Why Is My Feminized Plant Producing Pollen Sacs?Updated 2 days ago
Feminized and autoflowering seeds are bred to produce female plants, but in rare cases, they may develop pollen sacs or male flowers. This phenomenon is usually the result of environmental stress or other external factors—not an issue with the seed type itself.
Possible Causes
Even with stable genetics, cannabis plants can express hermaphroditic traits under stress. This means the plant shows both male and female reproductive features.
Common triggers include:
Light stress: Leaks during the dark cycle or inconsistent light schedules
Heat or cold stress: Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures
Physical damage: Broken branches, root shock, or aggressive pruning
Overwatering or nutrient imbalances
Late harvest: Plants left in flower too long may develop male traits as a survival response
How to Identify Pollen Sacs
Pollen sacs typically look like small, round, tear-drop structures that appear at the nodes or in bud sites. They lack pistils (hairs) and will eventually open to release pollen if not removed.
What To Do If Pollen Sacs Appear
Isolate or remove the affected plant to avoid pollination of nearby females
Monitor daily if you choose to remove a few early sacs and continue growing the plant
Be aware that even a small amount of pollen can result in seeded buds
Is This a Genetic Issue?
No. Feminized and autoflowering seeds are not genetically male. When pollen sacs appear, it’s almost always a stress-induced hormonal response, not a reversion to male genetics.
Stable genetics greatly reduce the risk of this occurring, but grow environment and handling play a critical role in plant development.
Need Help?
If you're unsure whether your plant is showing male traits or need help troubleshooting a specific grow issue, feel free to reach out to our support team for further assistance.