Knowing about the different types of cannabis seeds is one of the first obstacles a grower must overcome, so we've put together a straightforward breakdown of the common seed types and their attributes, outlining which are best for home growers with different desires.
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If you've found yourself wading through the fascinating world of cannabis cultivation, you've probably encountered the bewildering array of cannabis seed types available. From regular seeds to feminized, autoflowering and CBD-rich varieties, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of options. But fear not, for we're here to shed some light on this garden of green possibilities.
We'll explore the diverse world of cannabis seeds, demystifying the terminology, characteristics, and advantages of each type. Whether you're aiming to grow your own cannabis, seek medicinal benefits, or just satisfy your curiosity, understanding these seeds is the first step on your canna-themed journey.
Different types of cannabis seeds: The basics
Cannabis seeds come in dozens of varieties, but for the most part, you can split them into several major categories.
Landrace seeds
Landrace cannabis seeds are like the ancient ancestors of the cannabis family. These seeds hail from regions where cannabis has grown naturally for centuries, adapting to their specific environments. The fascinating thing about landrace seeds is their genetic purity and stability. They've developed unique traits that make them ideally suited to their native climates. These seeds are often sought after by cannabis enthusiasts looking for a taste of history and pure, unadulterated genetics.
Heirloom seeds
These seeds have been carefully preserved and passed down through generations of growers. However, what makes heirloom seeds special is their consistency and reliability. Heirloom strains maintain their unique genetics, delivering a consistent crop year after year. They are known for their stable growth patterns and well-defined characteristics, making them a top choice for those seeking a reliable, authentic, and traditional cannabis experience.
Indica seeds
Your ticket to relaxation and tranquility, indica seeds give rise to typically short, bushy plants and are known for their deeply relaxing effects. Indica strains are cherished for their ability to soothe the body and calm the mind, making them perfect for a mellow evening. Their distinct traits include broad, dark green leaves and a shorter flowering period—a boon for impatient growers.
Sativa seeds
These seeds lead to tall, slender plants with vibrant, airy leaves, but what sets sativa strains apart are their often invigorating and creative effects. Sativas are known for sparking imagination and boosting energy levels, making them perfect for daytime use. They often have longer flowering periods but reward patient growers with impressive yields. If you're looking to enhance your focus, creativity, or social experiences, sativa seeds are your best bet.
Ruderalis seeds
Ruderalis cannabis seeds are like the resilient underdogs of the cannabis world. These seeds give rise to compact, hardy plants that have adapted to harsh, northern climates. What's fascinating about ruderalis is its automatic flowering trait, making it a popular choice for beginners. Unlike other cannabis types, ruderalis doesn't rely on changing light cycles to start flowering. Instead, it flowers based on age, so you can enjoy a faster, hassle-free harvest.
Hybrid seeds
Hybrid cannabis seeds are the best of both worlds in the cannabis universe, blending the characteristics of different cannabis types, such as indica and sativa. In today's market, nearly all modern cannabis seeds are hybridised (also called polyhybrid) to some degree. However, what growers usually look for is genetic dominance—how much of the strain's DNA comes from indica plants and how much from sativa (usually defined as a percentage).
True F1 hybrid seeds
These seeds result from carefully crossbreeding two purebred parent plants, one with specific desirable traits, like high potency or unique flavours, and the other with the same attributes. The result is a first-generation hybrid that combines the best qualities of both parents, offering predictability and consistency in growth, effects, and taste. True F1 hybrids are prized for their stability, ensuring that each plant you grow from these seeds will share the same outstanding traits as its siblings.
Common types of cannabis seeds for home growers
With the basics of major seed types covered, it's time to dig deeper into the specific sub-types. Once you get to grips with what indica-dominant photoperiod seeds or regular landraces actually are, you'll be on your way to choosing the best cannabis seeds for you needs.
Photoperiod seeds
These seeds give rise to cannabis plants that rely on specific light cycles to transition from the vegetative growth phase to flowering. They offer growers more control over the plant's development, allowing you to manipulate light to suit your preferences. Whether you want to experiment with longer vegetative phases for bigger plants or shorten the flowering period for quicker harvests, photoperiod seeds offer flexibility and customisation.
Autoflowering seeds
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are like the self-sufficient, low-maintenance workhorses of the cannabis world. These seeds produce plants that automatically switch from the vegetative stage to flowering based on age, not light cycles. This means you can grow them without worrying about changing the amount of light they receive. Autoflowers are typically compact, perfect for small spaces, and have a fast life cycle, often ready to harvest in weeks rather than months.
Regular seeds
With regular seeds, there's a 50/50 chance that plants could be either male or female. While this unpredictability might sound challenging, it's the key to preserving the genetic diversity of the cannabis plant. Regular seeds are preferred by experienced growers and breeders who use them as building blocks to create new strains and maintain the health of cannabis genetics. With a male's pollen sacks and a female's pistils, it's possible to craft endless varieties of your favourite herb.
Feminized seeds
Bred to ensure that the plants they grow will all be females, feminized seeds are the ones that produce those beloved buds. This means you won't have to worry about dealing with any pesky male plants or the possibility of pollination in your garden. Feminized seeds make cultivation a breeze for beginners, as they guarantee an abundant yield of the potent and resinous flowers you're after. If you're looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to growing cannabis, feminized seeds are your go-to choice, offering a hassle-free path to a satisfying harvest.
Fast-flowering seeds
Choosing fast-flowering seeds means you can enjoy your homegrown cannabis bounty much sooner, making them a fantastic choice for impatient growers or those in regions with short growing seasons. Fast-flowering strains are often designed to be compact and efficient, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor cultivation. And because these seeds produce plants that complete their flowering stage in a shorter time, you could have a respectable amount of buds ready to smoke in a matter of weeks.
CBD seeds
The self-titled wellness champions of the cannabis world, CBD seeds are carefully bred to produce plants with high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound celebrated for its potential therapeutic benefits. Usually containing lower levels of THC, CBD seeds offer a milder, more relaxed experience and are often favoured for their potential to ease various mental and physical ailments. They provide a gentle introduction to the world of cannabis and open the door to a range of wellness benefits without the risk of getting high.
Hemp seeds
Derived from the hemp plant, a close relative of cannabis, and are prized for their exceptional nutritional value. However, unlike cannabis seeds, hemp seeds produce plants virtually devoid of THC but with low levels of CBD. So, rather than grow hemp plants, many people eat the seeds. They're packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a superfood for health-conscious individuals.
Which type of seeds are best?
Are you looking for a straightforward, hassle-free grow? Go for feminized, autoflowering, or fast-flowering seeds. Want to explore the roots of cannabis history and genetics? Consider landrace or heirloom seeds. Seeking a unique combination of effects and flavours? Dive into the world of hybrid or True F1 hybrid seeds. Want to experience the wellness potential of cannabis without the high? CBD seeds are your go-to. And for those focused on nutrition without psychoactive effects, hemp seeds are the perfect choice.
Remember, the best strains are the ones that suit your goals and preferences best. So, roll up your sleeves, select your seeds wisely, and embark on a cannabis cultivation journey tailored just for you. With these seeds, the possibilities are as diverse and endless as the cannabis plant itself. Happy growing!
