The world of marijuana is as fascinating as it is diverse. This plant, throughout history, has been an object of both adoration and rejection, but no one can deny the importance of its seeds, which allow its propagation and perpetuation. Beyond any debate, the study of the cannabis seeds and its planting methods constitute a gateway to responsible cultivation and in-depth knowledge of plant genetics. What types exist, how do they differ, and how to start growing from seed? You'll find everything you need to know in this extensive and detailed article.
How is marijuana reproduced?
La marihuana, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa,, is an annual herbaceous plant of the angiosperm family. Its life cycle is completed in less than a year: it germinates, grows, flowers, produces seeds, and dies. Like other flowering plants, cannabis can present dioecious flowers (male and female plants separated) or monoecious flowers (both organs in the same plant, although in different flowers).
Dioecious flowers
In nature, most cannabis varieties are dioecious. This means that to produce seeds, the interaction of male plants (which produce pollen) and female plants (which develop buds and seeds) is essential. Pollination in nature is mostly anemophilous (by the wind), although in controlled cultivation, humans can perform the same. Cross pollination Using methods such as soft brushes to transfer pollen from the male flower to the female flower, we ensure we obtain viable seeds with the desired genetics.
Monoecious flowers
In some cultivars, especially after successive selections, monoecious plants appear, containing male and female flowers on the same plant but in separate inflorescences. The reproductive process is simpler in this case, since pollination can occur in the same individual, although genetic diversity is usually lower.
Main types of marijuana seeds
Whether you're a beginner or experienced grower, it's essential to understand the different types of marijuana seeds. Each one presents unique characteristics, advantages, and challenges, both in terms of genetics and growing needs and results.
General classification of marijuana seeds
- According to their dependence on light: photoperiodic or autoflowering
- According to gender: regular or feminized
- According to your genetics: indica, sativa, ruderalis or hybrids
- Seeds rich in phytocannabinoids: CBD, THC, etc.
Photodependent seeds
These seeds require a specific light cycle to transition from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase. They are the most classic and are available as regular o feminized:
- Photoperiod regulars: They typically produce 50% male and 50% female plants. Perfect for breeders or for preserving genetic diversity.
- Photoperiod feminized: Genetically modified to guarantee almost 100% female plants, which means greater efficiency and harvests exclusively of buds, without additional effort to eliminate males.
Featured advantages: Complete control over flowering time, the possibility of mother plants and cuttings, large harvests, and greater genetic stability in modern hybrids.
Disadvantages: They require more time from sowing to harvest and greater attention to photoperiod management.
Autoflowering seeds
The seeds autoflowering They are the result of crossing cannabis sativa/indica and CIts main characteristic is that They do not depend on daylight hours to begin flowering, but rather to the development of the plant. This allows for several harvests per year if environmental conditions permit, and much shorter life cycles (sometimes from 8 to 12 weeks from sowing to harvest).
- They facilitate quick harvests: ideal for beginners and for those seeking discretion or limited space.
- They tend to grow less than other varieties, so they adapt well to growing indoors or on balconies.
- Most autoflowering seeds on the market are feminized to ensure flowering plants.
Disadvantages: Bud production is generally lower than that of photoperiod plants, with lower development of mother plants and lower genetic diversity.
Other seed classifications
- Fast Seeds (Fast Version): Photoperiod and autoflowering hybrids that further shorten flowering times. Perfect for areas with short summers.
- CBD-rich seeds: Selected or modified to produce plants with high levels of cannabidiol and low THC. They are popular for medicinal and therapeutic use.
- Hemp seeds: Legal varieties in many countries because they contain less than 0,2% THC. Harvested for fiber, nutritious seeds, and oil.
- Landrace seeds: Pure genetics from specific regions, with great adaptation to the local climate.
- Heirloom seeds: Grown and preserved without hybridization for generations, renowned for their genetic reliability and consistency.
Genetics and types of marijuana: Indica, Sativa, Ruderalis and hybrids
- Indicates: Native to cold, mountainous regions. Compact, hardy plants, broad leaves, and short flowering period (7-9 weeks). Relaxing effects, ideal for nighttime use or pain relief.
