Cannabis Pollination: Different Types of Pollination And How To Do It At Home

Cannabis pollen holds an interesting place in the community. While breeders love it, it's a nightmare for home gardeners, especially if you're trying to grow seedless buds. 

But, some growers love pollinating their plants. Mastering this process can take your cannabis cultivation skills to the next level. Whether you are a hobby grower or a veteran, understanding how to pollinate your cannabis plant properly is crucial. 

This is what we'll go over in this article. And, we will discuss a lot more about pollination and its different types. This article delves into the nuances of cannabis pollen, its role in reproduction, and the steps to successfully pollinate your female plants. Let's begin. 

What is Cannabis Pollen? 

To learn about pollination, you need to first get acquainted with pollen, the fine, powdery, yellowish substance produced by all flowering plants, including cannabis. Pollen's primary purpose is to fertilize the female plant of the same species. 

Depending on why and how you are growing cannabis, pollen can either be very useful or somewhat of a nuisance — there's no in-between. But what exactly is it? 

Pollen sacs are the reproductive organs of the male cannabis plant, which develop at the nodes (where stems, leaves, and branches intersect). These sacs grow during the late vegetative stage, and around 4-5 weeks into the flowering stage, they open and release pollen into the air. 

This pollen travels via wind and lands on the female cannabis plant, fertilizing it. This fertilized female plant then produces seeds that carry genes from both parents, ensuring the continuation of the species. 

That brings us to the next question — how do you identify a male plant? Since cannabis is dioecious, it produces either male or female reproductive organs. Here, male plants are especially distinguishable thanks to their small, banana-shaped pollen sacs hanging at the nodes. 

On the other hand, female plants don't grow pollen sacs (unless they are turning into hermies). Instead, they produce wispy, upward-facing haris called stigmas. Male plants produce pollen for fertilizing plants that produce seeds when fertilized. When fertilization doesn't occur, female plants put their focus on producing resin-filled flowers that are high in cannabinoids, which serve as the source for cannabis products sold commercially. 

But, if a plant starts to produce seeds, it will focus entirely on reproduction and the buds won't have as many cannabinoids. Thus, as cannabis users, we need sensimilla or seedless buds. Unless you're a breeder, you should actively try to prevent pollination. We will discuss this in the later part of this article. 

How is Cannabis Pollen Useful?

You may have already gotten a rough idea, but let's dive deep into how pollen is useful for cannabis growers like yourself. 

Here's the thing: female cannabis plants are usually preferred by most growers because they produce resinous buds lush with trichomes. These buds pack cannabinoids and terpenes, which are the primary reasons for growing cannabis. These buds grow well and stay desirable as long as the female plant remains unfertilized. 

As a result, most cannabis growers see male cannabis plants as a nuisance. They make sure that male plants don't thrive in their gardens; a single rogue male is enough to pollinate every female in the garden and ruin the yield. 

Why so? As already explained, the plant's energy is redirected from growing potent buds to developing seeds, resulting in a lower-quality flower with an unpleasant taste. 

But there are some growers for whom male pollen is crucial — it comes in handy for breeding and preserving specific cannabis strains. Here, pollen is used to create new hybrids and maintain the genetic lineage of certain varieties. 

Of course, this process requires careful planning and precision, as you need to collect pollen from the male plants and apply it to the female ones. Don't worry, we'll cover this in the following sections. 

Pollen is useful in other ways as well. It is significant in breeding and improving the genetics of cannabis plants. Its uses extend across breeding programs, cultivation practices, research endeavors, and horticultural applications. Let's explore some uses in detail:

1. Developing New Cannabis Strains

Cannabis pollen plays a role in creating new cannabis varieties with desirable characteristics. Consumers are always looking for new strains to try. Breeders understand that and use pollen to introduce different traits and enhance the quality of their crops.

Selective Pollination

Breeders select male plants with great traits like cannabinoid levels, distinct terpene profiles, or increased resistance to diseases and pests to pollinate female plants selectively.

Breeders also use pollen to create hybrid strains that involve cross-breeding different types of cannabis plants.

In short, the breeders blend the characteristics of both parent plants to create new varieties that boast improved potency, flavors, and growth attributes.

For example, some breeders may want increased cannabinoid levels so they might focus on strains with higher levels of THC or CBD to cater to both recreational and medical cannabis markets.

Also, many home growers struggle with pests and diseases that affect their plants. A lot of work goes down the drain when the plants are affected during the flowering stage where you can't do much to cure the plants. For this reason, breeders develop strains that resist cannabis ailments like powdery mildew or mold and many other diseases to reduce the reliance on chemical treatments and boost yields.

