DoseCraft
VapeHeatLabPhenotype
The observable physical characteristics of a cannabis plant expressed by its genetics interacting with the environment.
A phenotype is the set of observable physical characteristics that a cannabis plant displays, including its height, leaf shape, bud structure, color, aroma, potency, and yield. Phenotype is the result of a plant's genetic code (genotype) interacting with its growing environment.
Genetics vs. Environment
Two seeds from the same strain can produce plants with noticeably different phenotypes when grown under different conditions such as lighting, nutrients, temperature, and humidity. Even under identical conditions, genetic variation within a seed batch means that individual plants may express traits differently, much like how siblings share DNA but look distinct. This is why experienced growers often pop multiple seeds of the same strain and select the best-performing phenotype to keep as a mother plant for cloning.
Why Phenotypes Matter
Understanding phenotypes helps explain why the same strain name can produce different experiences depending on who grew it and which specific plant was selected. Breeders and cultivators invest significant time in pheno-hunting, growing dozens or even hundreds of seeds to find the one phenotype that best expresses their desired combination of potency, flavor, yield, and growth characteristics. When a dispensary highlights a particular pheno of a strain, they are signaling that they selected for specific qualities.