- Sativa: Originating from equatorial and tropical regions. Tall, slender plants with long leaves and a long flowering period (9-13 weeks). Energizing and creative effects, exotic flavors.
- Ruderalis: Native to regions with extreme climates. Small, robust, and autoflowering. Low in THC and high in CBD. Genetic basis of modern autoflowering strains.
- Hybrids: Crosses between sativa and indica (sometimes with ruderalis). They allow the grower to adjust effects, flowering time, size, and disease resistance to suit their preferences.
Each type of seed can combine these genetic in different proportions, which is largely determined by experience and the appropriate cultivation method.
Advantages and disadvantages of each type of seed
| seed type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Feminized | Only female plants, greater efficiency and productivity, facilitate cultivation | Not valid for crosses, lower genetic diversity, higher cost |
| Regular | Perfect for breeding new varieties, low cost, greater resistance | Males must be eliminated, less control over characteristics |
| Autoflowering | Fast, easy, discreet, several harvests per year | Smaller size and production, less power (although it has improved) |
| CBD/Medicinal | High CBD content, low psychoactive effects | Lower bud production, less developed market |
| FastVersion | Ultra-fast flowering, perfect for cold climates/risk of rain | Lower production and fewer varieties available |
How to choose the most suitable marijuana seeds
Key factors to consider
- Available space: Indoors, feminized or autoflowering varieties are best. Outdoors, any type, depending on the climate.
- Experience: Autoflowering and feminized strains are ideal for beginners.
- Objective: If you're looking for genetic diversity or to create your own crosses, use regular seeds. If you're solely concerned with bud production, choose feminized seeds.
- Climate: In areas with short summers or a risk of rain, opt for autoflowering or fast-flowering varieties. In warm climates, sativas and larger varieties can unleash their potential.
- Medicinal or recreational purpose: If you're looking for therapeutic effects, choose seeds rich in CBD and low in THC.
Varieties and outstanding examples
Indica
- Bubba Kush: Powerful relaxing effect, coffee and spice flavor.
- Critical Plus: Fast growing, high yield, fruity aroma.
Sativa
- Super Silver Haze: Energizing effects, high THC content.
- Original Amnesia: Fast and productive, relaxing and powerful effect.
Popular autoflowering plants
- Sweet Skunk Auto: Intense flavor, relaxing effect.
- Northern Light Auto: Compact, durable, ideal for indoor use.
- Moby Dick Auto: High quality and lemon and haze flavor.
CBD/Medicinal
- Charlotte's Web: One of the most used in therapies thanks to its high CBD content.
- Medikit: Minimal THC, high CBD content, ideal for medicinal users.
FastVersion
- Green Poison Fast Version: Very short flowering, abundant productions.
Steps for correctly planting marijuana seeds
- Choosing the seedbed: Use well-draining trays. Forest or garden trays are optimal. To choose the best substrate, consult our guide. How to choose the best substrate for marijuana.
- Substrate preparation: Moistened coconut fiber is an excellent option for its aeration and water retention.
- Sowing: Place one or two seeds per cavity and cover them lightly. Gently press down the substrate.
- Light conditions: Place the tray in full sun outdoors or under bright lighting indoors. The temperature should always be above 15°C. For more tips, visit .
- Irrigation and humidity: Keep the substrate moist, but never waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 5 to 10 days.
Frequently asked questions and key growing tips
- What type of seeds should you choose for indoors? Prefer autoflowering or feminized varieties, especially compact varieties.
- Which seeds are best for outdoors? Indicas for cold/humid climates, sativas for warm, long-season climates. Autoflowering strains allow for multiple harvests per year.
- Are there varieties suitable for extreme climates? Ruderalis and indica strains tend to be more resistant. Always check the strain information.
- Can homemade crosses be made? Yes, using regular seeds and selecting selected males and females to obtain your own seeds in where to buy marijuana seeds.
- When to sow to obtain large plants? In early to mid-spring, maximizing vegetative growth hours.
