Pollination

Pollination in cannabis involves transferring pollen from male plants to female plants, leading to seed production and perpetuation of the species.

What is Pollination? - A Layman Version

Pollination is the process through which male cannabis plants transfer pollen to female plants.

This natural process results in the fertilization of the female plant, causing it to produce seeds. For example, if you're growing cannabis and your male plants release pollen, it can fertilize nearby female plants, leading to seed development instead of the desired seedless flowers, known as sinsemilla.

What is Pollination? - A Definitive Explanation

Pollination in cannabis is the biological mechanism where pollen from male plants fertilizes the ovules of female plants, leading to seed production.

Pollination is crucial for the survival and genetic diversity of cannabis. Male plants produce pollen sacs that release pollen, carried by wind or insects, to female plants. Female plants, when fertilized, focus energy on seed production, which can affect the yield and quality of cannabis flowers. Growers aiming for high-quality, seedless cannabis must carefully manage pollination to prevent unwanted fertilization.

Key aspects of pollination include:

• Male plants produce pollen in sacs, which they release to fertilize female plants.
• Pollination can occur via wind or insects, making it essential to separate male and female plants when growing sinsemilla.
• Uncontrolled pollination results in seeded cannabis, which is often less desirable for consumption.

Common Questions about Pollination

Why is pollination important in cannabis cultivation?

Pollination is essential for cannabis reproduction and genetic diversity. However, for commercial growers, preventing pollination is crucial to produce seedless, high-quality flowers.

How can I prevent unwanted pollination?

To avoid unwanted pollination, remove male plants from your garden as soon as they are identified. This ensures female plants remain unfertilized, producing seedless flowers.

Can pollination affect the potency of cannabis?

Yes, pollination can affect potency. When female plants are fertilized, they allocate energy to seed production rather than resin and cannabinoid development, potentially reducing potency.

What are the signs of pollination in female plants?

Signs of pollination include the presence of seeds and changes in flower structure. Female plants may develop swollen calyxes and produce fewer trichomes.