Feminized seeds may be considered a form of genetic modification, as they are produced through intentional manipulation of the plant’s genetics to ensure only female plants. However, they are not typically classified as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the same way as genetically engineered crops, as the modification is achieved through breeding techniques rather than direct genetic manipulation. Feminized  seeds are not genetically modified and not GMO seeds.

Home growers do not have to worry that feminized seeds are GMOs, because they are non-GMO.

Feminized seeds are generally considered non-GMO (non-genetically modified organisms) seeds. The term “feminized” in this context refers to a specific breeding technique that does not involve the introduction of foreign genes from unrelated species, which is a defining characteristic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Feminized seeds are created through controlled breeding processes that manipulate the plant’s natural genetic makeup to ensure a higher likelihood of producing female plants. This is achieved without the insertion of genes from other species or organisms, which is a key feature of GMOs. In contrast, GMOs involve the intentional manipulation of an organism’s genes by inserting genes from unrelated species to confer specific traits or characteristics. This genetic modification is done in a laboratory setting and is not the same as the controlled breeding techniques used to create feminized seeds.

It’s important to note that the classification of seeds as non-GMO or GMO is based on the presence or absence of foreign genetic material from unrelated organisms, and feminized seeds fall into the non-GMO category.