Greg the Alien here! Recently my humanoid friend Chuck and I were chatting on my UFO and the topic of different types of cannabis seeds came up. You see, Chuck has been dealing with anxiety and wanted some tips on how to grow his own money-saving and natural medicine to help potentially deal with it.
Having never grown cannabis before–and since there are so many different cannabis seeds to choose from–Chuck needed some help in making his buying decision. As an otherworldly cannabis seed expert, I happen to also know a few world-class cannabis breeders.
So I decided to ask one of my breeder friends of mine to chime in, and help Chuck and any other newer grower out there by creating a “multiversal” guide to different types of cannabis seeds. From autoflower seeds to CBD seeds, take a look for yourself to see which are best for you and your home growing needs!
Table of Contents
Regular & Feminized Seeds
When it comes to growing THC & CBD-rich cannabis (two of the main cannabinoids, or active ingredients in cannabis), one of the main divisions is the difference between regular and feminized seeds.
What are regular cannabis seeds?
Regular seeds are used to breed and create more consistent and stable offspring or clones for continued harvests. Regular cannabis seeds or “regs” can be either male or female. Male plants grow pollen sacs that can pollinate female plants and then produce their own cannabis seeds.
For any experienced grower looking to create their own strains or make a batch of cannabis seeds to stock-up on for themselves, regs are a great choice.
How are feminized seeds different?
For a new grower like my buddy Chuck, feminized seeds are the wiser choice to begin with. There is no pollination process necessary for the home grower, and you are basically guaranteed to produce female plants with bigger, more resinous buds free of seeds.
Feminized cannabis plants are bred specifically for their flower buds. This is compared to regular seeds which are grown to produce certain select feminized plants for growers to keep, and to also produce seeds for future pollination projects.
Photoperiod Seeds vs. Autoflower Seeds
Photoperiod seeds were considered the grower’s standard for a long time. In the last 10 or so years however, autoflower seeds have improved greatly in quality and potency. Growing either type is fully dependent on the equipment, space, and personal preferences you may have as a grower.
Photoperiod seeds
Photoperiod seeds can be grown indoors or outdoors. Growing them indoors gives the grower more control over their environmental factors and also how to use certain techniques to increase their final flower bud yields. Indoor growing also requires equipment such as lights, air exchange systems, and temperature controls.
Growing outdoors often leaves the final result up to the weather and temperature conditions. This is dependent on which region of the country you live in. However, it does allow for much larger flowering plants and yields if done properly.
Photoperiod seed germination
Like all plants, cannabis seeds need to germinate or trigger the start of the growth process. “Photos” can take anywhere from a day or two up to 2 weeks to sprout into plant seedlings. For more detailed info on germination, stay tuned for my Germination Guide coming soon!
Photoperiod seed vegetative stage
The vegetative, or “veg” stage of cannabis seed plant growth gets the plant strong and stable. Ideal water, temperature, and light conditions begin to start the plant’s physical structure. An 18 hours of light/6 hours of dark schedule is necessary during this time. This is in order to keep the plant growing strong during this stage and not flower too early [1].
This stage can potentially go on forever if the grower wishes, however for those ready to take it to the next stage asap, 4-8 weeks is the average, however some researchers do argue that it can take anywhere from 3-16 weeks [2].
Photoperiod flowering stage
LED lighting systems have shown in peer-reviewed studies to be the most beneficial when growing cannabis indoors with photoperiods [3]. The typical 12 hour light/12 hour dark schedule for photoperiods seems to be the agreement for all growers. However, there are actually studies out there that have shown differently.
One such study as recently as March of 2023 demonstrated significant flower yield and cannabinoid concentration increases in several THC and CBD-rich strains after using a 14 hour light/10 hour dark schedule during this stage. Using what’s also known as the light spectrum range can also have a positive effect on photoperiod seed growth and results [3].
Photoperiod Clones
According to other clinical research, photoperiod cannabis plants “normally mature in 6 to 9 weeks” once in the flowering phase. Once the photoperiod flower has reached maturity, clones can be selected to keep the plant’s desired phenotype, or genetic traits (color, shape, smell) alive in their offspring [4].
This is done by taking what’s known as a “cutting” or a branch of the mature plant into clean water and then placing it into rock-wool or hydroton clay for support until placed in soil or hydroponics to develop its own roots [4].
Cuttings can also go straight into soil once a rooting hormone agent (such as Clone X) is applied, and is then able to relay a message to the plant to begin producing roots.
