Each cannabis seed has its own characteristics, thanks to which it develops into a plant with individual performance. When buying seeds, growers are guided by their own preferences and financial capabilities. Growing seeds must be approached responsibly, and some special knowledge is indispensable.
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How cannabis seeds are bred
The breeding of new varieties is carried out by breeders who cross different varieties, conduct experiments and examine the resulting samples. The main task is to get a plant that has the desired properties (resistance to low or high temperatures, fungus or mold, shortening the flowering period or giving the ability to independently bloom). All this is done in laboratories, and the process can be described in a simplified way as follows. Looking for a website to buy cannabis seeds? Here it is! You can find more information at our official store – Fast Buds!
- For example, if the goal of the experiment is to obtain a cold-resistant specimen, then the sample is crossed with one that already has such an ability.
- Germinated seeds are planted in the soil and various tests are carried out on it (in this case, they are placed in conditions with a lower temperature).
- The phenotypes that have received the desired genes are selected.
- One more crossing is carried out (with the parent or among themselves) to stabilize the genetics.
- When the goal is reached, the experiment is terminated.
Obtaining the necessary genetic code is a responsible and slow process, but necessary, since the consumer qualities of an adult plant directly depend on which hemp seeds were used and on their genetics.
How to choose marijuana seeds : selection
There are three generations of seeds (first, second and third), which directly affect the production process.
Generation one (F1)
These seeds are the best. They have high quality genetics and are bred from wild or hybrid varieties. In the process of selection, the best phenotypes are selected, followed by the cultivation of mother plants, which are then cloned and pollinated. The result is a generation of F1 seeds that produces a strong and robust material, especially appreciated by growers. This is the so-called standard of quality produced by world-famous seed banks, which include hemp seeds from Holland .
Generation two (F2) and third (F3)
These types of cannabis seeds (especially F3) are very rare to find in seed bank collections. They are mostly self-cultivated by growers. As a result of crossing the seeds of the first generation with each other, F2 seeds are obtained, which, in turn, are crossed again to produce the F3 generation. Of course, parental qualities are generally preserved, but stability becomes lower, and no one can predict what properties future plants will have. In addition, resistance, yield and cannabinoid content are reduced, especially in the third generation.
The main types of cannabis seeds
Seeds are determined by sex and method of flowering, it is on this that the properties, features of cultivation and care, as well as productivity depend.
Based on gender, the seeds are:
- Regular, which gives both female and male plants. In the second case, pollen is produced, which is not always welcomed by growers. There are no inflorescences on males, they play a role only in the creation of offspring (i.e., in the cultivation of their own varieties).
- Feminized with 99% all females and high THC bud yields.
According to the method of transition to flowering, the types of marijuana seeds are divided into:
- Photoperiod, the flowering of which depends on the light. With a reduction in daylight hours, the plant receives a signal about the onset of winter, the production of offspring (flowering) begins. If the plant is grown indoors, then the vegetation can be maintained for a long time, allowing the sprout to grow in size.
- Autoflowering cannabis seeds that are unaffected by lighting. In such plants, the onset of the flowering phase is genetically laid down and occurs when a certain age is reached. The life cycle of such plants is strictly limited and cannot be changed. They bring a crop for a short period, but its value is very high. Autoflowering varieties have Ruderalis genes, which increases their immunity, making them very resistant and unpretentious.
How to choose cannabis seeds: what characteristics you need to focus on
- Flowering period. Under it is understood the time period during which the ripening of the crop occurs. The countdown begins at the beginning of flowering, and ends with the harvest. This characteristic is of particular interest to growers who are eager to harvest as soon as possible.
- Productivity (productivity). Each plant cannot produce more than what it is genetically programmed to produce. When growing cannabis for commercial purposes, this characteristic is in the first place.
- Growing conditions. Some seeds cannot grow indoors, while others cannot grow outdoors. However, in general, cannabis seeds grow well in both conditions.
- THC content. It is this indicator that affects the force with which the finished product will affect the body. More powerful cannabis buds form on plants with a high percentage of THC.
- Growth, that is, the minimum and maximum height of bushes growing from seeds. When growing in grow boxes, this indicator is very important, since it is necessary to know in advance whether the plant will not be cramped and whether it will be able to develop normally.
- Champion Seeds. They have truly amazing genetics, which guarantee a stable and excellent result with high organoleptic qualities. At various festivals and competitions, such seeds invariably arouse increased interest and universal recognition.
- Seeds for beginner growers. As a rule, plants from such seed are unpretentious, with auto-flowering, even novice gardeners will grow them without problems.
