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California’s Best Feminized Seeds for Sale

We ensure our feminized seeds are 99 percent or more female on average. We are the first company to have seeds recognized as “Certified Feminized” by Leafworks Genomics. According to our research alongside a team of geneticists at UC Davis, they are identical to our regular seed lines in performance. Growers should always monitor their plants for male or intersex traits, whether they’re using Feminized Seeds, Regular Seeds, or Clones.

Understanding Feminized Seeds 

Feminized seeds are cannabis seeds that have been bred to produce only female plants. Female cannabis plants are popular because they are the ones that make the resinous buds high in THC and CBD. Male plants, on the other hand, are typically not desirable for growers unless they are breeding. The primary advantage of using feminized seeds is that they eliminate the guesswork of sexing plants, ensuring a crop full of bud-producing plants.

The Advantages of Using Feminized Seeds

When comparing feminized seeds to regular or autoflower seeds, the benefits are clear. With feminized seeds, you significantly reduce the risk of male plants infiltrating your garden, which can pollinate females and reduce the quality and quantity of your yield. This makes feminized weed strains particularly beneficial for beginner growers who may not be able to determine the sex of a cannabis plant early in the growing process.

If a male plant joins a grow room of female cannabis plants, it can have a severe impact on the entire crop. Male plants produce pollen that, if released, can fertilize the female plants, causing them to produce seeds instead of the highly prized, resinous buds. This seeding process not only reduces the potency and quality of the harvest but also diminishes the overall yield. 

After pollination, a female plant shifts its energy from producing THC-rich flowers to developing seeds, leading to a less desirable product. In a worst-case scenario, a single male plant can ruin an entire crop, making it crucial to identify and remove any male plants as early as possible.

Compared to autoflower seeds, photoperiod feminized seeds offer growers the flexibility to control the flowering time based on light schedules, allowing for potentially larger yields. Autoflower seeds automatically transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage regardless of light exposure, which can be convenient but limits control.

Creating Feminized Seeds

Feminized seeds are often produced using a process that involves treating female cannabis plants with a solution of Colloidal silver or STS (silver thiosulfate). It works by limiting the production of ethylene, a hormone that is essential for female flower development. When a female plant encounters this solution, it will develop male pollen sacs instead of female flowers.

Since the plant is genetically female, its pollen contains only female chromosomes. This pollen can fertilize other female plants, resulting in seeds that are almost exclusively female. This method is highly effective for producing feminized seeds that ensure growers get a crop full of bud-producing female plants, reducing the risk of male plants in the garden.

Growing Feminized Seeds

Growing feminized seeds is straightforward, but there are a few key things to consider. These seeds can thrive indoors and outdoors. They also flourish in a variety of growing mediums, from soil to hydroponics. Start with a high-quality growing medium to support optimal germination rates, ensuring the seeds develop into strong, healthy plants. 

They require a consistent light schedule during the vegetative stage 18/6 and a switch to a 12/12 light cycle to initiate flowering. While we have comprehensive guides on growing both indoor and outdoor cannabis, a quick tip is to ensure your plants have enough space to grow and to check them regularly for any signs of stress, which can lead to hermaphroditism.

Hermaphroditism

Hermaphroditism in cannabis plants occurs when a plant develops both male and female reproductive organs, leading to the potential for self-pollination and the production of seeds in the buds. This can be particularly problematic for growers seeking to cultivate high-quality, seedless cannabis. While feminized seeds are bred to produce only female plants, there is a small risk of hermaphroditism, especially if the plants are exposed to stressors such as inconsistent light cycles, nutrient deficiencies, nutrient toxicities, or physical damage.

The occurrence of hermaphroditism in feminized seeds is generally low, but it can still happen. To minimize the risk, it’s crucial to provide stable growing conditions and regularly monitor plants for any signs of male flowers. Remove male plants immediately to prevent pollination and preserve the quality of the crop.

