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What are the types of cannabis seeds and what are the differences in outdoor/indoor cultivation?

Main categories of cannabis seeds

The basic classification of cannabis seed varieties is usually based on a few key characteristics - genetic traits and plant growth patterns are taken into account.

The main categories of cannabis seeds include:

  • Photoperiodic seeds
  • Autoflowering
  • CBD-rich hemp seeds

The seed types are further divided into:

Each category has different growing requirements.

 

Sativa vs indica, white information poster with the differences between indica and sativa

What is a male and female plant?

The cannabis plant (Cannabis Sativa L.) reproduces sexually by pollination of the female plant by the male.

Male cannabis plants produce pollen, which is necessary for the female flowers to pollinate and produce seeds. The pollen is released from the small inflorescences that develop on the male plants.

Female cannabis plants produce flowers (buds) that contain cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN and THC. The flowers of female plants develop at the point where the branches meet the main stem (nodes). If there is no pollination from the male plant, they produce so-called sensimilla (seedless) flowers with a higher content of cannabinoids and terpenes. Therefore, growers often remove male plants from growing areas to prevent pollination and to maintain the high quality and purity of the female flowers.

Types of photoperiodic cannabis seeds

Photoperiodic cannabis seeds are a type of seed that requires a change in daylight hours to initiate the flowering phase. Plants respond to natural seasonal changes in light conditions.

If plants from these seeds are exposed to long daylight and short nights, they will usually start vegetative growth (post-germination stage). As soon as the light/dark ratio changes and longer nights occur, the plants 'realise' that the end of the growing season is approaching and start to flower. This usually happens when darkness lasts for at least 12 hours continuously.

Photoperiodic cannabis plants can be feminised or regular, but the most common type is feminised.

What is a regular cannabis seed?

Regular hemp seed is a natural seed that has not been genetically modified. These are the first seeds that were used to grow hemp.

Regular photoperiodic cannabis seeds are obtained by pollinating female flowers with pollen from male plants and produce either male or female plants. Growers may wish to grow new varieties using both male and female plants, but if they do not plan to do so, they must separate or discard the male plants. Otherwise, unwanted pollination will lead to seed production, which reduces the quality and quantity of cannabinoids in the female flowers.

Roughly half of all regular seeds will produce male plants and the other half female, although this ratio may vary due to specific climatic conditions such as high temperatures.

What are feminized cannabis seeds?

Feminised cannabis seeds produce 100% female flowers, which is a major difference from regular seeds. This is because the seeds are modified so that they do not produce male chromosomes.

Feminised plants grow and flower depending on the amount of light they receive. They usually take about 30 days to reach maturity if the conditions are right. In outdoor conditions, feminised seeds must be grown at the right time of year.

What are fast flowering seeds?

Fast flowering seeds, as the name suggests, are specially bred to flower and ripen faster. These seeds produce plants that complete the flowering stage in a shorter time and mature in a few weeks. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing.

 

Cannabis sativa growth stages from seed to adult plant with cannabis leaves, flowers and roots - infographic elements isolated on white background.

What are autoflowering seeds?

Autoflowering or autoflowering seeds are a special type of cannabis seeds that flower automatically after a certain number of weeks of growth, regardless of light conditions.

Autoflowering varieties can be created by three different breeding methods, namely crossing photoperiodic strains with Ruderalis plants, autoflowering strains with photoperiodic strains or autoflowering plants with other autoflowering plants.

This gives growers plants that take about 25 days to finish growing and then start flowering without needing a specific photo-period. Many autoflowering plants are already feminised.

What are CBD rich seeds?

Cannabidiol (CBD)-rich seeds are bred to produce plants with high CBD and low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. All types of CBD hemp seeds have identical characteristics to feminised, regular or autoflowering seeds, but a higher than normal cannabidiol content.

Table differences: sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid

Sativas are known for their height and long flowering, whereas indicas are usually characterised by shorter growing cycles and more compact plants. Hybrids combine both types and provide a wide range of characteristics of both original types.

Indica

Sativa

Hybrid

Description

More productive, shorter development cycle, ideal for indoor growing

Less productive, suitable for outdoor cultivation

Combination of sativa and indica genetics, aiming to improve the characteristics of both types

Height of the plant

Low

High

Miscellaneous

Growth shape

The shape of a spruce tree, reminiscent of a Christmas tree

Buds are more spongy and/or airy, naturally has vertical growth

Depends on the dominant genetics

Appearance of sticks and leaves

Dark green, broad leaves

Light green, distant leaves

Diverse

Table: what are the differences between outdoor and indoor growing?

Growers can cultivate plants outdoors, in a greenhouse, or indoors. Each of these cultivation methods has advantages and disadvantages that can affect the efficiency and success of the harvest.

Outdoor

Indoor (indoors)

Air Conditioning

Subject to local weather and seasonal changes

Controlled climate (temperature, humidity)

Light

Dependent on natural sunlight

Artificial lighting

Growth cycle

Limited to certain times of the year

Plants can grow all year round

Suitable seed types

Conclusion about cannabis seeds

Whether sativa, indica, hybrid, ruderalis or CBD-rich cannabis, the seeds come in all varieties: feminised, regular, autoflowering or fast-flowering.

Each of these categories has its own unique characteristics and complement each other.

Feminised cannabis seeds have gained considerable popularity among growers as the need to identify the sex of the plants is eliminated.

Autoflowering seeds do not require specific light cycles, are easy to grow and allow for quick and repeated harvests.

Regular cannabis seeds do require sexing and proper planning, but unlike autoflowering seeds, they are better for breeding purposes.

Fast-flowering cannabis seeds are bred for even faster flowering than autoflowering varieties and can be harvested in just a few weeks.

 

Author: Canatura

 

   

Photo: Shutterstock

The content of this article is intended for informational purposes only. The information provided should not be construed as legal or medical advice. Readers are advised that the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis may be subject to legal restrictions and regulations in various jurisdictions. Specifically, the cultivation of cannabis plants that contain 0.2% or more of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other psychoactive substances may be considered illegal and subject to criminal penalties, depending on the country and its specific laws.

This article is intended for those interested in the ethnobotanical and collecting aspects of cannabis seeds. Any mention of cultivation or usage is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as encouragement or endorsement to engage in illegal activities.

It is the reader's responsibility to understand and comply with the laws and regulations governing cannabis in their respective country or region. The authors and publishers of these articles do not assume any responsibility for the actions of readers who choose to cultivate, possess, or use cannabis in violation of local laws. Furthermore, while we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee the germination or any other characteristics of cannabis seeds discussed in these articles. The sale of cannabis seeds and related products is intended for adults over 18 years of age.

By accessing and reading these articles, you acknowledge and agree to this Disclaimer.

 

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