Frequently Asked Questions

STS (Silver Thiosulfate Solution) is a chemical compound that blocks ethylene production in cannabis plants, causing female plants to produce male flowers with pollen. This pollen contains only female (XX) chromosomes, so when used to pollinate female plants, it produces 99%+ feminized seeds. Mary J Apothecary's STS Spray with CannaCoat technology ensures even application and consistent results.

With proper care and nutrition, cannabis mother plants can be maintained for 4+ years in vegetative state. Mary J Apothecary's Mother Plant Extension formula provides specialized cytokinins and auxins that prevent genetic drift and maintain cellular health, allowing breeders to preserve elite genetics indefinitely without losing vigor or cannabinoid profiles.

F1 (first filial generation) is the direct cross between two parent strains, showing hybrid vigor and uniform traits. F2 is created by crossing two F1 plants, revealing greater genetic diversity as recessive traits emerge. F3 and beyond involve continued selective breeding to stabilize desired characteristics. True breeding stability typically requires F4-F6 generations with careful phenotype selection at each stage.

Phenotype selection involves evaluating multiple traits: growth structure, flowering time, cannabinoid profile, terpene content, disease resistance, and yield. Grow at least 50-100 F2 plants to see full genetic diversity. Document each plant's characteristics, lab test cannabinoid levels, and select based on your breeding goals. Keep detailed records with photos and measurements for comparison.

Cannabis clones typically develop roots in 7-14 days under optimal conditions. Mary J Apothecary's Root Growth Formula with IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) accelerates this to 7-10 days with 98% success rates. Factors affecting rooting time include temperature (72-78°F ideal), humidity (70-80%), lighting (low intensity), and cutting health.

Mary J Apothecary created the world's first ready-to-use, no-mix STS spray. Our revolutionary CannaCoat™ sticky film technology literally adheres to nodes, stems, and leaves - unlike DIY solutions that drip off and waste product. The formula is heat-resistant, UV-stable, and maintains full potency for 6 months (traditional solutions degrade in weeks). This superior transfer rate delivers 99%+ feminization success compared to 70-85% with DIY mixing. No measuring, no mixing, no mistakes - just professional results straight from the bottle.

Our Organic Flipping Solution is OMRI-listed and certified organic. Other products like STS Spray and Root Growth Formula contain synthetic active ingredients (silver thiosulfate and IBA respectively) but are formulated for minimal environmental impact. All products are tested by U.S. cannabis laboratories for purity and safety.

All Mary J Apothecary products are available exclusively through our Amazon storefront at amazon.com/shops/maryjapothecary. This ensures fast Prime shipping, secure transactions, and Amazon's customer protection policies. We ship to all U.S. states where cannabis cultivation is legal.

Yes, we stand behind every product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with results, contact us within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Our customer service team includes botanists and breeding specialists who can provide technical support and troubleshooting guidance.

Apply STS spray once when pre-flowers first appear (typically 4-6 weeks into vegetative growth), then again 7-10 days later. Two applications ensure complete sex reversal. Spray until leaves are thoroughly coated but not dripping. Our CannaCoat formula adheres better than traditional solutions, often requiring only one application for experienced growers.

Common causes include: dirty cutting tools (sterilize with 70% alcohol between cuts), taking cuttings from flowering or stressed plants (use healthy vegetative growth only), incorrect temperature/humidity (maintain 72-78°F and 70-80% RH), and poor cutting technique (use sharp blade, cut at 45° angle). Root Growth Formula addresses hormonal deficiencies that cause slow or failed rooting.

Hermaphroditism in feminized seeds comes from genetic predisposition or stress. Select stable parent genetics with no hermaphrodite history. Avoid stressing plants during flowering (light leaks, temperature swings, nutrient deficiencies). Use quality STS products like Mary J Apothecary's CannaCoat formula applied at proper timing. Test F1 generation thoroughly before releasing seeds.

Fresh pollen remains viable for 1-2 weeks at room temperature. For long-term storage: collect pollen in clean glass vials, add desiccant packets to remove moisture, seal tightly, and freeze at 0°F or below. Properly stored pollen remains viable for 6-12 months. Thaw slowly at room temperature before use and never refreeze.

Maintain multiple unrelated mother plants as genetic foundation. Grow large F2 populations (100+ plants) to capture recessive traits. Avoid repeated backcrossing to same parent (causes inbreeding depression). Introduce new genetics every 3-4 generations. Keep detailed lineage records. Preserve genetics through cloning rather than repeated seed production.

The 70-page illustrated guide covers 10 comprehensive chapters: Understanding Cannabis Genetics (Mendelian inheritance, dominant/recessive traits), Feminized Seed Production (STS application protocols), Traditional Breeding Methods (selection and stabilization), Phenotype Selection (evaluation criteria), Mother Plant Maintenance (long-term care), Clone Propagation (cutting techniques), Record Keeping (documentation systems), Common Challenges (troubleshooting), Advanced Techniques (tissue culture, polyploidy), and Resources (suppliers, testing labs).

Yes, the complete 70-page PDF guide with 10 botanical illustrations is 100% free forever. Simply enter your email on our breeding guide landing page, confirm your subscription, and receive instant access. No credit card required, no trial period, no hidden costs. We provide this resource to support the cannabis cultivation community and share professional breeding knowledge.

The guide is designed for both beginners and experienced cultivators. Home growers learn to preserve favorite genetics through cloning and create feminized seeds. Commercial breeders gain insights into population genetics, stabilization techniques, and professional record-keeping systems. Medical cultivators discover how to maintain consistent cannabinoid profiles. Anyone interested in cannabis genetics will find actionable, science-backed information.