Best Nutrients for Feminized Seeds

Growing from feminized seeds can be a rewarding experience, but to achieve the best results, it’s crucial to choose the right nutrients for your plants. Whether you’re growing in living soil, hydroponics, or using organic methods, each approach requires different types of nutrients to support healthy growth and maximize yield. The key to success is selecting the growing method that best fits your lifestyle and resources. By understanding the nutrient needs of your feminized seeds in various growing environments, you can ensure that your plants thrive and produce high-quality, resinous buds.

In hydroponic systems, where plants grow in water rather than soil, nutrients must be delivered directly through the water. This method relies heavily on water-soluble, synthetic nutrients that are easy to absorb in the plant’s roots. These nutrient solutions can provide all the essential elements, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals, ensuring rapid growth and development. 

For growers who prefer an organic approach, there are also water-soluble organic nutrients available. Regardless of your choice, hydroponic growing allows for tight control over nutrient levels, making it a popular choice for those seeking maximum yield.

When growing feminized seeds in soil, the choice of nutrients can vary widely. Many soil growers prefer using dry amendments, which are mixed into the soil and slowly release nutrients over time. These can include organic options like bone meal, blood meal, and rock phosphate, providing a steady supply of essential nutrients throughout the growing cycle. Nutrient-rich teas, made by steeping compost or specific amendments in water, work well as a liquid feed to boost plant health.

Another approach is to cultivate a thriving soil food web, where beneficial microorganisms break down organic matter and release nutrients in a form that plants can readily absorb. This method mimics natural ecosystems and can lead to healthier, more resilient plants.

For those interested in a more sustainable or closed-loop approach, homemade inputs offer a viable option. Techniques like JADAM and Korean Natural Farming (KNF) focus on creating natural fertilizers and pest controls using locally sourced ingredients, such as fermented plant juices and compost teas. 

JADAM is an ultra-low-cost type of farming using DIY pest mitigation and other simple techniques. KNF is similar but relies on indigenous microorganisms (IMO), such as native bacteria and protozoa, instead of pesticides. These methods reduce costs and promote a healthy growing environment by enhancing soil biological diversity.

Aquaponics is another innovative method, combining fish farming with plant cultivation in a symbiotic relationship. The waste produced by fish provides nutrients for weed plants, while the plants help filter and clean the water for the fish.

Composting, including worm castings, is another effective way to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, creating a self-sustaining cycle of fertility. These methods not only support plant growth but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient growing practice.

Regardless of the type of nutrients you choose for your feminized seeds—whether synthetic, organic, or homemade—the basic minerals and essential nutrients required for healthy plant growth remain consistent. Throughout the different growth stages, your plants will need specific ratios of these nutrients to thrive.

Vegetative Phase:

  • Higher ratio of nitrogen (N) to support foliage and stem growth.
  • Moderate levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

 Transition (The Stretch) Phase:

  • Gradual increase in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to prepare for bud development.
  • Maintain moderate nitrogen (N) levels.

 Flowering Phase: 

  • CAL/MAG Fast Growth & Use for early flowering period
  • High levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) enhance bud size and resin production.
  • Lower nitrogen (N) to reduce leaf growth and focus on flowering.

Adjusting nutrient ratios according to each growth phase, you can optimize the health and yield of your feminized cannabis plants, ensuring they reach their full potential. Adding trace minerals such as silica, magnesium, and boron to boost plant health and resist disease is recommended throughout the life cycle.

Getting the Right Soil for Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Choosing the right growing medium is crucial for the success of your feminized cannabis seeds. The medium you select will directly impact your plants’ health, growth rate, and overall yield. There are several options available, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. Whether you opt for specialized soil mixes for indoor weed cultivation, optimize natural soil conditions for outdoor grows, or explore soilless methods like hydroponics, understanding the specifics of each approach will help you make an informed decision that suits your cultivation style and resources.

