Italiano
Español
Français
Deutsch
Marijuana seeds aren't like your typical garden variety of herbs and spices and root vegetables. A lot of time, research, and experimentation has gone into the cultivation of the perfect seeds for both hobbyists and commercial growers alike.
That means choosing the right seeds is not something you should take lightly. There's a lot to consider before you buy marijuana seeds, and we're here to highlight those considerations.
In this article, we're going to discuss how to choose marijuana seeds for your next (or first) grow. So, keep reading to learn more—and takes notes.
How to Choose Your Marijuana Seeds
If you're new to growing marijuana, then it's essential to understand the different kinds of marijuana seeds available and how to choose the best ones for your intended grow. It's safe to say that in the world of cannabis, not all seeds are created equally. Science has allowed us to evolve our strains into unique, artisan creations.
From wanting to experience an incredible high to wanting to soothe an ailment, there's a strain for everything these days. It doesn't end with getting high or treating a medical condition either. There are many cannabis connoisseurs among us who treat marijuana like a fine wine, noting its flavour and aromatic profiles.
Whatever it is you're going for, there's quite a bit to consider when choosing and buying marijuana seeds. Ultimately your grow will come down to three basic elements:
- THC potency
- Flavour and aroma
- Physical and mental effects
Keep these three elements in mind as you run through the list of what to consider when searching for the best marijuana seeds.
Now, on to the list:
Buying Vs Growing
Obviously, if you're new to growing cannabis - and you're reading this - you don't have any seeds yet. However, once you learn to master the art of growing the perfect buds, you're going to want to learn to save some of those seeds.
To grow your own seeds, you need to have female plants to produce said seeds, which is also conditional of producing buds. You will also need to have male plants to fertilize the female plants. The process is as easy and placing male and female plants together downwind from a gentle breeze.
Of course, not all the seeds produced will be viable, which is why many growers choose to feminize their seeds. It's a bit of an arduous process, which is also why most growers new to the scene will buy already feminized seeds.
Buying your seeds also allows for more control over your yield. The marijuana seeds on the market are backed by their genetics, which have been thoroughly spliced, hybridized, and bred for a strong line of cultivars.
Male Vs Female: Does it Matter?
In short, yes, it absolutely matters whether you have male or female seeds. While it's a myth that you can't get high off the male plant's buds or that it doesn't produce buds, you want to focus on female seeds only.
The male marijuana plant has a significantly lower concentration of THC compared to its female counterpart. It also won't provide you with the same heart yield that a female can. Therefore, the only thing it's really good for is fertilizing the female plant.
So, when you're buying marijuana seeds, make sure you're buying from a reputable vendor that's only selling you feminized seeds. Otherwise, you'll end up with a bunch of male plants taking up space, nutrients, and energy in your grow, and you won't realize it until it's too late.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Seeds
There's a lot of debate over indoor vs outdoors seeds. The truth is, any strain can grow indoors or outdoors. Cannabis has been growing naturally outdoors since the dawn of time—and it has been thriving.
However, there's one caveat: Not every strain will thrive outside. This is especially true if you live in a part of the world where the climate doesn't provide what your plant needs. Adversely, not every strain that grows well outdoors will grow well indoors.
So why does it matter?
Let's say you're a newbie with a 182.22 cm x 182.22 cm grow tent. It may take up a lot of closet space, but 182 cm isn't nearly accomodating enough for an equatorial sativa that grows tall, takes up immense space, and needs intense, penetrating light.
Of course, the marijuana seeds you choose will undoubtedly be based on where you plan to grow them. Above all, you'll want to pay close attention to the cultivar and its environmental needs. While pure sativas may need immense sunlight, some indicas thrive in cooler, cloudier, climates.
Choose the marijuana seeds that will best fit the conditions you're able to provide your plants.
Autoflowering Vs. Photoperiod Seeds
Autoflowering seeds are still relatively new to the marijuana seed world, but they're incredibly popular. The difference between an autoflowering seed and a photoperiod seed is in the name—and their required light cycle.
Photoperiod seeds are your regular marijuana seeds. These seeds require a 12-12 hour change in their light cycle to flower. That means after a certain period of time, they require 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
Autoflowering seeds have been engineered to begin their flowering cycle automatically, without having to change their light schedule.
There are pros and cons to both types of seeds.
The pros of autoflowering seeds include:
- No change in their lighting schedule, which makes life easier for you
- Faster harvest cycles
- Better suited for indoor tent growing due to their height and size
The Pros of photoperiod seeds include:
- More control over the flowering process
- Greater potential for higher yields because you have control of the flowering process‚ i.e., you can extend the vegetation stage for heartier growth
- They can be easily cloned for your next grow
- Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?
As for the cons, with autoflowering seeds, you'll have less control and a smaller yield. With photoperiod seeds, harvesting time will take longer, and you have to change the light cycle yourself. Of course, you can always get an automatic timer.
Photoperiod seeds seem to be better for new growers or seasoned growers that want a more massive yield. They're also more forgiving should you make any mistakes, and being able to clone your mother plant, keeping its first-generation genetics intact, is always a plus.
Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid?
Another thing to consider is the type of strain you want to grow. For years, there was only a choice between indicas and sativas. That choice was typically made based on the benefits of each strain.
Now you can find hybrid marijuana seeds that give you the best of both worlds. Of course, hybrids are usually dominant as either an indica or sativa, but the effects and benefits of both plants will be there.
As a novice grower, the benefits and effects of each strain won't be your only deciding factor. Once again, the environment you can provide will also determine the type of seeds you choose.
For example, indicas take less time to grow and harvest compared to sativas. They're also manageable in cooler, cloudier, climates, whereas sativas thrive in the warm sun. However, sativas are also more finicky, less hearty, and less forgiving.
Additionally, your hybrid seeds will take on the grow characteristics of the more dominant strain. So, you'll want to think beyond the benefits of each strain and consider whether or not you can provide for a fruitful harvest.
Genetics and THC Content
If you're looking to purchase marijuana seeds, then you're obviously looking to get high on your own supply. That's why it's crucial to pay attention to the seed's genetics and THC content.
Genetics may seem overwhelming, especially with terms like "cultivars" and "parent strains" and "autoflowering genetics," and so on being thrown around. While it's quite a bit of information to wrap your head around, we're going to zero in on why genetics matter.
Basically, your chosen marijuana seeds have an entire history beyond their strain, gender, flavour profiles, and ability to autoflower. The genealogy of your seeds is the determining factor of the strength and stability of your future harvest.
It all comes down to predictability.
Cannabis breeders work hard to deliver genetically stable seeds to the market each year. Genetic stability is the key to a plant's predictability as it allows growers to know that when they buy certain marijuana seeds, they can expect certain results.
Genetics and THC content also go hand-in-hand. Overtime, cloning and hybridizing have allowed breeders to come up with more potent strains. Of course, THC content is easier to determine as it should be labelled on your seed packet.
Where to Buy Marijuana Seeds
Finding high quality marijuana seeds for purchase is easy. It's sifting through the thousands of options that takes time. You can easily find seeds at your local dispensary, or from an online seed bank.
Now that you understand what to look for in marijuana seeds, you'll be able to take the time to carefully decide which will benefit you, the grower, the most.
If you're interested in learning more about marijuana's cousin hemp, contact us today. Or check out our weed shop.