Breeders may also develop strains with interesting terpene profiles. Consumers love buds that smell cheesy, fruity, earthy, and many other fragrances and flavors. This is an important part of growing cannabis. Thus, breeders look for strains with distinctive terpene profiles and pollinate them with other strains to create strains tailored to specific consumer preferences.

2. Pollination Techniques in Cultivation

In controlled growing environments, strategically using cannabis pollen is vital for seed production and preserving diversity.

For example, feminized seeds are created by stressing the female plants so they produce pollen. The pollen is then used to pollinate other plants, resulting in feminized seeds. This is very valuable for both home gardeners and commercial cultivators as it reduces the risk of growing male plants that can pollinate the entire grow room. Remember we discussed male pollen and sensimilla buds earlier? 

If you buy regular cannabis seeds, you'll end up with lots of male plants as well. The male plants grow, produce pollen, and pollinate all the females in the grow room. To prevent this, you can either remove the male plants as soon as you spot them or grow feminized seeds where all plants will grow into female plants. 

Pollen is also used to maintain variety in gene pools. Utilizing pollen from plants is key to preserving a wide genetic foundation in a crop, which lowers the chances of genetic bottlenecks and boosts the plant's ability to adapt to changing environments. Genetic diversity ensures long-term sustainability and resilience of cannabis crops leading to healthier plants and increased yields.

3. Research 

Cannabis pollen is extremely valuable for researchers as it offers insights into how genetic and environmental factors influence the growth and reproduction of cannabis plants.

Scientists utilize pollen to investigate how specific traits are inherited in cannabis plants and how certain characteristics are passed down from parent to offspring. This understanding is crucial for developing strains with desired traits.

Pollen is also instrumental in genetic mapping studies that identify markers linked to favorable traits aiding in more precise breeding efforts.

How to Harvest Cannabis Pollen?

The first step of pollinating cannabis begins with harvesting pollen from male cannabis plants. Using the pollen immediately is best to ensure its quality is intact. Once the male pollen sacs have developed, you must keep a close eye on them since cannabis pollen is usually viable for only a couple of days under natural conditions. 

That's where you need to learn when the male pollen sacs are about to open. It's a nuanced skill that comes in handy — you'll have fresh pollen at the right time. 

Keep an eye on the pollen sacs, and as they begin to open, you need to collect them before bagging them. Here, the optimal temperature range must be around 18 to 24 degrees C with a relative humidity of 30% to 60%. Once the pollen is dry enough, you can use it immediately or store it for future use. 

Here are a few ways to harvest pollen:

1. Manual Harvesting

Manually harvesting pollen is one of the easiest techniques to collect and store pollen for future purposes. For this, choose a plant with pollen sacs that are ready to open.

Next, you can use either paper, aluminum foil, or a clean container under the pollen sacs. Make sure that your collection container is clean and devoid of any contamination. It won't hurt to sterilize it too. 

Now, gently tap the flowers to release the pollen onto the collection surface. Use a sieve to separate the pollen from any plant matter.

As you can see, you don't need any sophisticated equipment to manually collect pollen from cannabis plants. It is affordable and you can collect it as soon as the pollen is ready. 

If you're a home grower with just a few plants, this method will be perfect for you. Yes, one single plant will have many sacs and you'll have to collect them all, but it's still better if you aren't growing too many plants. However, it can be a little tedious for commercial growers to collect pollen manually from many plants. 

2. Bagging Method

The bagging method is yet another easy technique to collect pollen. Here, you need to cover the flowering plant with a plastic or paper bag when its pollen sacs are mature but not yet open. Secure the bag at its base to prevent pollen leakage.

When it's time, gently shake the plant to gather the pollen into the bag. Carefully take out the bag and transfer the gathered pollen into a container.

One advantage of using a bag to collect the pollen is that there are fewer chances of contamination and pollen loss. In addition, it also reduces your work to some extent as you can collect pollen from many sacs at once.

Remember, as always, there shouldn't be any contamination so ensure that the bag is spotless and devoid of any impurities.

In addition, keep an eye on the plant to gather the pollen at the right time.

3. Vacuum Collection

Manually collecting pollen may not be the right fit for all. In such cases, you can utilize a vacuum tool designed for pollen collection, usually equipped with filters to trap particles.

To do so, place the vacuum nozzle close to the pollen sacs and allow it to suck the pollen gently. And that's it, you're done. Store the pollen in an enclosed chamber within the vacuum device.

