What Are Fast Flowering Seeds?
Fast flowering cannabis seeds are feminized seeds selectively bred to flower faster than usual. They shave 1–3 weeks off the time between blooming and harvest compared to regular photoperiod strains.
Unlike autos, fast flowers are still light-dependent plants. They rely on light cycle changes to begin flowering. This means you can complete a full grow faster, without giving up yield, potency, or bag appeal.
It's what makes fast-flowering strains an excellent choice for:
- Outdoor growers in regions with short summers or unpredictable weather.
- Indoor growers looking to reduce light hours and cycle time.
- Commercial growers aiming for multiple harvests per year.
- Seasoned and novice growers seeking rapid harvests.
Fast version cannabis seeds offer the speed you want with the same high quality you expect -resinous buds, complex terpenes, and consistent THC levels, just in less time.
What Does 'Fast Flowering' Really Mean?
In cannabis cultivation, 'fast flowering' refers to a shorter flowering period, when plants shift from the vegetative phase into bud production.
Fast flowers are also known as fast version strains, fast flowering photoperiod seeds, fast strains, fast feminized seeds, or just fast seeds, but they all share the same key trait: A shorter time between flowering and harvest.
Most photoperiod strains take around 9–12 weeks to fully flower. Fast flowering strains complete this stage in 6–8 weeks, sometimes even less.
That doesn't mean they grow faster overall. It just means they finish flowering sooner once the light cycle shifts to 12 hours of darkness.
And all those time savings? They reduce costs, lower pest and disease risks, and help growers time their harvests more efficiently.
How Are Fast Version Seeds Bred?
Fast version seeds are bred by crossing feminized photoperiod plants with fast-finishing or early-blooming male parents - often from low-percentage autoflowering lines.
This selective hybridization shortens the flowering stage without turning the plant into an autoflower.
The result is a light-dependent strain that still needs a 12/12 light cycle to flower but finishes 10–30% faster than its original photoperiod counterpart.
Breeders stabilize these seeds through multiple backcrossing cycles, locking in key traits like:
- THC content and yield potential.
- Resin-rich, terpene-forward buds.
- A reliably shorter flowering time.
In short, fast flowering cannabis strains offer the best of both worlds: A quicker path to full-strength harvests.
Fast Flowering vs Autoflowering vs Photoperiod Strains
Here's how fast flowering cannabis strains compare to autos and classic photoperiods, so you can choose the seeds that match your goals, timeline, and setup.
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Seed Type
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Flowering Trigger
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Flowering Period
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Yield Potential
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Best For
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Feminized Seeds
(Photoperiod)
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Light cycle change
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8–14 weeks
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High
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Experienced growers wanting full control and maximum yields.
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Feminized
Fast Flowering Seeds
(Photoperiod)
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Light cycle change
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~6–8 weeks
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High yield potential with faster finishes
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Growers wanting control, quick harvests, and high yields.
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Autoflowering Seeds
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Automatic according to age
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~8–12 weeks total growth cycle
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Medium to high
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Beginners and growers wanting easy grows and high yields in limited time.
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Why Should You Buy Fast Flowering Cannabis Seeds?
Buying fast flowering cannabis seeds means more than just a quicker grow. It's a smart way to harvest sooner, spend less, and still get the same high-quality standards you expect from top-shelf genetics.
Faster Flowering = Speedy Harvests
Fast flowering strains can finish in 6–8 weeks, shaving up to 3 weeks off your grow time. For indoor growers, that means less time under the lights and more efficient use of your setup. For outdoor growers, it means you can beat bad weather, short summers, or early frosts - and still pull dense, resin-packed buds before the season turns.
Strong, Sticky, and Seriously Rewarding
Fast flowering cannabis strains still produce dense, resinous buds with rich terpene profiles and THC levels to rival full-length photoperiods. With the right care, you'll get rewarding yields and premium-grade quality, only faster.
Made for Short Summers and Shifting Seasons
Growing outdoors? Then you know the weather doesn't always play fair. Fast flowering seeds give you a safety net, ideal for unpredictable climates, shorter summers, or late-season planting. Their rapid flowering stage means rewarding yields before early frost can wreck your crop.
