AutoflowerA cannabis plant that flowers based on age (~2-4 weeks from seed) rather than light cycle. Easier for beginners; smaller yields.Backcross (BX)Crossing an offspring back to one of its parents to lock in a desired trait. BX1, BX2 etc. denote how many times this has been done.CalyxThe teardrop-shaped reproductive structure where flowers form. Where most trichromes accumulate.ChemotypeThe chemical fingerprint of a strain — cannabinoid + terpene ratios. Two phenotypes can share a chemotype.CureThe process of slowly drying down dried buds in sealed jars over weeks to develop terpenes and remove harshness.DefoliationSelectively removing fan leaves to improve airflow and light penetration. Done carefully — over-defoliation stunts plants.FeminizedSeeds bred to produce only female plants. Standard for growers who want flowers (males pollinate and reduce yield).F1 / F2First filial generation (F1) is the result of crossing two distinct parents. F2 is the offspring of two F1s — variation explodes here.FlushWatering with plain pH-balanced water in the final 1-2 weeks of flower to encourage the plant to use up stored nutrients.Hermaphrodite ("hermie")A plant that produces both male and female reproductive parts — usually a stress response. Will pollinate the rest of your grow if not caught.KiefLoose trichromes collected after they fall off dried buds. Concentrated cannabinoid content.LandraceA regional cannabis variety that evolved without selective breeding. Thai Stick, Afghani, Acapulco Gold are landraces.LST (Low-Stress Training)Bending and tying plants to spread out the canopy without damaging tissue. Increases yield without shocking the plant.Pheno-huntingGrowing many seeds of one strain to find the specific phenotype you want. The basis of breeding.PhenotypeThe observable expression of genetics — what one specific plant from a seed pack actually looks and smells like.PistilThe hair-like reproductive structures (white, then orange/red as they mature) that emerge from calyxes.StretchThe rapid vertical growth at the start of flowering — typically 1.5-3x the plant's vegetative height.ToppingCutting the main stem above a node to encourage two main colas instead of one. Boosts yield.TrichromeThe mushroom-shaped resin gland on cannabis flowers. Where THC, CBD, and terpenes are produced. Color (clear/cloudy/amber) signals ripeness.Veg / FlowerTwo main growth stages. Veg = vegetative growth under 18+ hours of light. Flower = reproductive stage triggered by 12 hours of darkness.VPDVapor Pressure Deficit. The difference between water in the air and water the plant can hold — controls how plants transpire. Optimizing it is intermediate-grower territory.