Regular seeds are a staple in the world of cannabis breeding. They allow breeders to create strains with the traits they want.
There are also some classic, old school varieties that are only available in regular seeds. These are considered ‘the real deal’ in terms of plant genetics.
Breeding
Breeding cannabis strains can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it is also important to be aware of the risks.
During breeding, growers should be testing their plants to make sure that they are not bred for any undesirable phenotypes (traits that may cause issues in the growing environment). Some phenotypes are so common that they can easily become fixed in your breeding line by selfing or cross-pollination; such negative phenotypes include brittle stems, mutated leaves, and hermaphroditic plants.
The best way to avoid this problem is to breed plants that you like and to be consistent with your results. In the long run, this will ensure that your genetics are more stable and you can easily reproduce new strains without having to worry about unwanted phenotypes.
Cloning
Using regular seeds is a great way to introduce new genetics into your cannabis garden. They are less expensive than feminized seeds and allow growers to take cuttings from the best strains, ensuring they get a consistent harvest of quality plants every time.
The most important thing to remember about cloning is that you want to start with healthy clones and avoid taking them from weak or sick plants. A plant that has brown roots or white spots on its leaves, for example, will likely be unhealthy and may even be a pest.
You should also place your cuttings in a rooting medium like starter cubes, which will help anchor them and provide them with the nutrients they need. You should also dip your cuttings in a rooting hormone powder or gel to seal off air bubbles and give them what they need to get started making roots.
Mother Plants
Mother plants are the genetic copies of the original plant. They are an invaluable resource to commercial and home growers alike, enabling cloning.
Mothers are kept in vegetation throughout their lives and produce healthy branches that can be cut, replanted and grown into new clones. These clones are identical to the mother plant in every way.
The main criteria for selecting a mother plant are rooting potential, shape and pruning. A bushy mother plant will use light more efficiently and will produce a larger amount of cutting material.
Mother plants should be topped early on in their vegetative phase, roughly two weeks into the growing cycle. This will train them to grow within the confines of your grow room/tent. Fulvic acid foliar sprays for mother plants are especially powerful when combined with seaweed extracts. The hormones in the seaweed stimulate lateral branching, while the trace elements in the fulvic acid amplify their effects.
Final Words
There are a lot of reasons why regular seeds deserve a place at the top of your seed rack, but one that’s often overlooked is their ability to breed. A small handful of well-crafted genetics can go a long way when it comes to improving on the best-of-the-best hybrids. While this can be a challenge at first, it’s worth the effort when you start reaping the rewards of your hard work.
As with most aspects of cannabis growing, you don’t need to be a master gardener to get the most out of your investment. It’s all about a little bit of planning and the right equipment to make the most of what you have. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, consider investing in one of the many top notch cloning kits on the market. This will allow you to keep your most prized possessions and make the most of any leftovers.
