Cannabis seeds are a time capsule of the best genetics that have stood the test of time. They also contain an array of possibilities for growers to experiment with, from morphology, to colour, to taste.
When feminized seed technology came along, many growers lost sight of regular seeds. However, they still have their place for certain purposes.
Varieties
Regular seeds are the original form of cannabis seed and were the first to be used for cultivation. They can germinate into both male and female plants.
They are more resilient than feminized seeds, as they do not have been genetically modified. This makes them more resistant to pests, diseases and environmental stress.
However, they also produce a high percentage of male plants. This results in less usable cannabis per plant.
In order to avoid this, a grower needs to remove the males from the crop in time. Otherwise, they will pollinate the females and spoil the harvest.
Feminized seeds are a good choice for growers who want to get rid of males as soon as possible and focus on growing female buds. They are also a good choice for those who are looking for stable, reliable seed strains that can maintain their strength for many generations to come.
Germination
During a period of dormancy, a seed stores energy and genetic information to grow into a plant. During germination, the seed breaks its dormancy and absorbs water and oxygen to initiate growth.
Seed germination can be triggered by various environmental factors, including chilling, warming, oxygen availability, and light exposure. Some seeds require a specific amount of time to break dormancy, while others must be pre-soaked in warm water before planting to speed the process.
Soaking a seed in water softens its tough seed coat, which makes it easier to break open for germination. Alternatively, scarification (cutting or filing) of the hard outer shell may help to make it open more quickly.
During germination, the seed absorbs water through a structure called a micropyle and then swells until it splits open. This opens the way for the roots or radicle to emerge from the seed, followed by a shoot that grows into the stem and leaves of the plant.
Pollination
The pollination process is a vital part of the life cycle of many flowering plants. It allows them to produce fruit and seeds that are eaten by humans and other living species from birds to mammals.
The process begins when a pollen grain lands on a sticky stigma in the female flower of a plant. It then grows a tube down the style, carrying a male gamete to meet the female gamete in an ovule in the ovary of the flower.
The ovule develops into a seed, which contains the genetic information for a new plant. The ovary also develops into a fruit, to protect the seed.
Breeding
Regular seeds are a popular choice among cannabis breeders and old-school growers. These seeds offer a natural and untampered growing experience; consisting of pure seedlings not chemically or genetically modified in any way, shape or form.
They are a good way to cultivate both male and female plants for breeding purposes. They are also a great choice for cultivators looking to create new strains.
Unlike feminized seeds, regular seeds are not tampered with at any point during the process. This makes them a firm favourite amongst old-school growers, and gives beginners the opportunity to cultivate both male and female plants in their own grow environment.
When working with a large selection of seeds, it is important to understand their sex early on and how to separate them before flowering begins. This will help you to make better phenotype selections and increase the success of your breeding projects.
It is important to note that regular seeds can also produce hermaphrodites, but they are much less likely to do so than feminized seeds. This is because feminized seeds are made using at least one hermaphrodite plant as a parent.