When cultivating feminized cannabis seeds indoors, using a high-quality, specialized soil mix for germination can significantly enhance your plants’ performance. These mixes can provide optimal drainage, aeration, and nutrient content tailored to the needs of cannabis plants.

Considerations for Indoor Soil Mixes:

  • Drainage and Aeration: Look for soil mixes that contain components like perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, or peat moss, which improve drainage and prevent waterlogging. Proper aeration ensures that roots receive enough oxygen, promoting vigorous growth and preventing root diseases.
  • pH Levels: Maintaining the correct pH is vital for nutrient uptake. The ideal soil pH for cannabis ranges between 6.0 and 7.0. Many mixes help get you to this range, but it’s advisable to monitor and adjust pH levels throughout the grow cycle.
  • Sterility and Pest Control: Using commercially prepared soil reduces the risk of pests and pathogens that can harm your plants. Ensure that the soil mix is sterile and free from contaminants to provide a healthy growing environment. The best mixes on the market come pre-inoculated (post-sterilization) with beneficial biologics that help seeds germinate better and grow faster.

Growing feminized cannabis seeds outdoors allows plants to benefit from natural sunlight and expansive space, but it also requires careful attention to the existing soil conditions. Optimizing your outdoor soil will support robust plant development and maximize yields.

Strategies for Enhancing Outdoor Soil:

  • Soil Testing: Begin by testing your native soil to assess its texture, nutrient content, and pH levels. Soil test kits are readily available and provide valuable information to guide amendments and adjustments.
  • Improving Soil Structure: To ensure proper drainage and root development, amend heavy, compacted soils with materials like compost, peat moss, and pumice. For sandy soils that drain too quickly, adding organic matter such as wood chips or well-aged manure can improve water retention.
  • Nutrient Enrichment: Enhance soil fertility by combining organic fertilizers and amendments based on your soil test results. Common additions include bone meal for phosphorus, fish powder for nitrogen, and kelp for potassium. Regularly replenishing these nutrients throughout the growing season supports sustained plant health.
  • pH Adjustment: Outdoor soil pH should sit between 6.0 and 7.0. Use lime to raise pH levels in acidic soils or sulfur to lower pH in alkaline soils, doing so in early spring or late fall when no cannabis plants are in the ground. Regular monitoring ensures that nutrient uptake remains efficient.

Mulching and Soil Cover: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, or leaf litter also break down over time, contributing additional nutrients to the soil.

For those interested in a more sustainable or closed-loop approach, homemade inputs offer a viable option. Techniques like JADAM and Korean Natural Farming (KNF) focus on creating natural fertilizers and pest controls using locally sourced ingredients, such as fermented plant juices and compost teas. 

JADAM is an ultra-low-cost type of farming using DIY pest mitigation and other simple techniques. KNF is similar but relies on indigenous microorganisms (IMO), such as native bacteria and protozoa, instead of pesticides. These methods reduce costs and promote a healthy growing environment by enhancing soil biological diversity.

Aquaponics is another innovative method, combining fish farming with plant cultivation in a symbiotic relationship. The waste produced by fish provides nutrients for weed plants, while the plants help filter and clean the water for the fish.

Composting, including worm castings, is another effective way to recycle organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, creating a self-sustaining cycle of fertility. These methods not only support plant growth but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient growing practice.

Hydroponic growing offers an alternative to traditional soil cultivation by allowing feminized cannabis seeds to grow in a typically soilless environment where nutrients are delivered directly through water solutions. This method provides precise control over growing conditions and can result in faster growth rates and higher yields. 

A bit of a hot topic in the cultivator community, some maintain hydroponic simply refers to the water-based nutrient delivery system; others believe the only truly hydroponic setups involve neutral mediums, such as water, coco coir, or rockwool.

