How to Tell Male vs Female Pot Plants

If you are growing cannabis, it is important to be able to distinguish between male and female plants. Knowing the sex of your plants can help you ensure that you get the desired yield, and it can also help you avoid pollination if you only want to grow female plants. Here are some tips on how to tell male vs female pot plants:

Look for Pre-Flowers

One of the easiest ways to identify the sex of your plants is by looking for pre-flowers. These are small, undeveloped flowers that appear on the plant during the vegetative stage. Male plants will have pre-flowers that look like little balls, while female plants will have pre-flowers that have two white hairs coming out of them. You may need a magnifying glass to see the pre-flowers clearly.

Inspect the Stems

Another way to distinguish between male and female plants is by inspecting the stems. Male plants tend to have thicker, sturdier stems than female plants. They also tend to have fewer leaves and branches. Female plants, on the other hand, tend to have thinner, more delicate stems, as well as more leaves and branches.

Check for Bananas

If you are growing cannabis plants and you notice that some of the flowers are turning yellow and producing little, banana-shaped growths, this is a sign that you have male plants. These growths are actually pollen sacs, and they can pollinate your female plants, reducing your yield and potency. If you are growing female plants and you notice bananas, you should remove the male plants immediately.

Look for Pistils

Pistils are the female reproductive organs of the cannabis plant. They look like small, white hairs that protrude from the flowers. If you see a lot of pistils on your plants, this is a good sign that they are female. If you don't see any pistils, or if you see a lot of pollen sacs, this is a sign that you have male plants.

Conclusion

Distinguishing between male and female cannabis plants is not difficult, but it does require a bit of knowledge and close observation. By learning how to identify the sex of your plants, you can ensure that you get the best yield possible and avoid pollination if you only want to grow female plants. So take the time to inspect your plants regularly and keep an eye out for pre-flowers, stems, bananas, and pistils.