How to Tell Male Pot Plants

When it comes to growing marijuana, it is important to know how to distinguish between male and female plants. Only female plants produce the smokable buds that we all know and love. Male plants, on the other hand, are only good for breeding purposes and otherwise don't contribute to the yield of the crop. Here are some tips on how to tell male pot plants from females:

Look for Pre-Flowers

One of the easiest ways to tell whether a marijuana plant is male or female is to look for pre-flowers. Pre-flowers are small buds that emerge at the base of the plant's leaves. These buds will eventually grow into flowers, which are either male or female. The pre-flowers of female plants will have a small, hair-like structure protruding from the center. Male pre-flowers, on the other hand, will have a small, round ball-like structure.

Check Stem Growth Pattern

Another way to determine whether a marijuana plant is male or female is to check the growth pattern of the stems. Female plants tend to have thicker, sturdier stems than male plants. Male plants, on the other hand, will have thinner, more delicate stems. Additionally, male plants tend to grow taller and slenderer than their female counterparts. These differences can be observed even in the early stages of growth.

Look for Pollen Sacs

Male marijuana plants produce pollen sacs, which can be seen in the area where the branches meet the main stem of the plant. These sacs will eventually open up and release pollen into the air. Female plants, on the other hand, will produce small, hair-like structures called pistils. These pistils will eventually become the smokable buds that marijuana is known for. If you see pollen sacs on your plants, it means they are male and should be removed from the crop.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to tell male pot plants, and thus remove them from your crop, is an essential skill for any marijuana grower. Not only do male plants not produce buds, but they can also fertilize female plants and cause them to produce seeds instead of smokable flowers. By taking the time to observe your plants and determine their sex, you can ensure a higher yield of the buds you desire.