Cannabis Seed Types: Differences, Genetics and Terminology
The words regular, feminised and autoflowering describe different biological or breeding characteristics. A seed may be both feminised and autoflowering: these are not mutually exclusive categories.
Seed classifications compared
| Question | Regular | Feminised | Autoflowering |
|---|---|---|---|
| What does it describe? | Seed line not specifically feminised | Seed line bred to favour female offspring | Flowering behaviour associated with age and genetics |
| Are these exclusive labels? | May be photoperiod or autoflowering | May be photoperiod or autoflowering | May be regular or feminised |
| Is a named variety guaranteed identical? | No | No | No |
Genotype, phenotype and lineage
Genotype means an organism's genetic makeup; phenotype is the observable expression of its traits, influenced by genes and environment. A strain name is not a DNA certificate, and visually similar seeds cannot reliably reveal their lineage.
How to read a breeder listing critically
Look for a clearly identified breeder, a consistent cultivar name, documented parentage where available, a batch or lot reference and a transparent explanation of which claims are estimates. Marketing labels such as “premium”, “stable” and “exclusive” have no universal scientific definition.
Frequently asked questions
Is feminised the same as autoflowering?
No. Feminisation concerns the expected sex distribution of offspring; autoflowering concerns developmental timing.
Can the appearance of a seed establish its strain?
No. Seed colour, mottling and size are not dependable identifiers of cultivar or sex.
Are all plants of one cultivar genetically identical?
No. Seed-propagated offspring may vary; a cultivar label alone does not establish genetic uniformity.
Continue with the feminised, regular and autoflowering guides, or review UK legal considerations.