Autoflower Seeds & Gnome Automatics
Though germination times are almost similar to photoperiods (3-10 days on average), autoflower seeds still grow a little differently in comparison to photoperiods. This is because of the ruderalis genetics that have been bred into them.
To understand, just read what world-class autoflower breeder Dan Jimmie of Gnome Automatics, and their stellar genetics has to say.
Indoor autoflower seeds
For one thing, indoor autoflower seeds don’t need the same light schedule as photoperiod plants. “I typically run 18/6 [hours of light/dark] or 20/4 depending on the time of year because of heat or cooling issues”, said Jimmie during a recent conversation.
Equipment like a grow tent, lights, and exhaust systems are often necessary to maximize yields along with great genetics like those found with Gnome Automatics and their regular and feminized autoflower seeds.
The Gnome Automatics founder went on to say that one of the real keys to growing autoflower seeds indoors is that less is more. “Keep it simple, don’t try to change a thousand things. Find a method, do the research on that method, find good resources, and focus on just that one style. You don’t need all the products, or a great light. You just need a good grow method and to hone in on your craft.”
Outdoor autoflower seeds
Planting and growing autoflower seeds outdoors has its advantages. When selecting pot size starting with 5 gallons is the norm. But the higher up you go in pot size the larger your yield potential can also be.
But the beauty of autoflower seeds is that you can also just leave your plant next to a window that gets excellent light. You can even leave it out on the patio at the beginning of June to get some results too. Just be sure to still provide a reliable watering schedule, stress test, and keep it in direct light as much as possible.
“I highly recommend a staggered season. Have a set ready for June 1st. What’s important for autoflowers outdoors is that if they can get a minimum of 15 hours of direct light, they’re gonna do great”, Jimmie also told me. “Once they get into diminished hours of light they kind of get wispy and don’t hold together well.”
High quality autoflower seeds rival photoperiod seeds
Autoflower seeds typically start to flower around 4-5 weeks after germination. They have an 8-12 week grow cycle in total before harvest. Such a quick harvest time after germination is one major advantage of autoflower seeds that aren’t just for the beginner grower.
Combined with the quick-flowering nature of autoflower seeds, the genetics have improved greatly. Experienced autoflower seed breeders like Dan Jimmie agree that’s what has made the biggest difference.
Insane yields that can reach up to a full pound of dried flower are now possible with great autoflower seed genetics and a 15 gallon pot. Just be sure to stress-test them properly since autoflower seeds can be more sensitive to environmental stress factors.
Hemp, CBD, & Other Cannabinoids
As the compounds in cannabis that don’t cause a “high” like THC, CBD and CBG are responsible for some of the most important medicinal-only strains of weed available to humanoids.
Cannabis seeds with high concentrations of these cannabinoids are mostly legal to all American humanoids. This is so long as they contain less than .3% of THC by federal law. As stated in the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, any cannabis seed with levels below that number is considered “hemp” and can be grown at home.
Are there CBG seeds?
CBG is a cannabinoid similar to CBD that is medicinal in nature and does not provide a high either. CBG only comes from young cannabis flowers that have not yet converted their chemical composition into CBD during the flowering phase [5]. There are CBG-rich seeds available that have higher concentrations of that specific cannabinoid.
What about CBN?
CBN is another medicinal-value only cannabinoid that has been shown to be effective in managing pain and is part of a current study to investigate its effect on sleep issues [6]. CBN is also another cannabinoid that is based on flowering development and not seed-based.
In order to grow a strain high in CBN, a THC-rich strain of weed needs to basically be exposed to more heat, oxygen, and sunlight than normal. This will begin to convert the THC into higher levels of CBN.
Indica, Hybrid, & Sativa Seeds
There are 3 different types of THC-containing cannabis seeds that identify the intoxicating effects once they’re grown.
Indica seeds
Indica seeds typically have more of a sedative and relaxing effect on humanoids and their feelings. These effects can vary from strain-to-strain but overall, strains like Northern Lights are classic versions of indica cannabis seeds.
Sativa seeds
Known to be more of a focused, uplifting, or “speedy” high similar to being caffeinated, sativa seeds like Hazes, Diesels, and Trainwreck are ideal choices for this type of elevated experience. They also grow taller and tend to take a few extra weeks to finish flowering.
