Female/Male?

Hey buddy First: there are no stupid questions Especially when it comes to sexing plants. Everyone has stared at nodes at some point thinking “ …what are you?” You did the right thing by asking early. ⸻ What we see in the photos : From the pictures: • We’re looking at nodes / preflowers • I do not see clear pistils (white hairs) yet • I do see a rounded structure that could develop into a pollen sac • BUT it’s still early and not fully expressed So the honest answer is: Right now, this is “undetermined / watch closely.” Not confirmed male. Not confirmed female. Not a full herm either, yet. ⸻ About the accidents (important reassurance) You mentioned: • Light on briefly ( 5 minutes) • A plant getting knocked over during veg Good news: • Those alone rarely cause herms • Herms usually come from repeated or ongoing stress, not one-offs • Plants are more resilient than we think So don’t beat yourself up, this is not automatically your fault. ⸻ About that “ball” You’re right to notice it. That structure isn’t something we ignore, but: • A single round preflower ≠ confirmed male • Early preflowers can look ambiguous • Males usually show clusters, not lone structures What to do right now • Do nothing drastic • Don’t chop yet • Don’t stress the plant further Just observe. ⸻ What to watch for (simple checklist) Over the next few days: Male signs • Multiple round balls • Balls on short stems • No hairs Female signs • Teardrop calyx • One or two white pistils • More pointed shape Herm signs (later) • Balls and pistils on same plant • Often single bananas later in flower ⸻ If it does turn herm later This is your choice, not a failure: • You can pluck isolated balls early • Many growers finish fine doing this • Just inspect regularly Herms don’t automatically ruin grows, unchecked herms do. ⸻ Bottom line (calm truth) • It’s too early to call • You’re doing the right thing by watching • One accident ≠ disaster • No need to panic or act yet Give it a few days. Let the plant show you, don’t force the answer. And remember, whatever decision you make later is the right one for you. That’s growing.