Males mature faster than females (although not the case in ..some..creatures..).. that's a key thing to remember. Balls also appear in clusters, so you won't have just one little ball .. you'll have a bunch appear.. and quickly...

Best place to look (assuming you haven't topped) is in the growing top...

Don't be quick to judge!! the female pods develop very similar to the male balls...the only difference is the male balls grow in clusters...

the female flowers also grow in clusters.. that's what makes up the "bud" is the clusters of female flowers.. but at that point.. you'll be more than sure it's female.