F1 vs F2 Seeds - What's the Difference?

Hybrid seeds are obtained by crossing two different varieties of the same plant species. The production of hybrid seeds is a technical process that requires breeders to create efficient and productive generations. In this process, pollen from male flowers is transferred to female flowers belonging to the same species. As a result of this process, pollination and the formation of fruits occur. The developed seeds inside the fruits are hybrid and have good characteristics.

Hybrid varieties have: increased yield, good taste, early maturity, stress resistance and strong immunity. Such strains reduce cultivation requirements. Hybrid cannabis seeds can germinate and produce excellent yields, even under extreme conditions.

Generation F1

F1 hybrid seeds are the result of a combination of two different parent varieties, so they outperform the parent. These hybrids are more stable and help to get a quality crop. F1 hybrids are a pure line that can impress with plant size and productivity. In comparison, F2 seeds are second generation seeds and can be obtained by hand pollination.

Generation F2

F2 hybrid seeds have more genetic variability and may yield less than F1. These plants have less good immunity, but produce healthy and strong seedlings, which contribute to an excellent and high-quality harvest. Such seeds are capable of producing the original number of flowers. F2 hybrid seeds are cheaper than F1 seeds and have unremarkable buds.

Benefits of a clean line

• Rapid Growth

Hybrid seeds grow faster and start producing flowers early. Thus, the grower does not have to wait a long time for a great harvest. Most farmers prefer first-generation hybrid varieties as they have good disease resistance. Therefore, these plants are less likely to be affected by viral, fungal and bacterial infections.

• Less expenses

Some hybrid varieties require significantly less water and nutrients, grow and mature faster than their parent plants. However, their germination rate and productivity potential are highly dependent on various biotic factors and cultivation practices. F1 seeds are produced by skilled and experienced breeders and varieties are free of contaminants and impurities. Thus, hybrids can improve the overall growth and development of cannabis several times over.

• Super Harvest

The first generation is able to give a more predictable and good harvest. Studies have shown that hybrid varieties are more stress resistant. They can easily endure drought, temperature fluctuations, physical damage and insect infestation.

But second-generation hybrids do not have such abilities. Any climate change can lead to a decrease in the quality and quantity of buds.

Main differences between F1 and F2 generations

The main difference between F2 and F1 is in the create method. Hybrid No. 1 must be synthesized only in the laboratory under the strict supervision of breeders. While Hybrid No. 2 can be created by “self-cutting”.

The quality of the plants of the first and second hybrid is enormously different. You can get a great harvest without much effort only with F1.