The advantage of this method is that it works efficiently for large-scale operations. It also reduces contamination as you won't be handling the pollen and guarantees a good yield. 

But, as you may have realized, you'll need to spend some money on the equipment initially. If collecting pollen is an important part of your operation, then it's worth it. 

As a home grower, you probably don't have a lot of plants, so you don't really need a vacuum to harvest pollen. All you need to do is hold a micro-mesh screen onto parchment paper and squeeze and shake the pollen sacs over it. 

The mesh screen will filter the pollen, and you need to spread it evenly on the parchment paper with a clean brush. Then, you need to place the paper in a shaded, dry, and warm place so the pollen can dry out for 48 hours. 

Protip: Wear Gloves 

It's recommended that you wear latex when handling pollen to avoid direct contact and potential skin irritation. Additionally, consider wearing a mask, too. Inhaling pollen can sometimes lead to allergic reactions or an annoying sneezing fit. 

How to Pollinate Your Cannabis Plant?

Breeding cannabis is a complex process, so you need to be prepared with enough research and understanding of the process. So, here's a general overview of how to pollinate your female cannabis plants with the pollen you've just extracted (and dried). 

1. Timing is Key

You need to introduce pollen to the female cannabis plant between days 14 and 21 into the bloom stage. This window is ideal, ensuring that the plant is receptive to fertilization. 

2. Target the Pistils 

You must apply the pollen directly onto the pistils. These are tiny white hairs located at the nodes of the female plant, serving as the receptors for the pollen and facilitating fertilization. 

3. Pick Your Method 

When it comes to pollinating female cannabis plants, you can pick from various methods to administer the pollen. You can dab, brush, or blow the pollen onto the stigmas. Pollen is fine and lightweight, so you must be careful and conduct it in a sealed environment to prevent dispersion. 

If you are pollinating your female cannabis plants in a grow room, ensure the ventilation system and fans are switched off. The airflow should be minimal for the best results and easy application. 

Breeding cannabis requires precision and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can introduce marijuana pollen to your female plants effectively.

How to Know When the Cannabis Plant is Pollinated?

Once you've applied the pollen, you'll be anticipating the fertilization. But how do you know for sure? Here are some tips that can help you figure out if your female cannabis is successfully pollinated. 

1. Pistil Color Changes 

Once the pollen comes in contact with the pistil, it takes around 3 to 5 days for fertilization to occur. During this period, look at the pistil's color. In unpollinated flowers, the entire pistil will undergo a uniform color change. 

On the other hand, when it is pollinated, only the tips of the pistils will darken while the remainder stays white. Look for this transition from white to dark orange or red in pistils — it's a sign of successful pollination. 

2. Look for Seeds 

After pollination, cannabis seeds take around six weeks to mature properly. This timeframe may vary, depending on your strain, but as it progresses toward maturity, the seed will transition in color from green to brown or grey. At the same time, the calyxes that hold the seed will begin to open up. 

It's crucial to harvest your cannabis plant at the optimal time. Some plants may exhibit signs of decline as the seeds near maturity, underscoring the importance of keeping the plant alive until the seeds are ready for harvest. Harvest the seeds just as they start to darken, and the calyxes begin to open, signaling that they are ripe for collection.

How to Store Cannabis Pollen?

When it comes to storing pollen, your biggest enemy is moisture. Pollen does not have an outer shell, so it can deteriorate quickly in humid conditions. So, to prevent moisture buildup, consider using a container lined with parchment paper beneath the screen to absorb any excess moisture. 

You can also mix in a bit of flour with pollen for storage. It helps mitigate moisture and extend the lifespan of pollen. Ideally, you should use a ratio of 1 part flour with 5 part pollen.

You then need to store the pollen in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark, and dry environment. You can also keep the container in the fridge or freezer as cold temperatures can help preserve the pollen for longer. 

If you store your pollen properly, it can remain viable for 12 months or even longer. Just remember that if you've frozen your pollen, do not defrost it until you're ready to use it. Thawing it can degrade its quality and so can temperature and moisture fluctuations.

Now, let's move on to other types of pollination. 

Self-Pollination in Cannabis Plants

Self-pollination occurs in cannabis plants when a plant's own pollen fertilizes its ovules. This usually takes place in cannabis plants that have both female reproductive organs. Hermaphroditism in cannabis can occur naturally or is induced by environmental factors. As a grower, you should understand its process and significance to avoid it. 

What is Self Pollination

While cannabis plants are typically dioecious, meaning they are either male or female, some can develop both female structures under specific conditions becoming hermaphroditic. This can be influenced by factors or environmental stressors such as light cycles, temperatures, physical damage, or nutrient deficiencies.