Hybrid seeds
Hybrid seeds are the most popular strains of weed for humanoids these days. Their popularity is due to their amazing genetics that contain balanced elements of both indicas and sativas combined. Many gassy hybrids that deliver those effects are derived from heavy-yielding parents like GSC, Gelato, and Wedding Cake.
GMO vs. Organic Cannabis Seeds
Regular cannabis seeds that are grown and treated with man-made chemicals and pesticides can be considered GMO seeds. This is because they have been modified genetically by the solutions being used to keep away pests and disease.
GMO weed seeds being produced and trademarked by a huge agriculture company has not happened yet. However, that’s not to say that this potential form of cannabis seeds is not going to happen.
Not to be confused with genetically modified seeds, the specific strain of cannabis known as “GMO” has no relation to the type of seeds mentioned above. The GMO strain of weed is instead named as such by humanoid breeders. This is because its aroma is often similar to the smell of “garlic, mushrooms, and onions.”
Organic cannabis seeds
For a cannabis seed to be considered organic, they must come from two parent strains that have been organically grown with no pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, and the like. These types of cannabis seeds often produce flower buds that are very potent and are often considered of the highest quality.
What Seeds Should Chuck Pick?
In my humanoid buddy Chuck’s case, he lives in a humid region of the country with moist summers. His goals are to be able to quickly grow high-quality, THC-rich hybrid seeds during the summer, inside his house, and without too much complicated grow equipment since he’s a new grower.
After reading this guide, Chuck selected Gnome Automatics feminized autoflower seeds to grow at home. The quick-finishing (50-55 days), hearty nature of Witcher’s Creek autoflower seeds that Dan Jimmie breeds into them is especially appealing to Chuck.
Along with all of the other additional factors involved and mentioned above, Witcher’s Creek can also provide the potential therapeutic effects to help naturally treat Chuck’s anxiety once his harvest is grown and cured.
Choose the Cannabis Seeds that Fit Your Needs
Though they all may look like the same little beans, the many different types of cannabis seeds available to growers. All of them have their own unique traits and qualities. Be sure to choose the ones that are ideal for your experience level, environment, temperature, preferences, and desired effects.
Why are cannabis seed genetics so important?
“The most important thing to increase yields–genetics,” Dan Jimmie said towards the end of our chat. “Definitely do your research on the genetics first”.
Beyond just big yields, cannabis seed genetics that are proven to be successful and demonstrate all of the qualities, effects, and traits you are looking for are crucial.
Choosing solid genetics from reputable breeders, along with everything mentioned above will get your home grow where it needs to be regardless of skill level!
Reading online grow forums with reviews and grow diaries, visiting the websites of breeders while reading information on each strain, and talking to fellow growers can help point you in the right direction of which genetics are right for you.
Contact Multiverse Beans
Feel free to contact Paul & the Multiverse Beans team with any questions about which cannabis seeds are right for you!
References
- Bilodeau, S. E., Wu, B. S., Rufyikiri, A. S., MacPherson, S., & Lefsrud, M. (2019). An Update on Plant Photobiology and Implications for Cannabis Production. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10, 296. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00296
- Dang, M., Arachchige, N. M., & Campbell, L. G. (2021). Optimizing Photoperiod Switch to Maximize Floral Biomass and Cannabinoid Yield in Cannabis sativa L.: A Meta-Analytic Quantile Regression Approach. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.797425
- Peterswald, T. J., Mieog, J. C., Halimi, R. A., Magner, N. J., Trebilco, A., Kretzschmar, T., & Purdy, S. J. (2023). Moving Away from 12:12; the Effect of Different Photoperiods on Biomass Yield and Cannabinoids in Medicinal Cannabis. Plants, 12(5), 1061. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12051061
- Chandra, S., Lata, H., & ElSohly, M. A. (2020). Propagation of Cannabis for Clinical Research: An Approach Towards a Modern Herbal Medicinal Products Development. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 958. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.00958
- Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Skrzydlewska, E., & Naftali, T. (2022). The Origin and Biomedical Relevance of Cannabigerol. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(14), 7929. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147929
- Lavender, I., McCartney, D., Marshall, N., Suraev, A., Irwin, C., D’Rozario, A. L., Gordon, C. J., Saini, B., Grunstein, R. R., Yee, B., McGregor, I., & Hoyos, C. M. (2023). Cannabinol (CBN; 30 and 300 mg) effects on sleep and next-day function in insomnia disorder (‘CUPID’ study): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, three-arm, proof-of-concept trial. BMJ Open, 13(8), e071148. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071148