Legal cannabis seeds are sold all over the world. Today there are thousands of strains available. A seed contains all the genetic characteristics of the plant and is the most important factor for growing success. Strong seeds from a reputable company generally produce healthy plants and heavy harvests. When purchasing, there are many different types of cannabis seeds available on the market.

Different Types of Cannabis Seeds

Natural Seeds

Natural Seeds will result in both female and male plants. When purchased from a reputable seed grower, seeds will usually have a 50/50 female to male ratio. Unless you plan on breeding, discard males when noticed. Natural seeds require 11 to 12 hours of darkness to induce flower. Give or take..when starting with 10 seeds, you can expect 5 females and 5 males. 25 percent will be strong and 25 percent will be weak. Of the ten seeds, usually only 1 seed turns into a champion.

Pro – Natural seeds are my preferred seeds. I like to use natural seeds because this is how mother nature intended it to be. Plus you get a bunch of different phenotypes! Natural seeds are also very stable as well.

Con – If you want 10 females then you need to start with 20 seeds.

Feminized Seeds

Feminized Seeds will almost always produce female plants. These seeds require 11 to 12 hours of darkness to induce flowering. These seeds were bred to produce female plants. Feminized seed breeders make their seeds by stressing a female plant into growing male pollen, and then using it to fertilizer other female mothers. The resulting seeds lack male chromosomes. In the past however, feminized seeds got a bad wrap because of growing inconsistencies. But after years of trial and error, breeders have improved feminized seeds greatly. If you would like to read more about feminized seeds, check out this blog by Franco. Franco was regarded as one of the best breeders in the world. RIP

Pro – Germinate only as many seeds as you need. Seeds produce female plants only.

Con – In the past, feminized seeds were known for hermaphrodite tendencies. Do your research before buying seeds. Always buy seeds from a reputable feminized seed dealer.

Auto Flowering Seeds

Auto Flowering seeds are ready for harvest 70 to 85 days after germination. These plants will flower regardless of light schedule and generally range between 2 and 4 feet tall under optimal conditions. Also look for Super Auto Flowering seeds varieties. Supers varieties are usually only found in Sativa because they take longer to grow. They are ready to harvest in 70 to 125 days after germination and are usually between 5 and 7 feet tall. All auto flowering seeds generally have a 50/50 female to male ratio. Males usually reveal themselves within 3 weeks of germination. Auto’s do not require the standard 12/12 light schedule. Instead, some of the best auto growers believe a 20-4 light schedule works best. Make sure your auto hits the ground running because the first few weeks are critical for a successful harvest.

Pro – Auto flowering seeds are easy to grow. They are great for quick harvests and will flower anytime of year.

Con – Small yield.

Auto Flowering Feminized

Auto Flowering Feminized seeds produce all female and are ready for harvest 70 to 125 days after germinating. These plants will flower regardless of light schedule, but we recommend at least 18 hours or more throughout the entire grow. Auto flowering feminized are the most expensive seeds available on the market. Each seed costs a small fortune so be careful when germinating.

Pro – Quick harvest and 99% female guarantee.

Con – Each auto flowering feminized seed is very expensive!

Fertilizing for Different Types of Cannabis Seeds

There are many different types of cannabis seeds available. I sprout all my seeds in a wet paper towel because I have a much higher success rate. After seeds have sprouted, I plant right into a high quality soil like Fox Farm. When planted in a quality soil like fox farm, plants do not require fertilizer until they get much bigger. The fertilizer you apply first definitely depends on the type of seeds you have. Auto Flowering varieties will require fertilizers high in phosphorus because they will begin to flower soon. Whereas, natural seeds will require a fertilizer high in nitrogen. Regardless of what type of fertilizer you use, introduce with ease so that you do not burn your plants. 5-1-1 is a great choice because it is a all natural formula that provides a rich source of organic matter for vegetative plants.  Definitely one of my favs!