When choosing cannabis seeds, growers are faced with several options: regular , feminized and automatic (autoflowering) seeds. Each type of seed has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider before making a decision. In this post, we'll go over the key differences and help you make the right seed choice for your next growing project.
1. Regular seeds: advantages and disadvantages
Regular seeds are the most original form of cannabis seeds. They contain both male and female plants , although you can expect around 50% male plants.
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Advantages
- 💰 Cheaper than feminized or automatic seeds.
- 🌱 Breeding new varieties is only possible with regular seeds, since male plants are needed to produce pollen.
- 💪 Robust and durable , ideal for experienced growers.
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Disadvantages
- ⚠️ Male plants do not produce flowers and must be removed early to prevent pollination of female plants.
- ❓ Uncertainty in yield , as it is not clear how many female plants you will get.
2. Feminized seeds: advantages and disadvantages
Feminized seeds are bred to produce almost 100% female plants , making them particularly popular among growers who focus on growing flowers.
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Advantages
- 🌸 Almost guaranteed female plants , which maximizes yield.
- ⏳ No need to remove male plants , saves time and effort.
- 📈 Ideal for growers who want to produce flowers efficiently .
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Disadvantages
- 💸 More expensive than regular seeds.
- 🧬 Not suitable for breeding new varieties because male plants are missing.
- 🔄 Some growers report that feminized plants can be more susceptible to stress and mutations .
3. Automatic seeds (autoflowering): advantages and disadvantages
Automatic seeds , also called autoflowering , automatically switch to the flowering phase regardless of the duration of light. They are particularly popular with beginners because they are easy to care for and robust.
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Advantages
- 🌞 Independent of the light cycle , therefore ideal for beginners and uncomplicated to grow.
- ⏱️ Shorter growth cycles (often only 8-10 weeks from seed to harvest).
- 🛡️ Resistant to external influences and stress-resistant .
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Disadvantages
- 🌱 Smaller plants with a tendency to lower yields compared to feminized seeds.
- 🔄 Less control over the flowering cycle as it is initiated automatically.
- 🚫 Less suitable for growers aiming for larger yields .
4. Conclusion: Which type of seed is right for you?
Choosing between regular, feminized and automatic seeds depends on your goals and experience level:
- Regular seeds : Ideal if you value breeding and genetic diversity.
- Feminized seeds : Perfect for growers who want to get the maximum yield from female plants.
- Automatic seeds : Offer a low-maintenance, quick solution and are ideal for beginners.
Personal tip : If you are still unsure, you can also experiment with small amounts of each type of seed to experience the differences in growth and yield for yourself.
