Cannabis cultivation is a complex, yet rewarding experience, and it all starts with a handful of seeds. Those who have never grown their own crops often ask questions like:
- What should I look for in a packet of seeds?
- What kind of seeds do I have?
These and other questions are essential when aspiring growers are trying to buy cannabis seeds. As consumers and cultivators already know, seeds are the base upon which a healthy and strong crop is built, so choosing the right type is essential. Here, we will show growers how to choose the best seeds based on growing characteristics, appearance, strain type, and other criteria.
Genetics and Strain-Specific Traits
With cannabis, it’s all about genetics. Every strain is a little different, offering its own fragrance, flavor, cannabinoid level, and effects. Before buying a bunch of seeds, determine your preferences and consider factors such as:
- Today’s cannabis strains contain various proportions of indica and sativa genetics. While indica-dominant strains deliver a calm, relaxed, all-over feeling, sativa-dominant strains bring energy, creativity, and euphoria. Finally, some hybrid strains are balanced and well-rounded.
- THC and CBD levels. While the former is psychoactive, the latter is strictly therapeutic. Choose seeds with the right level of these cannabinoids and enhance your cultivar’s effects.
- Fragrance and taste. Every cannabis strain has a unique terpene profile, which gives it its smell and taste. Caryophyllene gives a peppery flavor, while pinene provides a woodsy scent. Humulene adds an herbal fragrance, while myrcene gives an earthy aroma. Linalool delivers a light citrusy scent, while limonene is a bit stronger in that regard. No matter which taste and aroma notes you’re after, always choose seeds from strains that are rich in the right terpenes.
When growers consider strain genetics, fragrance, taste, cannabinoid levels, and potential effects, they’re more likely to end up with a crop that suits their needs.
Growing Techniques
Another factor to consider is the desired strain’s growth characteristics. Cannabis plants vary widely in height, size, genetics, flowering type, and appearance, and they require different cultivation techniques and setups. For instance:
- Feminized seeds are 99% likely to produce female plants. When growers don’t want to separate plants by gender, they benefit from the higher bud production of feminized seeds.
- Autoflowering seeds flower upon reaching a certain age. They stress very easily and have a short life cycle, which makes them more appropriate for skilled growers.
- Regular seeds produce a 50/50 mix of male and female plants. Cultivators who want to develop new strains typically select these seeds.
- Fast version cannabis seeds contain photoperiod and autoflowering genetics. They flower quickly and are quite popular in areas with narrow outdoor harvest windows.
Consider your skills, preferences, and setup when choosing certain kinds of cannabis seeds.
Appearance
Along with the environment in which they are grown, the quality of cannabis seeds is crucial to the growth of healthy plants. While it’s tough to determine a seed’s potential and age by looking at its shape and size, it’s easier to do so by assessing its color and feel.
Mature seeds have hard shells and range in color from dark to light gray. They typically have stripes and can be pressed between the fingers without damage. Meanwhile, an immature seed will be green in color and crack easily when pressed.
Find the Right Seeds and Grow a Great Crop
These elements can tell home growers a lot about the quality of their seeds, but they’re not foolproof. To be safe, buy seeds from a reputable seller. Visit us online to start your cannabis cultivation journey today!
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