What is the F difference between F1, F2, and F3?
You might have noticed a recent glut of new cannabis strains with F1 in the title and be wondering what the F does mean. Well, our dear growers, here we are again, schools in, and we're about to learn the difference between F1, F2 and F3.
While we are at it, you will get to sit back and gawk at some of the most innovative strains of the last decade. Join us for this quick guide through the F's and their meaning.
What are F1's, F2's, and F3's
The F's are labels used to describe what generation a hybrid plant is. The F stands for filial, which means offspring of a cross. You will only see these terminologies used with hybrid plants.
F1: F1s are the first generation, which results from crossing two different parent plants. The parent plants are often called P1 (parental generation) plants. F1s tend to share a dominant gene from each parent, which results in all phenotypes sharing the same genotype and uniform plants. The aim is to produce plants that are all the same with the best of both P1s.
F2: F2s are the second generation; we can get their two ways. F2s are produced when growers allow F1s to self-pollinate or when F1s get crossed with another F1. F2s typically produce more phenotypes than F1s due to something that occurs during pollination called genetic recombination, which is when plant DNA is exchanged and produces offspring with different traits from the parent plants.
F3: You might have guessed the pattern by now. We get F3s by allowing them to self-pollinate or crossing it with another F3. Like with the F2, this process creates more genetic variability and increases the likelihood of more phenotypes.
F1 Cannabis Strains
We want to leave you with a look at some genuine F1 strains. To do this, we must have an RQS and Sweet Seeds love in, as they are the two breeders ahead of the pack regarding breeding F1s. They've gone different ways for naming inspiration. RQS have their heads in the stars, and Sweet Seeds are high in the kitchen. Either way, they've produced some crackers!
Orion F1 Auto - RQS
Straight off the bat, we present this glistening consolation of potency and vigour. Orion F1 Auto by Royal Queen Seeds is their biggest-yielding auto, but the size of this petite powerhouse might take you by surprise. It only reaches about 70cm but has a huge yield, proving that big things come in small packages. In addition, this F1 provides a stoning high and a hard-to-forget sweet taste. Expect Orion F1 Auto to grow small, yield big, and flower fast (6-7 weeks).
Sweet Mandarine Zkittlez F1 Fast Version® - Sweet Seeds
Sweet Seeds wraps a lot of sweetness in this 60% indica F1. They have crossed some of their sweetest phenotypes into this F1 dream. This fast version is a cross of Zkittlez and Sweet Mimosa XL Auto® and will yield resin-drenched buds in 7-8 weeks. The plant won't take up loads of room in your grow space, but it will harvest significantly (450-650 g/m²). Things to expect: reddish and purple hues and an aroma of blended spice and sour diesel.
Hyperion F1 Auto - RQS
This one carries strong genetics inherited from inbred lines descending from Amnesia, Lemon, and the Spanish autoflower Sin Tra Bajo. As the tallest F1 hybrid in the RQS collection, Hyperion stands out from the crowd. Aside from its height, it also produces frosty flowers packed with terpenes. From this, you get a pleasant high that makes this F1 suitable for all-day use. On the growing front, Hyperion F1 Auto will be ready for harvest after 7-8 weeks of flowering and will yield big.
Conclusion: F'ing Fabulous
From all our feedback and testing, F1s are fabulous and not going anywhere.
Do say: That's f'ing interesting.
Don't say: Get the F away from me!