When to Sex a Pot Plant

Sexing a pot plant refers to determining the gender of the plant. This is important for growers as male plants do not produce buds and can pollinate female plants, thereby decreasing the quality and quantity of the harvest. Sexing can be done through visual inspection, but at what point should this be done?

Early Stages

Sexing can be done as early as the pre-flowers stage, which occurs around 3-6 weeks from germination. It is important to note that this method is not always accurate as some strains may take longer to show pre-flowers or may not show them at all. Pre-flowers are the small growths that can be seen at the cross section of the nodes. Male plants will have small round balls while female plants will have wispy white hairs.

Vegetative Stage

If the grower missed the pre-flower stage or wants to confirm the gender of the plant, sexing can also be done during the vegetative stage. At this stage, the plant is larger and more developed, making it easier to differentiate between male and female. Male plants will have thicker stalks and fewer leaves than female plants. The nodes on male plants will also be closer together compared to the wider nodes on female plants.

Flowering Stage

Sexing during the flowering stage is the most accurate method as it is a clear indication of the plant’s gender. Male plants will produce balls that will eventually open up and release pollen. Female plants will produce buds that are covered in resinous trichomes. However, this method requires patience as it can take up to 2 weeks after the start of flowering for the gender to be determined.

Conclusion

Knowing when to sex a pot plant is important for growers to ensure they are cultivating the desired gender. It can be done as early as the pre-flower stage, during the vegetative stage or during the flowering stage. Each stage has its advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately, growers should choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences.