What are fast version cannabis seeds?
Fast version (or "fast flowering") cannabis seeds are feminized photoperiod plants bred to finish flowering 1-2 weeks faster than their regular feminized counterparts. They are created by crossing a feminized photoperiod parent with a stable autoflower, then back-crossing to retain photoperiod control while inheriting the faster maturation trait. The result: 70-80 day total cycles instead of 90+ for standard photoperiods.
How fast version differs from autoflower
Both finish faster than regular feminized, but the mechanism is different. Autoflowers flower based on age — no light schedule control. Fast version seeds are still photoperiod plants: you trigger flowering by switching to 12/12 light. This gives you control over vegetative time and final plant size, with a shorter flowering window than standard feminized. For outdoor Canadian growers, fast version plants flower naturally with August light shifts but finish 1-2 weeks earlier — before October frost.
Why fast version suits Canadian outdoor growing
Canadian outdoor seasons are tight: 90-110 frost-free days in most provinces. Standard photoperiod feminized strains often finish too late in regions like Quebec, the Prairies, and northern Ontario. Fast version genetics shave the critical 1-2 weeks needed to harvest before frost while keeping the yield advantage of photoperiod plants. For growers who want larger harvests than autoflowers offer but cannot risk late-October finishes, fast version is the answer.
How to grow fast version seeds
Grow fast version seeds exactly like standard photoperiod feminized seeds. Germinate (24-72 hours), vegetate 3-5 weeks indoors or plant outdoors in May/June for natural flowering trigger in August. Flowering takes 7-9 weeks (vs 9-11 for regular photoperiod). Total cycle: 11-13 weeks indoors or roughly 4 months outdoors. Same nutrient regimens, same light requirements, same training techniques (LST, ScrOG) as regular feminized — just finished sooner.
Fast version vs autoflower vs feminized
Fast version sits between the two: photoperiod control like feminized, but 1-2 weeks faster. Autoflowers are still faster (8-10 weeks total) but smaller and less flexible. Regular feminized photoperiods yield the most but take the longest. For Canadian outdoor growers facing tight seasons, fast version is often the optimal trade-off.
Read more: feminized vs autoflower vs fast version cannabis seeds →
Frequently asked questions
How fast do fast version cannabis seeds finish?
Fast version seeds typically finish flowering in 7-9 weeks vs 9-11 weeks for standard photoperiod feminized. Total seed-to-harvest cycle is roughly 11-13 weeks indoors.
Are fast version seeds the same as autoflower seeds?
No. Fast version seeds are still photoperiod plants — you control flowering with the light cycle. Autoflowers flower based on age regardless of light.
Can I grow fast version seeds outdoors in Canada?
Yes — that is their main strength. Fast version genetics finish 1-2 weeks earlier than standard photoperiods, which usually means harvesting before October frost in Quebec, Ontario, and the Prairies.
Do fast version seeds yield less than regular feminized?
Slightly less, in some cases. The yield gap is typically 10-15%, which most outdoor Canadian growers consider a fair trade for harvesting before frost.
Are fast version seeds beginner-friendly?
Yes. They grow exactly like regular feminized seeds — same techniques, same care — just on a shorter timeline. Good first photoperiod grow for new outdoor growers.