When a cannabis plant becomes hermaphroditic it can produce flowers containing both pistils (female reproductive structures) and stamens ( male reproductive structures). 

Thus, you may sometimes see the plant developing both pollen sacs and pistils on the same plant, meaning it has both male and female reproductive organs. The plant will grow as usual and the pollen sacs will grow too. Eventually, they will mature and start releasing pollen. This pollen will pollinate the flowers or pistils on the plant, which means the plant is fertilizing itself.  

As always, there are some benefits and disadvantages of self-pollination. 

Advantages of Self-Pollination

• Consistent Genetics: The offspring will be genetically very similar to its parent and will also preserve some traits that may be desirable to you. 
• Seed Production: In situations where there are no plants for cross-pollination, self-pollination ensures seed production, serving as a survival strategy in harsh environments.

Drawbacks of Self-Pollination

• Limited Genetic Diversity: Self-pollination promotes inbreeding, leading to reduced diversity and weaker offspring that are more vulnerable to diseases and environmental pressures.
• Hermaphroditic Plants: Seeds generated through self-pollination have a chance of developing into hermies, which may not be ideal for growers aiming for high-quality seedless cannabis.

How to Avoid Self-Pollination in Cannabis Plants

Self-pollination, often linked to hermaphroditism, can result in unfavorable outcomes for cannabis cultivators. However, you can reduce this risk and avoid self-pollination if you follow these tips:

1. Pay attention to the Temperature 

It's essential to keep an eye on the environmental conditions to prevent the plants from getting too stressed, which eventually leads to hermaphroditism. Ensure that the temperature stays within the appropriate range for growth, usually between 70-85°F or 20-30°C. You should also avoid sudden temperature fluctuations that can stress the plants. 

2. Proper Light Management

Photoperiod plants depend on the light to start flowering. In the vegetative stage, they will need about 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness consistently. When you want the plants to transition to the flowering stage, you can shift the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. 

However, there shouldn't be any light leaks in the grow room. The plants will be so sensitive that even minimal light will stress them and trigger hermaphroditism. Or, they can start revegging. To prevent these issues, make sure you have a light-proof grow tent so the plants aren't disturbed during the dark cycle. You should also use timers so the cycles are consistent every single day. 

3. Check Humidity and Air Circulation

Keep the humidity levels at around 40-60% during growth and 40-50% during flowering. Maintain air circulation to ward off mold and pests which can be stressful for the plants.

4. Balanced Nutrition

Supply nutrients according to the growth stage. For example, if you're using commercial nutrients, use the “Grow” part during the growing stage and the “Bloom” part during the flowering stage. If you're making nutrients yourself, make sure there's more nitrogen during the growing stage and more phosphorus and potassium during the blooming stage. 

Avoid overfeeding or underfeeding as it can lead to imbalances causing stress. Most importantly, keep an eye on the pH as an imbalance prevents the plants from absorbing nutrients. For plants growing in soil, the pH can range between 6 to 7 whereas hydroponic plants will appreciate the pH between 5.5 to 6.5. 

5. Reduce Physical Stress

Handle plants with care to avoid any harm. If the plants are too heavy, support the branches to prevent them from breaking, thus reducing stress on the plants.

In addition, don't train the plants during the flowering stage. Training, regardless of the method you use, puts some pressure on the plants, so you should always do it during the vegetative stage to give some time for the plants to recover. 

Always stick to one or two methods of training instead of trying everything. 

6. Regular Monitoring

Frequent checks help to identify any hermies traits in your plants. Inspect plants daily during the flowering stage when there's a risk of hermaphroditism. Pay attention to the nodes where flowers start developing. 

If the plant is a hermie, you will see small ball sacs or pollen sacs in female plants. You may also notice flowers with both male and female reproductive organs. If there are very few flowers showing hermaphroditism, you can remove those clusters carefully. To avoid contamination, isolate such plants in another area for monitoring 

However, if there are too many flowers like that, it's best to remove the plant to prevent the pollen from spreading to other female plants. 

7. Genetics 

Consider selecting strains that are less prone to hermaphroditism. You should only purchase seeds from trusted breeders rather than growing bag seeds. 

In short, it's pretty easy to prevent hermaphroditism if you keep an eye on the plants. Even if a plant turns hermie, you can discard it or remove the pollen. However, you should monitor the plants carefully to prevent them from pollinating other plants. 

Understanding Cross-Pollination in Cannabis

Cross-pollination involves transferring pollen from the male pollen sacs to the female reproductive parts of another. This method is commonly employed in cannabis farming to develop new varieties, enrich diversity, and introduce favorable characteristics. 

