IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Introduction to Cannabis Reproduction
- The Birds and the Bees of Regular Seeds
- 6 Steps to Grow Regular Marijuana Seeds
Introduction to Cannabis Reproduction
Botanically Perfect Flowers
While cannabis flowers may look perfect to the naked eye, botanically speaking, they are not “perfect” flowers. A perfect flower contains both male and female reproductive organs in one bloom—something common in apples and beans. Cannabis plants produce separate male and female flowers, unless they become hermaphroditic.
Monoecious vs Dioecious
Monoecious plants like corn or cucumbers produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Dioecious plants like spinach or asparagus produce either male or female plants. Cannabis is usually dioecious but can become monoecious under stress—these are your “hermies”.
Understanding Cannabis Sex
Cannabis can express four sex types: male, female, true hermaphrodite (separate male/female flowers), and mixed-gender plants (male pollen sacs in female buds, aka “nanners”).
What Causes Hermaphroditism?
Hermies can be triggered by bad genetics, temperature spikes, nutrient deficiencies, transplant stress, light leaks during dark hours, root rot, or even rough handling. Keep your grow stable to reduce the risk—especially with photoperiod seeds.
The Birds and the Bees of Regular Seeds
What Are Regular Cannabis Seeds?
Regular seeds are non-feminized photoperiod seeds. They grow just like nature intended, with roughly a 50/50 split of male and female offspring. Unlike feminized seeds (which are treated to guarantee females), regulars are untouched by breeding manipulation.
Who Should Grow Regular Seeds?
These are best for experienced growers and breeders seeking to select parent plants or chase unique phenotypes. Identifying and removing males is essential to avoid pollinated buds.
Beginners should stick to feminized or autoflowering seeds unless you’re up for a challenge or working with an OG who can guide you. Identifying plant sex can be tough if it’s your first few grows.
6 Steps to Grow Regular Marijuana Seeds
Step 1: Germinate
Follow our seed germination guide to give your regulars the best possible start.
Step 2: Veg as Usual
Veg your plants like any other grow—water, feed, train, and keep an eye on early signs of stress or pests.
Step 3: Monitor Environment & Prep for Sexing
Expect sex traits to show around 1–3 weeks after flipping to 12/12 light indoors, or as natural daylight reduces outdoors. Keep your eyes on branch nodes near the top for preflowers.
Step 4: Identify Plant Sex
• Male: Look for balls or clusters (pollen sacs/stamen).
• Female: Look for white V-shaped pistils (hairs) coming from green calyxes.
• Hermies: Bananas in female flowers or both sex organs on the same plant.
Step 5: Remove Males & Hermies
Male pollen travels far and fast. Remove them quickly if you don’t want seeds in your bud. Either destroy them or isolate for breeding.
Step 6: Breeding (Optional)
Breeding is not for the faint-hearted. It takes years to stabilise genetics. If you’re serious, start small and learn from proven breeders. Otherwise, stick to premium seeds from reputable sources.
Browse our breeders or shop directly from our regular seeds catalogue to get started.
