While feminized seeds are now the standard, many experienced growers prefer regular seeds. They have a lower chance of producing hermaphrodite plants, and they are ideal for cultivating new strains.
Growers can select the best phenotypes for their growing space and needs, such as yield, aroma, pest resistance, and therapeutic effects. They can also breed them to create their own unique strains.
They are cheaper
One of the biggest reasons growers go with regular seeds is that they’re cheaper. Feminized seeds have a higher price tag, which can be costly for a small-scale cannabis garden. This is because feminized plants produce female seeds that are free of male (XY) chromosomes. This means that they can be harvested without having to spend time removing the males.
Regular seeds on the other hand, produce both male and female plants. The theoretic proportion of male plants varies, but can be as high as a third of the crop. This can be expensive for small-scale operations or if they’re legally capped to a certain number of plants.
Additionally, some growers prefer to grow regular seeds because they’re easier to breed. This can be a rewarding experience, as it allows them to create their own strains. With selective breeding, backcrossing, and other techniques, growers can create the cannabis strains of their dreams. It’s even possible to make new, unique terpene profiles and effects through this process.
They are more stable
Regular seeds are preferred by growers who want to produce their own seed stock. As opposed to feminized seeds, which only produce female plants, regular cannabis seeds produce both male and female plants. Sexing these plants can be a challenge, but it’s worth it for the grower who wants to produce more seeds and maintain genetic diversity in his or her harvest.
Regular cannabis seeds also give the gardener a more natural ratio of male to female plants. When these plants are paired together, the pollen from a male plant will fertilize the female colas and produce more seeds. This process is known as “crossing.”
Because of their genetic stability, regular seeds are more suited to taking cuttings and making clones. Cloning allows a grower to create an exact copy of a specific specimen, which can help him or her get exactly the result they’re looking for. For example, if a particular strain has a very unique morphology or color, the grower can reproduce it by cloning it.
They are more organic
Choosing the right seeds for your next crop is a vital step. The shopper is often faced with descriptors like Non-GMO, Organic, and Heirloom. These may seem like marketing jargon, but they are really important seed terms. These seed terms are a good indicator of the seed’s health and quality.
Regular seeds are more organic than feminized seeds. Feminized seeds only produce female plants, while regular seeds can produce both male and female plants. This is a problem for commercial growers, who need to ensure their crops are free from pollinated buds. However, experienced growers can overcome this problem by sexing their plants and separating them early into flowering.
Regular seeds also provide more genetic diversity than feminized seeds. They are ideal for gardeners who enjoy cross breeding and creating their own strains. For example, Super Sativa Seed Club grew their original strains before feminized seeds were introduced and their regular cannabis seeds are full of the finest original 1980’s specimens.
They are easier to breed
Regular seeds produce a natural proportion of male and female plants, which makes it easier to breed. This is a big advantage for growers who want to create their own strains and hybrids. The sexing process can take some time, but it’s worth it for the results. It’s also a good option for growers who want to try their hand at creating an autoflowering variety of their favorite strain.
When the pollen sacs on a male plant explode, they will fertilize female plants and produce seeds. This is a great way to make new cannabis cultivars and phenotypes. In addition, growing from regular seeds allows you to experience the full genetic lineage of a particular strain. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the marijuana plant and how it works.
