The 420 Gardener
Creating your own feminized seeds can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of your cannabis cultivation. Feminized seeds guarantee female plants, which are the ones responsible for producing the cannabinoid-rich flowers that most growers seek. By using Silver Thiosulfate Solution (STS), you can feminize your seeds and avoid the time-consuming process of identifying and removing male plants. This guide will walk you through the steps of producing feminized pollen and seeds using STS.
Understanding Feminized Seeds and STS
Feminized seeds are specially bred to produce only female plants, ensuring that every seed you plant will yield a flower-producing plant. Traditionally, growers would plant regular seeds, wait for them to grow, and then remove the male plants to prevent them from pollinating the females. This process can be inefficient and wasteful, especially if your goal is to maximize the number of flowering plants.
Feminization involves inducing a female plant to produce male flowers that contain pollen. When this pollen is used to fertilize another female plant, the resulting seeds are nearly 100% female. Silver Thiosulfate Solution (STS) is a chemical compound that suppresses ethylene production in female cannabis plants, causing them to develop male flowers without altering their genetic makeup. These male flowers produce pollen that can be used to create feminized seeds.
Materials You Will Need
To successfully create feminized seeds, you’ll need the following materials:
- Silver Thiosulfate Solution (STS): Available as a pre-mixed kit or can be made by combining silver nitrate with sodium thiosulfate.
- Distilled Water: Used for mixing the STS solution.
- Spray Bottle: For applying the STS solution to your plants.
- Two Female Cannabis Plants: One to generate pollen and one to produce seeds.
- Proper Ventilation and Safety Gear: Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and a mask when handling chemicals.
Step 1: Preparing the Silver Thiosulfate Solution
If you’re preparing your own STS, follow these steps:
- Solution A: Dissolve 0.1 grams of silver nitrate in 100 ml of distilled water.
- Solution B: Dissolve 0.5 grams of sodium thiosulfate in 100 ml of distilled water.
Once both solutions are fully dissolved, mix them together to create your Silver Thiosulfate Solution. Store the solution in a dark, cool place to prevent degradation, and use it within a few days for the best results.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Female Plants
The quality of your feminized seeds largely depends on the quality of the female plants you select. Choose healthy, robust plants with the desired traits you wish to pass on. It’s essential to pick a resilient and strong plant for pollen production, as the STS treatment can be stressful for the plant. The second plant, which will be pollinated, should also be of high quality, as it will produce the seeds.
Step 3: Application of STS
Once your STS solution is ready, it’s time to apply it to your selected female plant. The goal is to stress the plant just enough to cause it to produce male flowers.
- Timing: Begin applying STS to your plant when it is about 7-10 days into its flowering stage. Timing is critical because you want the plant to start developing male flowers early enough to ensure sufficient pollen production.
- Method: Use the spray bottle to thoroughly coat the branches and flowers of the selected female plant with STS. Be sure to cover all areas that you want to develop male flowers. Repeat this process every 5 days for about 3-4 weeks.
- Safety: Remember, STS is a chemical compound and should be handled with care. Always wear gloves and a mask when spraying and work in a well-ventilated area.
Step 4: Inducing Male Flowers
After several applications of STS, you should start to see male flowers forming on your female plant. This process may take a few weeks, so patience is key. Once the male flowers appear, they will begin to produce pollen.
Step 5: Collecting and Applying Pollen
The timing of pollen release is crucial for successful seed production. Generally, pollen will start appearing around day 28-35 of the flowering stage. Initially, the pollen release will be light, but it will become more abundant around days 42-49.
- Collecting Pollen: As the male flowers begin to open and release pollen, collect it by gently tapping the flowers over a clean surface, such as a piece of paper or a glass plate. Monitor the plant closely during this period to ensure you collect the pollen at its peak.
- Pollination: Once you have collected the pollen, apply it to the female plant you wish to seed. Use a small brush or your fingers to lightly dust the pollen onto the female flowers. Start with the lower branches and work your way up, ensuring thorough coverage. The earlier, lighter pollen can be used on initial branches, while the more abundant pollen released later can be applied to additional branches to ensure successful pollination.
Step 6: Harvesting Feminized Seeds
After successful pollination, your female plant will begin to produce seeds. This process takes several weeks, so be patient. Once the seeds have matured (usually around 4-6 weeks after pollination), they will be ready for harvest.
- Harvesting: Carefully remove the seeds from the plant and allow them to dry completely. Store the seeds in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant them.
Benefits of Feminized Seeds
Feminized seeds offer several advantages for growers:
- Guaranteed Female Plants: Nearly all of the seeds produced will be female, eliminating the need to identify and remove male plants.
- Consistent Genetics: By choosing high-quality parent plants, you can ensure that the resulting seeds carry desirable traits such as potency, flavor, and yield.
- Efficiency: Feminized seeds streamline the growing process, saving time and resources that would otherwise be spent dealing with male plants.
- Sustainability: Creating your own feminized seeds allows you to maintain a sustainable grow operation, reducing the need to purchase new seeds for each grow cycle.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with STS Feminization
While creating feminized seeds using STS is generally a straightforward process, there are a few common issues that growers might encounter. Understanding these potential challenges and knowing how to address them can make a significant difference in the success of your feminization efforts.
Incomplete Male Flower Development
One of the most common issues is incomplete development of male flowers. This can happen if the STS solution is not potent enough, or if it’s not applied thoroughly across the plant.
- Solution: Ensure that your STS solution is mixed correctly and that it has been applied consistently to all desired areas of the plant. If the male flowers are not forming as expected, consider reapplying the STS more frequently or increasing the concentration slightly, but be cautious not to overstress the plant.
Conclusion
Creating your own feminized seeds using Silver Thiosulfate Solution (STS) is a powerful technique that allows you to take control of your cannabis cultivation. This method ensures a high-quality, female-only crop, saving time, effort, and resources. By carefully selecting your female plants, properly preparing and applying STS, and patiently waiting for the results, you can achieve a consistent and potent harvest every time.
While the process of creating feminized seeds is highly beneficial, it should be approached with care and respect for the plants. Ensure that you are working in a safe environment, use high-quality materials, and always prioritize the health of your plants.
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting, this method will enable you to produce a consistent, high-quality harvest that reflects your dedication and passion for cannabis.