If you’re new to growing your own cannabis seed types, number one, welcome to a delightful world of trial and error, patience, and of course, the palpable satisfaction of smoking buds you’ve planted and tended yourself.
Number two, it’s time to get some cannabis seeds. But before you go out and buy hundreds of dollars worth of your favorite cannabis seeds, keep these step-by-step tips in mind to up your chances for better yields:
1. Decide on your growing environment
Before you buy any type of feminized seeds or auto flowering seeds whatsoever, you have to make an important decision: What’s your grow operation going to look like? Will you be growing indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse? The feminized cannabis seeds you select for cultivation will depend largely on this choice, as certain genetic varieties do better in different environments.
Outdoor grows are less maintenance, but you have to live in a more ideal climate for growing hemp and deal with the elements. Indoor grows usually require the largest investment to properly water your cannabis plant with a hydroponic system, provide sufficient light on a timer, and power the entire operation.
Greenhouse grows combine the indoor and outdoor elements, using the natural light of the sun while maintaining a more controlled environment.
Once you know whether you’ll grow your cannabis seeds indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse, you can move on to the next step.
2. Decide on indica, sativa, or hybrid strain
This choice comes down to your own personal preference for the various different types of marijuana seeds. If you’re an indica or sativa purist, this will be an easy decision. For those who prefer the combination of effects, select a hybrid that’s indica-dominant for a more sedated lift, or a hybrid that’s sativa-dominant if you prefer smoking during the day while staying productive.
If you prefer relaxing, sedative effects, look for indica seeds that are ideal for use in the evening. Be sure you like the overall effects of the cannabis strain before you invest in the cannabis seeds, and be sure to select a genetic variety conducive to your growing environment, whether you choose feminized or autoflowering seeds. Choosing the right type will ensure you cultivate mostly female plants that yield high-quality buds.
3. Understand the difference between regular and feminized seeds
Now that you know how you’ll grow your male and female plants and what type of cannabis seeds you’d like to grow, it’s important to understand the difference between regular and feminized seeds, so you can make the best choice for your situation.
If you’re a beginner grower, feminized seeds are a more sure thing, as these are the cannabis seeds that will produce mostly female plants. Feminized seeds will make the grow process less labor-intensive, as you don’t have to go in and remove the males during the pre-flowering stage. If you use regular cannabis seeds, be prepared for this extra step during the cannabis cultivation of feminized seeds.
Feminized seeds are an excellent choice for beginner growers. This is because they significantly increase the likelihood of cultivating female plants that produce high-quality buds. By choosing feminized seeds, you can streamline your cannabis cultivation process. This ensures that your garden is predominantly filled with female plants that are productive. A female cannabis plant is essential for producing the high-quality buds.
The feminized cannabis seeds are specially bred to ensure that nearly all plants grown from them will be female. In the long run, this will maximize your yield of potent buds. Also, many growers prefer feminized cannabis seeds because they eliminate the uncertainty of male plants.
Regular cannabis seeds are a traditional option for growers looking to cultivate both male and female plants. This can be beneficial for breeding.When using regular cannabis seeds, growers must carefully monitor their plants during the flowering stage to identify and remove any male plants. Regular cannabis seeds require more attention and effort. However, they can also lead to better outcomes.
4. Choose either autoflowering or photoperiod seeds
In addition to choosing between regular and feminized seeds, you need to decide beforehand whether you want to go with autoflowering seeds or photoperiod cannabis seeds.
Autoflowering seeds are more hands-off and are less sensitive to light. This makes them a good choice for beginner growers or those with outdoor setups who have less control over light exposure.
Autoflowering seeds automatically transition from the vegetative to the flowering stage without any interference in light exposure. Plants from autoflowering seeds typically have shorter growing cycles and don’t grow as tall, a good solution if you’re tight on space for your cannabis plant. Using autoflowering seeds can also increase your chances of growing female plants, simplifying the cultivation process for beginners.
On the other hand, photoperiod cannabis seeds are known to produce larger plants and higher yields, but they require a significant amount more attention and care. These are better suited for experienced growers with indoor operations with tightly controlled light exposure. You will have to closely monitor your plants and adapt your lighting schedule at the right moment during the vegetative state in order to trigger flowering of your types of marijuana seeds and ensure you cultivate female plants. Remember, male plants produce pollen, which can fertilize female plants and affect your yield if not managed properly.
5. Search for genetic varieties conducive to #1-#4
Now that you have a definitive idea of what to look for, you can begin your official search for cannabis seeds to grow your own cannabis. If you’re buying these online, it should be pretty easy to identify which varieties are best for your grow operation on the product page. When in doubt, do some googling to make sure the cannabis seeds are conducive to your setup.
If you are looking for a soothing body high and deeper relaxation, indica seeds are a popular choice for nighttime use. If you’re looking for a more well-rounded cannabinoid profile, for example, maybe you want strong levels of CBD and CBG for anxiety, be sure to check out a lab report from the manufacturer to see how the strain measures up.
As long as the cannabis seeds you’re looking at apply to your environment, your strain preference, and your preferences for feminized seeds/regular seeds and autoflowering/photoperiod cannabis seeds, you can move on to the next step and ensure they are likely to produce female plants for successful cannabis cultivation.
6. Check germination rates
You’re almost ready to pull the trigger on your purchase. But first, don’t forget to check the germination rate or germination data for your cannabis seeds. This should be easily discernible on the packaging or the website’s product page. Most legit vendors will offer cannabis seeds with a germination rate of 95% or higher, along with some kind of support should your seeds fail.
7. Inspect your seeds upon arrival
To check for viability once your cannabis seeds arrive, carefully inspect the seeds for color, texture, and shine. Healthy cannabis seeds should have a darker brown color with a structure that’s firm, not flimsy or brittle. There should also be a bit of glossy shine as well to indicate healthy cannabis seeds.
If you find that a lot of your cannabis seeds are broken or pale in color, take a picture and send it to customer service to request a refund or replacement, as these will be less likely to germinate.
Understanding Seed Sources
Prioritize purchasing from reputable seed banks with a proven track record. These vendors often offer detailed information about their strains, including genetics, growth characteristics, and expected yields. Whether you’re choosing feminized seeds, regular seeds, or autoflowering seeds, trust the source to ensure quality for your cannabis plant.
Have fun and be patient
If you follow the above steps to select your cannabis seeds, you’re more likely to have successful yields with your home grow. That said, growing your cannabis seeds can be an emotional rollercoaster with its ups and downs. Be patient with your plants and with yourself, and remember: these are cannabis seeds you’re growing. It should be fun to see your male and female plants thrive and produce quality buds.
