Choosing the right cannabis seeds often becomes a challenge. The internet offers an almost endless selection of seed banks, various seed breeds, and promises of 100% germination rates and absurd THC levels. Not least, the legal aspects can cause uncertainty. Whether indoor cultivation or outdoor cultivation, Automatic seeds or feminized seeds: this article aims to give you an overview of what to consider when buying cannabis seeds.
The different types of cannabis seeds
To make a purchase decision, you should first know which types of seeds exist. You have probably already heard of female or feminized cannabis seeds. You might also have come across the term Automatic seeds. But what actually distinguishes the different seed types?
Basically, cannabis seeds can be divided into three categories: regular, feminized, and Automatic seeds.
Regular seeds:
From these seeds, both male and female cannabis plants grow. The ones probably interesting to you are the female cannabis seeds. Because these produce the beautiful, juicy, and aromatic cannabis flowers that eventually end up in your papers, vaporizers, or bongs. But for seed breeding, regular seeds are the right choice. Just like in human fertilization, male and female partners are needed here. The male plant produces pollen, which is then transferred to the female plant. After this pollination/fertilization, new seeds develop in the female plant's flower. This process continues until stable genetics have developed. Seed breeding is an extremely complex topic that challenges even the most experienced growers and would exceed the scope of this article.
Feminized seeds:
The most sought-after cannabis seeds are probably female cannabis seeds, also known as feminized seeds. These seeds have been bred so that they contain no male chromosomes. As a result, only female cannabis plants grow from the seedlings. But beware: unstable genetics can also lead to male plants. Therefore, choosing professional seed banks is of fundamental importance.
Last but not least: Automatic seeds (also called Automatic seeds or Autos):
While feminized cannabis plants depend on a change in the light cycle to enter the flowering phase (outdoor: days get shorter in autumn, indoor: the light cycle in the tent is reduced from the usual 18-20 hours of light to 12 hours), Automatic seeds, as the name suggests, automatically enter flowering after a certain lifetime. This was achieved by crossing the Cannabis Ruderalis plant (which originates from colder regions like Russia, Siberia, Canada) with traditional Sativa and Indica strains. Automatic strains are especially suitable for beginners and outdoor cultivation in cooler areas.
Good to Know: The first Automatic cannabis strains were bred in the early 1990s. The first commercial strain "Lowryder" by Joint Doctor was created in 2003 in Canada.
Now you have already gained a good overview of the different seed types. Yet there is much more to consider that should influence your purchase decision.
Other important aspects include the cultivation environment (indoor or outdoor), the THC/CBD value, as well as the preferred effects (Sativa or Indica).
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Whether you grow in a tent (indoor) or on your balcony or garden should also play a role in choosing your seeds. There are certain genetics that only feel comfortable in the warm regions of our earth, but also some that are specially suited for our climate.
Basically, every strain can be grown indoors, as the optimal environment can be artificially created here. But caution is also advised here, as certain strains do not work well together. Different flowering times, growth heights, and humidity requirements can lead to undesirable results. Therefore, when growing indoors, you should inform yourself in advance whether the selected plants really harmonize in the tent.
The situation is quite different for outdoor cultivation. Here, the choice of cannabis seeds should not be taken lightly. Whether the seed strain fits your local climate significantly contributes to your grow success or failure. Fortunately, most seed banks now offer filtering options to help you find the right strains for your climate.
We are on the right track. You are only a few steps away from searching for your personal favorite strain.
High THC, Sativa, Indica?
Finally, the question arises: What are your personal preferences and goals?
Whether Haze, Kush, Cheese, Skunk, or the somewhat more modern Cookies or Gorilla genetics, ultimately all known cannabis genetics today have arisen through various crossings.
In general, the cannabis strains available today are classified as sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, and hybrids.
- Sativa-dominant: energetic, uplifting, creative
- Indica-dominant: relaxing, calming, sleep-inducing
- Hybrid: balanced effects from both worlds
Where can I buy my cannabis seeds?
The choice of seed bank is a crucial factor when buying your cannabis seeds. A well-curated selection and review options often make your choice easier.
Legal notes on cannabis cultivation:
- From 18 years: maximum 3 female, flowering plants
- No access for minors
- Possession: maximum 50g at home, 25g on the go
- Sale and transfer prohibited
With these basics, you are optimally prepared for your first steps as a grower. And remember: practice makes perfect!