Hardy Plants for Hassle-Free Harvests
A shorter flowering period also means less opportunity for pests, mold, and mildew to take hold. Many fast strains are naturally resilient, making them easier to manage, especially in humid, wet, or high-risk environments.
Time, Energy, and Cost Savings, Anyone?
Every week shaved off the flowering time means money saved. Faster cannabis strains use less power, fewer nutrients, and less water. Plus, they free up your space sooner for the next harvest. Indoors or out, fast flowering seeds keep your costs low and your returns growing.
The Best Fast Flowering Cannabis Seeds
At Homegrown, every fast version cannabis seed is hand-selected by expert breeders and backed by a 100% germination guarantee. All of our fast-flowering strains are grow-tested for speed, vigor, and quality, delivering reliable results in less time. We're talking rich flavors, potent buds, and rewarding harvests - with real support from seed to stash.
Blue Princess Fast Version seeds are a beginner grower's dream. They're easy to manage, resilient, and quick to flower - no complicated schedules or constant micromanaging. A cross between Cinderella 99 and Blueberry, this hybrid strain delivers a smooth, body-relaxing high with just enough uplift to keep things light. Expect sweet berry aromas, a gentle 18–20% THC, and frosty buds that ripen in just 6–8 weeks.
Bright, zesty, and built for speed, Cinderella 99 Fast Version delivers that classic sativa rush in record time. A blend of Jack Herer, Shiva Skunk, and a touch of Ruderalis, it flowers fast and finishes strong, producing resin-rich buds with up to 22% THC. Expect tall plants, citrus-sweet aromas, and an energizing high that hits as hard as it grows.
Heavy on effect and easy on effort, Big Bud Fast Version is a fast-growing weed favorite built for big results in a single season. This indica-dominant hybrid pushes up to 30% THC, with trichome-loaded buds and an intense earthy-spicy terpene profile. The nighttime high is deep, soothing, and oh-so-relaxing.
True to its name, White Russian Fast Version is built tough and bred for speed. This AK-47 × White Widow × Ruderalis cross shrugs off unpredictable weather and wraps up flowering in just 6–8 weeks. Expect rewarding yields, thick, frost-covered buds, and bold earthy-floral notes with high THC levels of up to 30%. It's an indica-heavy powerhouse perfect for outdoor growers.
Best Fast Flowering Cannabis Seeds for Indoors: Skunk Fast Version
Short, quick, and full of old-school soul, Skunk Fast Version is made for compact indoor setups. A Skunk Auto and Skunk cross with sativa leanings, it flowers fast and hits around 18% THC. Expect ridiculously sticky buds and that unmistakable skunky punch — energetic yet balanced. It's a classic reborn for small spaces and time-saving harvests.
This fast flowering version of Bruce Banner is a sativa-heavy powerhouse that packs a fast, fierce, and jar-filling punch. A mix of OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel, it delivers huge yields, sweet-diesel flavors, and a whopping 30% THC.
How to Germinate Fast Flowering Seeds Successfully
The paper towel method is the best way to germinate your fast flowering seeds. That's why it's an important part of ourgermination guarantee. Keep it handy, and follow these steps for successful results:
- Prepare your setup: Gather purified water, tweezers, two paper towels, your seeds, and a plate.
- Moisten and arrange your seeds: Dampen the towels (don't soak) and place one on the plate. Set seeds about an inch apart, then cover with the second towel.
- Create the right environment: Keep the towels moist but avoid any standing water.
- Store and wait: Place the plate in a warm, dark spot (70–80°F) and check daily for moisture.
- Plant carefully: When a white taproot appears (usually within 1–5 days), transfer each fast flowering cannabis seed root-down into soil or your growing medium.
How to Store and Handle Your Fast Flowering Seeds
Proper storage and handling keep your fast version seeds viable and ready for future grows.
Here are a few must-dos to bear in mind:
- Keep your cannabis seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place, ideally in an airtight container with a silica gel pack to control humidity.
