Pre-flowering hemp: Recognising and avoiding hermaphrodites

The pre-flowering phase is one of the most important stages in the life cycle of a hemp plant. This phase determines whether the plant is male, female or a hermaphrodite - and therefore also whether it develops Flowers or has the potential to jeopardise the harvest. For growers, pre-flowering is particularly crucial, as only female plants produce the coveted Flowers, while hermaphrodite plants can pose significant risks. Find out in this article how to recognise pre-flowering, identify hermaphrodites early and why stress avoidance is the key to an optimal harvest.

Recognising hemp pre-flowering: When does it start?

The pre-flowering phase of hemp plants usually begins around four to six weeks after germination, when the plant completes its vegetative phase and slowly enters Flower. This period can vary slightly depending on the variety and environmental conditions, but in general the sex of the plant can be determined according to this time window.

How do you recognise the pre-flowering?

The first signs of pre-flowering can be seen in the so-called Nodien - These are the places where the leaves grow from the main stem. Small pre-flowers form there, which look different depending on the sex:

• Female plants : You will discover tiny white hairs, the so-called Stigmen . These hairs grow out of a small calyx and indicate that the plant is female.
• Male plants Instead of hairs, small round buds form that resemble pollen sacs. These buds enlarge over time and later release the pollen.

It is important to check the plants regularly during pre-flowering, as early identification of the sex helps to remove male plants in good time and thus prevent unwanted pollination.

Sex determination in the pre-flowering stage: male or female?

During pre-flowering, it is decided whether a hemp plant is male or female - an important finding for growers who want to avoid pollination and thus seed formation in order to obtain high-quality Flowers.

How do you recognise the sex for sure?

Sexing during pre-flowering is done by closely observing the small flower buds on the nodes, the points where leaves meet the main stem. Male and female pre-flowers show clear differences that can be recognised with the naked eye as soon as the plant develops these characteristics.

• Male pre-flowers Male plants develop small, spherical buds that look like tiny balls. These pollen sacs usually sit in groups and grow quite symmetrically from the nodes. When they mature, they open and release pollen that can pollinate female plants. It is important to remove male plants early to prevent pollination.
• Female pre-flowers : Female plants form small calyxes from which fine, white hairs - the so-called Stigmen - grow out. These hairs are the first reliable indication that the plant is female and will later develop Flowers.

Differences between male and female preblooms

• Form : Male primaries are round and smooth (pollen sacs), while female primaries develop hairy calyxes with stigmas.
• Funktion : Male plants produce pollen to pollinate female plants, while female plants produce Flowers to produce cannabinoids.
• Time of ripening Male plants often mature a little earlier than female plants, which makes it even more important to recognise them in pre-flowering and remove them before they release pollen.

Thorough observation in the pre-flowering phase can ensure that only female plants are retained for the Flower in order to maximise quality and yield.

Hermaphroditism in hemp: What are hermaphrodites?

Hermaphrodite plants, also Hermaphroditen are hemp plants that have both male and female sexual characteristics. This means that a plant simultaneously forms pollen sacs (male) and calyxes with stigmas (female). Hermaphroditism is usually a stress reaction that leads to the plant being able to pollinate itself in order to ensure its survival.

Definition of hermaphrodite plants

Hermaphrodite plants combine both sexes and are able to produce pollen as well as pollinate themselves and other nearby female plants. This often happens in response to unfavourable growing conditions such as light stress, temperature fluctuations or damage to the plant. Hermaphrodites can occur at any stage of Flower, but growers should pay particular attention in the pre-flowering stage to minimise the risk.

Risks for the yield and quality of the end product

Hermaphrodite plants pose a major risk to the overall yield and quality of the crop for several reasons:

1. Selbstbestäubung Since hermaphrodites produce both pollen and Flowers, they can self-pollinate, which leads to seed formation in the Flowers. This seed formation significantly reduces the quality of the Flowers, as the plant's focus is shifted to seed production rather than the development of cannabinoids and terpenes.
2. Pollination of other plants A hermaphrodite can pollinate not only itself, but also other female plants in the neighbourhood. This leads to these female plants also developing seeds, which also reduces the quality and yield of the entire crop.
3. Ertragsverlust : The energy that normally goes into flower production is instead channelled into seed development, resulting in a smaller amount of usable material.
4. Weaker potency Seed-containing Flowers usually have a lower cannabinoid content, which has a negative effect on the potency of the end product. The Flowers are less potent and less aromatic.

