Whether growers choose regular or feminized seeds depends on their cultivation experience and their primary goal for the harvest. For example, those who want to breed unique strains may prefer regular seeds.
This is because the seeds can produce both male and female plants. You will need to identify and remove the male plants, which can reduce your yield by up to 50%.
They are cheaper
As they can produce both male and female plants, regular seeds tend to cost less than feminized varieties. They also have a higher genetic stability, making them more suitable for breeding. This makes them the choice of most growers who want to create their own strains.
Growing regular seed can be easier than other types of seed, but it still requires sexing and culling male plants to avoid pollinating the whole crop. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it’s worth it in the long run for those who want to make their own cultivars.
Moreover, if you are a beginner or an experienced grower, choosing regular seeds can save you a lot of money. Besides, they can also be more resistant to pests and diseases.
They are more stable
Regular seeds are photoperiod-dependent, meaning they will flower in response to the amount of light they receive. This is the type of seed you can find in classic indica, sativa and hybrid strains that even the newest of noobs have probably grown before.
These seeds also tend to produce robust descendants, which can be used for cloning. They’re also a popular choice for breeders because of their stability. Feminized seeds, on the other hand, can be unstable and difficult to clone.
Another advantage of regular seeds is that they’re less likely to become male plants. This can be beneficial for growers who are legally capped at a number of plants. These growers can avoid wasting time and resources sexing plants. However, the chances of getting a male plant are still slightly higher than with feminized seeds.
They are easier to breed
Regular seeds are easier to breed because they grow a mix of male and female plants. This is natural, and it means that you can harvest lots of seeds for your next crop. This also allows you to cross your favourite strains for a bigger variety of genetics.
This is important for breeders, as it makes it possible to produce a consistent supply of specific strains. In addition, regular seeds are much more robust than feminized seeds and can handle stress better.
The biggest drawback to regular seeds is that they only yield a predominately female crop about 50% of the time. This can be a problem for growers who want a certain ratio of male to female plants or who are legally limited to growing a specific number of plants.
They are more resistant to pests and diseases
When choosing plant varieties, select those that offer resistance to pests and diseases. For example, look for roses that resist black spot and potatoes that fend off slugs. Also, choose brassicas that are resistant to verticillium wilt, honey fungus and phytophthora root rot.
Regular seeds also allow you to breed and create new strains because they do not have the feminizing process that feminized seeds go through. This is especially important for growers who want to experiment with different terpenes and highs.
Many old school cultivars are only available as regular seed because they never made it through the feminizing process. This makes them the ideal choice for the grower who wants a more stable plant. In addition, they are great for growers who like to make their own seed stock.
They are easier to grow
Regular seeds are a good option for growers who want to make their own seed stock. The male plants will produce pollen throughout the flowering process and will fertilize the females, triggering their seeds to be produced in the colas. This is a great opportunity for the breeder but requires a lot of work in sexing each plant and ensuring that only the female plants are bred.
The other advantage of regular seeds is that they have a 50% chance to produce a male plant, which can be used for breeding purposes. This can be a huge advantage for growers who want to create new strains. Moreover, male plants are also useful for the health of the plant as they help to strengthen its roots.
