How to tell male from female marijuana seeds: Truth, myths, and guaranteed solutions

One of the most frequently asked questions among cannabis growers in the UK is: Can you tell the difference between male and female marijuana seeds before planting? Understanding the sex of your cannabis plants is crucial—females produce buds, while males produce pollen that can compromise your crop if not removed in time.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain whether it’s possible to distinguish male from female marijuana seeds by appearance, explore the science behind cannabis sex, and share the most reliable way to ensure you're growing female plants only.

If you want to eliminate the guesswork, high-quality feminised seeds from Mavericks Genetics are your most reliable solution.

Why plant sex matters in cannabis cultivation

In cannabis, only female plants produce resinous buds rich in cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. Male plants develop pollen sacs and are typically used for breeding.

If you're cultivating for flower production:

Male plants = no usable buds
Male pollen = risk of pollinating your entire crop
Removing males = wasted time, nutrients, and grow space

Can you tell if a marijuana seed is male or female?

The short answer: No. You cannot determine sex by simply examining the seed.

Despite persistent myths online, there is no scientifically validated way to identify the sex of a cannabis seed just by looking at it. Seed shape, colour or texture are not indicators of sex.

Common myths debunked

Myth
Truth
Male seeds are smaller or darker
Seed size and colour vary by strain
Female seeds have a “volcano” dimple underneath
No scientific evidence supports this
Round seeds are female; pointy seeds are male
Unreliable and inconsistent
You can tell sex using a microscope
Sex is determined genetically, not visually

Conclusion: You cannot identify the sex of a cannabis seed by appearance. Only lab testing or the plant’s early development phase can reveal its sex.

When can you tell the sex of a cannabis plant?

Sex becomes visible during the pre-flowering stage, usually around 3 to 6 weeks after germination—depending on genetics and lighting conditions.

How to identify sex in early growth

Female plants:

• Develop white pistils (hair-like structures)

• Pistils emerge at nodes (where branches meet the main stem)

• Indicate bud development is beginning

Male plants:

• Form round pollen sacs

• No pistils present

• Often appear a few days before female signs

Tip: Use a magnifying glass or loupe to closely inspect pre-flowers and remove male plants promptly.

What determines whether a seed is male or female?

A marijuana seed’s sex is set genetically at the time of pollination:

Male parent (XY) + Female parent (XX) = offspring that are roughly 50% male and 50% female

With regular seeds, you won’t know the sex until the plant matures—unless you use:

• Feminised seeds (XX-only genetics)

• Laboratory DNA testing

How to ensure you grow only female cannabis plants

1. Use feminised marijuana seeds

Feminised seeds are produced by encouraging a female plant to generate pollen, which is then used to pollinate another female. This method results in seeds that grow into female plants 99% of the time.

Advantages of feminised seeds:

• Avoid growing unwanted males

• More efficient use of space and resources

• Greater control and yield predictability

• Ideal for indoor and home growers

All seeds from Mavericks Genetics are feminised, thoroughly tested, and stable.

2. Start with verified genetics

Buy from reputable breeders that stabilise genetics through several generations. Avoid seeds from unverified sources or "bagseed", as they may carry hidden genetic issues or male traits.

3. Use early DNA sex testing (optional)

Some laboratories offer DNA sex testing based on cotyledon leaf tissue. This technique is used in commercial cultivation to separate males from females at the seedling stage, though it may not be practical for hobby growers.

What are regular cannabis seeds?

Regular marijuana seeds are unmodified and have a 50/50 chance of producing either sex. These are mainly used by breeders or collectors.

If you plant 10 regular seeds, expect around:

• 5 female plants

• 5 male plants (which must be removed before they release pollen)

For most non-breeding growers, feminised seeds are a better and more predictable choice.

What about hermaphrodites?

Hermaphrodite cannabis plants develop both male and female sex organs, which can happen due to:

• Genetic instability

• Light leaks during flowering

• Environmental stress (excess heat, poor pruning, drought)

Hermies can self-pollinate or pollinate nearby plants, resulting in seeded buds and lower-quality harvests.

Solution: Use stable feminised seeds from Mavericks Genetics and maintain consistent growing conditions to prevent stress.

Summary: Male vs female cannabis at a glance

Final thoughts: Trust genetics, not seed myths

There is no reliable visual method to determine the sex of cannabis seeds. Instead of guessing or relying on debunked myths, choose seeds with proven genetics.

Feminised marijuana seeds from Mavericks Genetics offer peace of mind and higher yields, helping you focus on what matters—growing healthy, resin-rich female plants.

Ready to grow only female cannabis?

Browse the full selection of feminised marijuana seeds at Mavericks Genetics and enjoy robust genetics, consistent performance, and excellent results for your next grow.