To ensure optimum quality and a good yield, growers should recognise and remove hermaphrodite plants at an early stage before they release pollen and affect the entire harvest.

Signs of a hermaphrodite hemp plant: how to recognise it in time

Recognising hermaphrodite plants early is crucial to protect the yield and quality of your hemp crop. Hermaphrodite plants show both male and female sexual characteristics, which requires thorough observation.

Typical characteristics of hermaphrodite plants in pre-flowering

1. Pollen sacs on female plants Look out for small, spherical pollen sacs that form next to the female calyxes with the white hairs (stigmas). These pollen sacs resemble the characteristics of male plants.
2. Flower calyxes with pollen sacs A hermaphrodite plant can form both calyxes and pollen sacs in the same place. This is a clear sign that the plant is developing hermaphrodite characteristics.
3. Delayed or unclear flower formation If the plant cannot be clearly recognised as male or female, this could indicate the onset of hermaphroditism.

Tips for regular checks

• Daily check Daily inspection of the nodes (leaf axils) is particularly important in the pre-flowering phase. This is where the sexual characteristics develop first.
• Thorough investigation : Check the plant from all sides, especially on the lower and centre leaf axes, where hermaphrodite characteristics often show up first.
• Act quickly : If you discover signs of pollen sacs on an otherwise female plant, remove the plant immediately to prevent pollination.
• Optimise environmental conditions : Reduce stress factors such as light leaks or extreme temperature changes to prevent hermaphroditism from the outset.

Through consistent monitoring and early intervention, you can remove hermaphrodite plants in good time and protect your harvest.

Causes of hermaphroditism: avoid stress factors

Typical stress factors that can trigger hermaphroditism:

• Lichtstress : Irregular light cycles or light leaks during the dark phase can stress the plant.
• Temperaturschwankungen : Extreme heat or cold stress the plant.
• Over-fertilisation or nutrient deficiency : Imbalances in the nutrient supply weaken the plant.
• Feuchtigkeit : Humidity that is too high or too low can cause stress.
• Pests or diseases Infestation by pests or fungi can promote hermaphroditism.
• Mechanical damage : Damage due to improper trimming or other physical influences.

How to avoid these problems:

• Stable light cycles : Ensure even light phases and avoid light leaks.
• Constant temperatures : Keep the temperature between 20-28°C to minimise stress.
• Correct nutrient intake Adapt fertiliser to the respective growth phase and avoid over-fertilisation.
• Optimum humidity : Keep the humidity in a range of 40-60 %.
• Regular check : Check the plants regularly for pests and diseases and intervene early.
• Careful handling : Avoid unnecessary mechanical stress when pruning or moving the plants.

With these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of hermaphroditism and ensure a stable, stress-free environment.

Smoking hermaphrodite hemp: Is that possible?

Yes, it is generally possible to smoke hermaphrodite plants. However, there are some restrictions that you should be aware of:

1. Lower quality of Flowers:
   Flowers of hermaphrodite plants often contain seeds. This seed formation means that the plant invests less energy in the production of cannabinoids and terpenes. The result is Flowers with a lower cannabinoid content, which significantly weakens the effects.

2. Weaker effects:
   Flowers containing seeds contain less THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. As a result, the effects is often less intense than with high-quality, all-female Flowers.

3. Unpleasant smoking experience:
   When smoking Flowers containing seeds, the seeds crackle and can even burst, which is not only annoying but can also be unpleasant. In addition, such Flowers often taste less aromatic, as the terpene concentration is also reduced.

4. Nutzbarkeit:
   While Flowers from hermaphrodite plants are technically smokable, the quality and flavour are a far cry from what you would expect from a well-cultivated female plant.