- Maintain a steady temperature around 40–50°F and avoid exposure to light, moisture, or frequent temperature changes.
- Avoid touching seeds directly with your hands. Rather use sanitized tweezers when handling to prevent contamination or oil transfer.
- If a cannabis seed is cracked, soft, or discolored, it's damaged and should be discarded.
- Always label containers clearly with the strain name and storage date for easy tracking.
- For long-term storage, keep your seeds sealed and refrigerated to preserve freshness. Before germinating, allow them to warm gradually to room temperature so moisture doesn't form inside the container.
- To test older seeds, check their color and firmness or perform a float test. Viable seeds typically sink within an hour.
With proper storage and minimal handling, your fast-growing weed seeds can stay healthy and ready to sprout for years.
Cultivation Tips for Fast Version Cannabis Plants
Fast version seeds demand a slightly different approach to get the best results. As photoperiod plants, they still depend on light cycles. They move through the flowering stage quicker, so you'll need to stay on top of timing, training, and nutrients.
Whether you're growing indoors or out, this section covers how to make the most of your fast-growing weed seeds, from setup to harvest.
Indoor Growing Tips for Fast Flowering Cannabis
For indoor growers, control is everything. Unlike autoflowering strains, fast versions need 12 hours of darkness to start blooming. Keep light cycles consistent -; 18/6 for the vegetative stage, 12/12 for flowering - and plan ahead.
Fast versions finish quickly, so here are a few tips to keep you on track for the best harvests:
- Control the flip: Use a timer to switch to a 12/12 light cycle when your plants are strong enough. But don't wait too long or you'll run out of space.
- Train early: Apply training techniques like LST or SCROG during the vegetative phase to keep stretch manageable and increase your flower sites.
- Perfect your environment: Keep temperatures around 70–80°F, humidity at 40–50%, and airflow consistent to prevent mold.
- Stay on schedule: With such a short flowering period, nutrient transitions and pruning must be timed precisely, so plan ahead.
Indoor growers benefit from tight scheduling, so track your days carefully - once those buds start ripening up, they get there fast.
Growing Cannabis Outdoors With Fast Versions
Fast-growing marijuana strains thrive in gardens where seasons are short or weather can turn quickly. If you're growing outdoors, timing and resilience are everything.
Here's how to get the most from your fast flowering seeds:
- Choose the right window: Plant your fast-growing marijuana seeds early in the season or late in summer for a fast turnaround before any major weather shifts.
- Pick a sunny, breezy spot: Aim for 6+ hours of direct sun, solid airflow, and soil that drains well.
- Stay on pest and mold patrol: These plants finish fast, but you still need to protect them in those final weeks.
- Use resilient genetics: Fast-growing feminized seeds like White Russian FV or Skunk FV are great choices thanks to their hardiness and adaptability.
Fast flowering strains are fast for a reason. Stay ahead of their schedule, and your plants will pay you back in resin-heavy, high-grade buds.
Feeding Fast Version Cannabis Plants: Nutrients & Watering
Fast flowering strains don't just grow faster; they feed faster, too. With less time in bloom, they'll burn through nutrients quicker than regular cannabis strains.
Here are a few ways to stay ahead:
- Ease up on nitrogen: Reduce nitrogen levels after the vegetative stage to avoid leafy growth in bloom.
- Boost bloom nutrients early: Increase phosphorus and potassium to fuel bud development right as flowering begins.
- Keep watering light and steady: Frequent, moderate watering helps roots stay oxygenated. It also prevents overwatering.
- Adapt your feeding schedule: Fast-growing cannabis doesn't follow a slow routine. Feed your plants based on their growth, not the calendar.
Stay responsive to your plants and you'll avoid stalls, burns, or missed opportunities.
4 Yield-Boosting Tips for Fast Flowering Cannabis
Want bigger yields from your fast flowering cannabis seeds? A few small moves can make a big difference. Here's how to get the most from your rapid grow:
- Let them veg properly: Give your plants at least 3–4 weeks before flipping to 12/12. Remember, small plants = small yields.
