-flowering and feminized marijuana seeds will help you in deciding which is best for you. We suggest going for auto-flowering if you’re just starting out, as these seeds are simpler to grow and leave greater room for error. Feminized seeds remove the risk of growing male plants, which can contaminate the females, making them grow seeds instead of buds. If you still can’t decide, try out both seeds if you have the means.