Choosing the right seeds is an important part of growing a healthy cannabis plant. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision for your needs.
A plant produces seeds after fertilizing itself with pollen from a male plant. Fertilizing a female plant with pollen from a male is called crossing or breeding.
Regular Seeds
Regular seeds have been overtaken by feminized varieties since the ’90s but they still hold their place in certain cultivator’s hearts. They offer a more natural and rewarding experience for some, especially those who are used to old-school varieties that never made the cut into the feminised market.
Cultivators grow regular seeds to breed their own strains. They are fertile and can produce both male and female plants that produce flowers. When a male plant pollinates a female cannabis flower it creates pollen sacs that are blown by the wind (or in some cases by the careful hand of a breeder) to find their way into receptive stigmas on other female flowers.
This is how new cannabis varieties are produced; by cross-pollinating a variety of different cannabis plants to create a more refined genetic strain. This is a process known as breeding and has been going on for millennia. The process is not without its risks though as it can sometimes produce a few unwanted male plants.
Feminized Seeds
If you’re growing cannabis for a specific purpose, such as extracting high-quality buds, then feminized seeds are the best option. These seeds have been bred to guarantee a harvest of only female plants, which are known for having higher potency and higher yields than male flowers.
There are many different methods used to produce feminized seeds. These techniques include using a chemical reversal to make a plant produce pollen that contains only female genes, which is then used to fertilize other female plants. The result is a guaranteed crop of female plants with a 99% success rate.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced grower, feminized seeds can make your life easier. This way, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with male plants that will ruin your crop and focus on getting high-quality buds. However, it is important to keep in mind that even feminized seeds can develop intersexual tendencies under certain stressful conditions. This is why some growers recommend planting a few regular seeds alongside feminized seeds.
Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflowering seeds are those that do not depend on changing hours of light to initiate flowering. This important trait evolved as a necessity for survival in the harsh environment of central Russia where Cannabis Ruderalis, the parent of autoflowering strains, originated.
These genetics make the plants easier to grow – not only do you not have to keep track of the light schedule, but autoflowering strains are more resilient and can naturally withstand colder weather. They are ideal for beginner growers and those who want to experiment with different strains without a lot of hassle.
When growing autoflowers, remember to keep the temperature in the grow room around 70-80°F during the day and 60-70% humidity at night. The lower humidity helps to reduce the risk of mold and mildew, which can contaminate the harvest. Autoflowers are sturdy and will respond well to training techniques, such as Low-Stress Training, which can increase the yield and quality of your crop.
Genetics
In the past, regular seeds were used to produce crops of cannabis plants that contained both male and female plants. This process is known as breeding and it works best when the initial crosses have all of their chromosomes – just like in humans. When the best plants in a crop are selected as ‘mothers’, they can produce hundreds of fertile clones over the course of several years.
Adding hemp seed to your diet is a great way to increase your protein intake and add essential vitamins and minerals to your body. The seeds are rich in soluble and insoluble fibres that boost your digestion and help prevent constipation.
If you are looking for a good website to purchase cannabis seeds, look for one that has plenty of customer reviews. This is a good sign that the company cares about their customers and provides quality products. Also, look for a wide selection of seeds and reasonable pricing.