- Train smart, train early: Start LST or ScrOG in the vegetative stage to spread the canopy, improve airflow, and expose those lower bud sites to light for more uniform growth and better yields.
- Keep air moving: Dense buds need strong airflow to avoid mold and moisture issues.
- Harvest right on time: THC content peaks quickly in fast strains, so waiting too long can mean less potency. Watch trichomes closely and harvest your buds when they turn milky with a touch of amber.
The Most Common Fast-Grow Fails (and Fixes)
Fast flowering cannabis strains have tighter timelines, which means smaller margins for error. Even experienced growers can run into issues if they don't adjust their approach. Here are the most common missteps and how to stay ahead of them:
- Late training: Training your fast flowers too late can cause stress, stunted growth, or reduced yields. Start early in the vegetative phase to shape your canopy before flowering begins.
- Overfeeding: Fast flowers have shorter growth and recovery windows. Excess nutrients can cause burn or lockout with little time to correct. Implement a moderate feeding schedule and adjust it based on plant response.
- Light leaks: Fast versions are still photoperiod strains. Interrupting the dark cycle - even briefly - can cause stress, reversion, or hermaphroditism. To avoid this, ensure complete darkness during the 12/12 phase.
- Skipping trichome checks: Bud maturity varies by environment. Relying solely on a timeline can lead to under- or over-ripeness. Use a loupe to inspect trichomes and harvest your buds at peak resin development for optimal terpene profiles and potency.
Growing Fast Version Seeds in the USA
Homegrown's fast version cannabis seeds are bred with U.S. conditions in mind, from the dry heat of the Southwest and coastal humidity to the short, cool summers up North. Each strain is expertly stabilized for reliability, giving growers consistent results across different environments.
Fast-flowering feminized seeds are still photoperiods, so they depend on changes in the light cycle to produce buds - they just move through flowering faster.
That speed gives growers more flexibility, more control, and more chances to harvest on their own schedule - all while saving time, reducing costs, and maintaining top-shelf quality and yields.
Homegrown also provides helpful resources, expert advice, and ongoing support to help you get the best from every seed, backed by our germination guarantee and discreet U.S. shipping so you can plant with confidence and grow with ease.
FAQs About Fast Flowering Cannabis
Still have some questions about fast flowering cannabis strains? The answers below cover the most common queries.
What Is a Fast Version of a Cannabis Seed?
Fast version seeds (also known as fast flowering seeds) are cannabis seeds bred with early‑finishing genetics. These plants retain light dependency but flower quicker than regular cannabis plants.
What Are Fast Feminized Seeds?
Most fast flowering seeds are feminized photoperiod strains, bred to finish flowering sooner than their original genetics. They're designed for growers who want to focus on producing buds, not managing male plants. Fast flowering feminized seeds combine the reliability of all-female genetics with shorter flowering times for quicker, hassle-free harvests.
How Can I Speed Up Cannabis Flowering?
Choosing fast flowering strains is the most reliable method to speed up cannabis flowering. Keep your plants healthy before the flip, maintain an uninterrupted 12/12 light cycle, and avoid stress from overfeeding or training too late. Healthy, stable plants contribute to better flowering and, in turn, better yields.
Are Fast Flowering Cannabis Seeds Worth It?
Absolutely. Fast flowering seeds offer a smart balance of speed, yield, and potency. You get shorter bloom times and quicker harvests without losing control over quality or light cycles. If you want efficiency and consistency, they're one of the best investments you can make.
What Grows Faster: Indica or Sativa?
Generally, indica‑dominant plants finish flowering quicker than pure sativas. That said, modern fast flowering seeds are bred to shorten the flowering time in both indica and sativa plants.
Can You Legally Order Cannabis Seeds Online?
Yes. In many U.S. states, it's legal to buy and possess cannabis seeds, especially when labeled as adult novelty or collectible items. However, growing laws vary by state. Always check your local laws before germinating any seeds, as legality depends on where you live and how you plan to use them.