Regular seeds work exactly how nature intended. They have a 50-50 chance of becoming male or female, and growers must dedicate time to weeding out the male plants before the pre-flowering stage.
Fortunately, this extra effort is well worth it for the breeder who wants to create their own cultivars. Here are some of the advantages to using regular seeds:
They’re cheaper
Regular seeds are cheaper than feminized varieties, making them an excellent option for first-time growers. Because these plants are not genetically modified, they are free of chemicals that have a negative impact on the growing process. They also have a higher yield per plant, so you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Regular cannabis seeds are the preferred choice of experienced breeders because they offer greater genetic diversity and allow for more phenotype variation. They are also easy for novice growers to work with, as they do not require sexing or male-plant culling.
However, it is important to remember that regular seeds do have a chance of producing hermaphroditic plants, which can lead to unwanted pollination and decreased flower quality. To avoid this, careful monitoring is essential to ensure that hermaphrodite plants are discarded as soon as they appear. This can take some time and effort, but it is well worth the investment in your harvest.
They’re easier to grow
The main advantage of growing regular seeds is that you get a higher proportion of female plants. The problem is that this also means you need to spend more time sexing your plants and culling the males. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re growing old-school varieties that never made it to the feminized market and need to be preserved.
However, this is not necessarily a big deal, as you can still grow strong, stable strains from these seeds. Additionally, if you’re an experienced breeder, it’s preferable to use regular seeds as they are ideal for breeding and exploring new phenotypes. This is because they preserve genetic stability and offer a variety of options for cultivators. They can then be crossed with other seeds to produce new and exciting strains. This is the best way to create a unique cannabis plant that has its own distinctive flavours and high. It’s the only way to truly create a one-of-a-kind cannabis strain that you can enjoy for years to come.
They’re easier to breed
One reason growers buy regular seeds is for breeding purposes. Since they do not undergo any genetic modification to create feminized plants, these seeds have a much higher chance of producing hermaphrodite flowers. The hermaphrodite plants will then produce seeds, which can be used to create new strains.
For this reason, it is essential for growers to separate and identify hermaphrodite plants as early as possible. This can be challenging, but it is a vital part of the seed-producing process.
If growers manage to produce a predominately female crop, they will find it easier to manage their plants and ensure they are at the right stage for flowering. They will not have to worry about male plants ruining their harvest or affecting the quality of their buds. This will allow them to concentrate all their energy on delivering the best possible yield and quality. The plants grown from regular seeds will also be more robust, which means they can handle stress better than feminized plants.
They’re easier to clone
Unlike feminized seeds, regular seeds operate exactly how nature intended. They have a 50% chance of germinating into either male or female plants. This makes them ideal for breeders who are looking to create new cultivars.
When growing clones, it’s important to choose a healthy mother plant. This should be strong and vigorous with white roots. It should also be free of pests and disease. In addition, it’s essential to use a rich, well-draining rooting medium. This may include rockwool or a blend of perlite and vermiculite.
The main drawback of starting from seed is that it takes weeks for the seeds to germinate. This can be frustrating for growers who aren’t experienced with planting seeds. However, starting from a clone can make the entire process much easier. In addition, a clone will provide the same genetics as its mother plant. This will ensure consistency in yield and potency. It will also save you time and money.