Essential Aspects of Hydroponic Growing:

  • System Selection: Various hydroponic systems are available, including Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), and Ebb and Flow setups. Choose a system that aligns with your space, budget, and experience level.
  • Nutrient Solutions: In hydroponics, plants rely entirely on nutrient-enriched water for their needs. Use high-quality, hydroponic-specific nutrient formulations that provide a balanced mix of macro and micronutrients. Adjust nutrient concentrations according to the plant’s growth stage to support optimal development.
  • pH and EC Monitoring: Maintaining appropriate pH levels (typically between 5.5 and 6.5 for hydroponics) is critical for nutrient absorption. Regularly monitor and adjust pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) to ensure that nutrient solutions remain within ideal ranges.
  • Water Quality and Temperature: Use clean, filtered water to prevent contaminants and ensure consistency in nutrient delivery. Keep water temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C – 24°C) to promote healthy root systems and prevent issues like root rot. 

For growers interested in sustainable and eco-friendly practices, several alternative growing mediums and methods can be employed to cultivate feminized cannabis seeds effectively.

Notable Sustainable Growing Options:

  • Coco Coir: Made from coconut husks, coco coir is an environmentally friendly, renewable growing medium that offers excellent water retention and aeration. It’s inert and requires nutrients but provides a versatile base for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
  • Organic Super Soils: These are rich, pre-amended soils that contain a diverse mix of organic materials such as compost, worm castings, and natural fertilizers. Super soils aim to create a self-sustaining environment where plants receive all necessary nutrients without additional feeding.
  • Aquaponics: This innovative method combines hydroponics with aquaculture, using fish waste to naturally fertilize plants. The plants, in turn, filter and clean the water for the fish, creating a closed-loop, symbiotic system that conserves water and reduces waste.
  • Living Soil: Emphasizing a thriving ecosystem of beneficial microbes and fungi, living soil approaches mimic natural soil conditions, enhancing nutrient cycling and plant health. Techniques include composting, cover cropping, and minimal soil disturbance to promote biological diversity.

Selecting the appropriate growing medium for your feminized cannabis seeds is a foundational decision that influences every aspect of your cultivation journey. By understanding and considering the various options—from specialized indoor soils and optimized outdoor conditions to hydroponic systems and sustainable alternatives—you can tailor your approach to meet your specific goals, resources, and values.

For more detailed information and guidance, be sure to check out our guide on the best soil for growing marijuana where we delve deeper into selecting and optimizing growing mediums for successful cannabis cultivation.

Buy feminized seeds online

At Humboldt Seed Company, we pride ourselves on offering the best feminized seeds available. Our rigorous, science-based breeding process, combined with our partnerships with top geneticists, ensures that you’re getting seeds that are high-quality and genetically stable. 

Whether you’re a first-time grower or a seasoned cultivator, our reputable seed bank provides you with the best chance for a successful harvest. And the best part is you can buy cannabis seeds online with fast and discreet shipping and our amazing customer support team is available to answer any questions.

FAQs 

How do feminized weed seeds differ from regular seeds? 

Feminized weed seeds produce 99.9 percent female plants, while regular cannabis seeds can produce both male and female plants. This means that with feminized seeds, you don’t have to worry about identifying and removing male plants that could pollinate your females.

Yes, feminized seeds are ideal for beginners because they eliminate the need to identify and remove male plants, making the growing process more straightforward.

Absolutely. Feminized seeds are worth buying if you want to maximize your yield and reduce the chances of growing male plants by accident and ruining your harvest.

This depends on your growing style. Autoflower seeds grow quickly, flowering based on age versus light intervals. The plants are somewhat small and do not take up much space. Feminized seeds may take longer but produce larger plants, flowering based on the changing of light intervals.

Some growers prefer regular seeds because they produce both male and female plants, which is necessary for breeding new cannabis strains. Additionally, some purists believe that regular seeds produce more robust plants and are the most natural way to grow. However, for most growers, especially those focused on yield, feminized seeds are the better choice.

By optimizing your growing process with high-quality seeds, you’re setting yourself up for a successful and bountiful harvest. Explore our selection and start your journey to becoming a master grower today.