Let's understand this a bit more in detail, including its mechanisms, benefits, challenges, and practical applications in cannabis breeding.

What Does Cross-Pollination Involve?

Cross-pollination happens in cannabis plants when pollen from one plant fertilizes the female flowers of another strain. This leads to seeds that have the genetic characteristics of both parent plants, enabling breeders to combine and potentially enhance the characteristics of each.

Mechanisms of cross-pollination 

• Natural Cross-Pollination

Wind Pollination: Cannabis primarily relies on wind for pollination. The wind carries the pollen from one plant to another. This process can cover long distances in outdoor growing environments.

Insect Pollination: While less common in cannabis, insects like bees transfer pollen between plants aiding in cross-pollination.

• Controlled Cross-Pollination

Hand Pollination: Breeders use pollen from a male plant to pollinate another female plant in controlled settings to develop new varieties. This technique allows them to create better strains with favorable characteristics. 

Advantages of Cross-Pollination

• Genetic Diversity

Increased Variation: Cross-pollination introduces genetic diversity essential for the vitality and resilience of cannabis populations. A diverse gene pool enhances plants' ability to adapt to changes and fend off pests and diseases.

• Hybrid Vigor (Heterosis)

Enhanced Traits: Hybrids often display vigor producing offspring that are sturdier, healthier, and more productive than their parents. This can lead to more yields, faster growth rates, and improved resistance to various stressors.  

Breeding Selection: By crossbreeding, breeders can merge traits from two strains. For instance, combining a strain high in THC with one known for disease resistance can result in the offspring possessing both qualities.

They can also create strains with better cannabinoid profiles, terpene compositions, and features. This creativity fosters diversity in the market and caters to a range of consumer preferences.

Challenges in Crossbreeding

• Unforeseeable Results

Crossbreeding may yield a spectrum of characteristics making it difficult to anticipate which traits will prevail. This is why breeders test their strains and grow them multiple times to check their strength. Any strain would have gone through vigorous testing before it was released to the market. 

• Risk of Unintended Pollination

Cross-pollination can occur even if the breeders don't plan it. For instance, home gardeners have small indoor grow tents and they typically avoid cross-pollination because they want sensimilla seeds. However, pollination can still occur if there's pollen on their clothing. This could lead to accidental and undesired outcomes where the plants develop seeds. 

• Time and Effort

Producing a strain through crossbreeding demands time, dedication, and resources. Breeders must thoughtfully choose parent plants to oversee pollination processes and nurture generations to stabilize desired characteristics. 

How to Prevent Cross-Pollination in Indoor Grow Rooms? 

This is very similar to preventing self-pollination. Just remember to not stress the plants too much and they will be fine. 

Here are a few tips to prevent cross-pollination:

1. Segregate Growing Areas: If you're growing many different strains in the same room, make sure you keep them separate when they start maturing. This will prevent accidental cross-pollination. If you can't dedicate another room, you can shift them outdoors for a while. 
2. Opt for Feminized Seeds: Selecting feminized seeds guarantees that all your plants will be female reducing the risk of pollination. 
3. Regular Monitoring: Conduct inspections of your plants for any signs of hermaphroditism and promptly remove any plants displaying such traits to prevent pollen dispersal. Make sure your ventilation system is in great condition and set up correctly to avoid pollen from moving between growing areas.

Ensure that the temperature and humidity remain consistent to prevent stress-induced hermaphroditism, which can cause pollen production.

If you grow cannabis outdoors, refrain from bringing plants inside your indoor grow room to minimize the chance of pests or pollen getting in. Think about installing pollen filters in your ventilation system to catch pollen particles and stop them from spreading throughout the growing area.

For cross-breeding strains, use hand pollination and do it very carefully to prevent other plants from getting accidentally pollinated. 

Keep your growing space tidy and clear of debris since pollen can easily stick to surfaces and become airborne.

By following these steps, you can lower the risk of cross-pollination in your cannabis grow room and safeguard the purity of your plants.

Summary: Cannabis Pollination: Different Types of Pollination And How To Do It At Home

Pollinating cannabis is a delicate yet rewarding process that requires a bit of precision and care. So, by using the steps given in this article, you can easily master the art of collecting, applying, and storing pollen. 

With these tips, you'll be one step closer to breeding your dream strain or at least getting a steady and free supply of your favorite strain. So, what are you waiting for? Start pollinating. 

Stay tuned to know more about cannabis pollination in our upcoming blogs.