What are Gen1 Seeds?

A first-generation cross between an autoflowering and a photoperiod plant.

By Colin Gordon & Ben Owens

What Is a Gen1?

A Gen1 is the first generation produced when an autoflowering plant is crossed with a photoperiod plant.

In genetic terms, it’s an F1; the initial hybrid that carries one dominant trait (“P” - photoperiod) and one recessive trait (“a” - autoflowering).

When a photoperiod plant (PP) is crossed with an autoflower (aa), photoperiodism is dominant and autoflowering is recessive.

We use the Gen1 label to distinguish this unique stage in the breeding process.

Even though Gen1 seeds will express as photoperiod plants due to the trait’s dominance, genetically these plants don’t fit neatly into the traditional “auto” or “photo” categories.

That said, this is often what growers will refer to as a “fast flowering” variety because they will usually have a quick trigger, leading to faster flowering times, especially outside.

Making New Autos By Breeding With Photos

Gen1’s serve as the bridge to bring desired traits between photos and autos.

Historically, autos weren’t known for elite flower quality, so most breeders focused on photoperiod plants. This increased quality drastically over time, with bag appeal, aroma, and effect all improving as a result.

Those desirable traits of worked photoperiod lines can be brought over and stabilized with just a few generations of breeding work.

Which is why today’s autos continue to catch up to modern photos, opening new doors for breeders looking to improve bag appeal, cannabinoids, terpenes, while retaining the autoflowering trait.

Gen1 seeds offer the opportunity to blend the best of both photo and auto lines, without sacrificing the control of a photoperiod plant.

These seeds are a breeding tool to initiate new lines. They combine vigor, hybrid diversity, and the potential to unlock new expressions that may not exist in standalone auto or photo lines.