Cannabis seeds: Tips & background

Cannabis seeds offer a fascinating variety for home growing and are available in different strains, each with their own benefits. From regular seeds to feminized and autoflowering varieties, there are numerous options to choose from depending on your growing style and preferences. If you decide to grow cannabis, you should pay attention to the quality of the seeds in order to achieve optimal results. The different types of cannabis seeds, their properties and tips for successful cultivation are presented below.

Cannabis seeds: Interesting facts

Cannabis seeds form the basis of every cannabis plant and offer an impressive variety of possibilities. But not all seeds are the same: depending on the variety and genetic characteristics, they can grow into very different plants with different effects and cultivation requirements. The cultivation of cannabis from hemp seeds can be roughly divided into three categories:

• THC-containing hemp is specially bred to contain the psychoactive substance THC. These seeds are designed to produce plants that are suitable for recreational or medicinal use. A high THC content ensures the well-known psychoactive effects.

• CBD-containing hemp is rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its calming, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. These seeds are ideal for those who want the therapeutic benefits of the plant without the intoxicating effects.

• Industrial hemp contains less than 0.2 % THC and is mainly grown for industrial purposes such as the production of textiles, food or cosmetics.

In addition to the chemical composition, the plants that grow from these seeds also differ visually and in their behavior. The most important categories here are Sativa, indica and hybrids:

• Sativa Plants are tall and slender, often up to three meters high, with long, narrow leaves. They thrive best outdoors, where they have plenty of space and sun. Their effect is typically stimulating and cerebral, making them ideal for creative pursuits.

• Indica Plants are smaller and bushier, often only up to 1.5 meters tall and form broader, deep green leaves. They grow faster and are more resistant to colder climates, which is why they are preferred for indoor cultivation. Their calming effect is perfect for the evening to promote relaxation and sleep.

• Hybrids Varieties combine the characteristics of sativa and indica in order to unite the advantages of both types. The hybrids can vary depending on how they are bred: Some lean more towards sativa characteristics such as tall growth and stimulating effects, while others tend to show the compact shape and relaxing effects of indica.

Other important factors are the genetics and quality of the seeds. These not only influence plant health, but also yield and effect. High-quality cannabis seeds offer a better germination rate and are more resistant to diseases and pests. They should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place to maintain their germination capacity.

The cultivation of cannabis therefore requires a careful selection of seeds. In addition to the question of whether THC or CBD should be the main focus, the growth height of the plant also plays a role. If you want to grow indoors, you should opt for more compact indica or hybrid varieties, while sativa often thrives better outdoors.

Cannabis seeds: The different varieties

Cannabis seeds are available in different varieties, each characterized by their properties and suitability for different growing situations and goals. The three main categories are regular seeds, feminized seeds and autoflowering seeds. Each of these strains offers specific benefits, depending on whether you are looking for maximum yield, ease of care or a specific growing process.

Regular seeds

Regular cannabis seeds are the most original form of cannabis seed. They can produce both male and female plants, which means that you do not know exactly which sex the plant will be when growing it. This can only be determined after a few weeks in the transition to the flowering phase, when the first flowers or pollen sacs appear. Male plants are important for breeding new varieties, as they pollinate the female plants and thus maintain genetic diversity.

However, the disadvantage of male plants in commercial or private cultivation is that they do not produce flowers, only pollen. Therefore, male plants often have to be removed to ensure that the female plants are not pollinated and produce seeds instead of "clean" flowers. However, those interested in breeding new cannabis strains usually use regular seeds to experiment with male and female plants.

Feminized seeds

Feminized cannabis seeds are bred to produce only female plants. Female plants are the preferred choice for most growers as they produce the resin-rich flowers that contain the desired substances such as THC and CBD. Feminized breeding eliminates the uncertainty that exists with regular seeds and ensures that the entire growing cycle can be focused on the production of flowers.

The main advantage of feminized seeds is that no space and resources are wasted on male plants that have to be removed anyway. Feminized seeds are therefore ideal for growers who want to make the most of their growing space and achieve the maximum yield. They are suitable for both beginners and experienced cannabis growers, as they significantly simplify the cultivation process.

Self-flowering seeds (autoflowering)

Autoflowering seeds, also known as autoflower varieties, have a special characteristic: they switch automatically from the growth to the flowering phase, regardless of the light cycle. These varieties are particularly robust, flower faster than regular or feminized varieties and are often ready for harvest just eight to ten weeks after germination.

A look at the needs of cannabis seeds

To ensure that the seeds thrive optimally, various factors such as humidity, temperature and the right substrate must be taken into account. In this section, we look at the most important steps and conditions required for the successful cultivation of cannabis plants.

Germination: A guide

Germinating cannabis seeds is the first and perhaps most important step in the growing process. While there are various methods, many growers see the water jar method as the key to success. This involves placing the seeds in a glass filled with water and placing them in a dark, room-warm place (such as a cupboard). In any case, it is important that the seeds are removed from the jar and planted very soon after germination, otherwise the seedling may "drown".

Alternatively, seeds can also be germinated directly in soil or special growing cubes. In any case, it is important that the seeds are in a moist, but not too wet environment. Too much water can drown the seeds.

The duration of the process

The germination process takes different lengths of time depending on the procedure and strain. As a rule, cannabis seeds should germinate within 24 to 72 hours, provided they are kept under the right conditions. However, some seeds take up to 10 days to sprout their first root.

The ideal time

The time of germination is particularly important for outdoor cultivation. While indoor growers can germinate seeds all year round, the period between mid-April and mid-August is ideal for outdoor cultivation. During these months, the temperatures are stable and the plants have enough daylight to grow vigorously.

Successful cultivation

Once the seeds have successfully germinated, the actual cultivation begins. It is important to handle the young seedlings with care. The plants should first be placed in small pots with nutrient-poor soil or special growing media so that the young roots are not overstressed. The pots should be kept in an environment with sufficient light and temperatures of around 20-25 °C.

The optimum substrates

Low-nutrient, airy substrates are best for germination and the early growth phase. Cultivation soil is ideal as it is light and permeable, which prevents the roots from suffocating. Special growing cubes made of rock wool or coconut fibers are also a good choice, as they allow an optimal balance between moisture and ventilation.

More nutrient-rich substrates should be used for the later growth phase and flowering. Garden soil enriched with perlite or vermiculite has a good structure and ensures an optimum supply of nutrients. Those who prefer organic cultivation can also use compost or special organic soils.

• Our top tip for cannabis fertilizer is Biobizza leading manufacturer of organic fertilizers to optimally promote the growth of your cannabis plants.

The best cannabis seeds

Each variety offers unique properties in terms of effect, cultivation and yield, which can be selected individually according to requirements. Here are the most popular examples from our range:

• Northern Lights
  Northern Lights is one of the most well-known and popular cannabis strains in the world. This indica-dominant seed is known for its strong body effect and calming properties, which are ideal for evening relaxation. Northern Lights is particularly robust and resistant to growing mistakes, making it the perfect choice for beginners. It grows compactly, has a short flowering time and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

• White Widow
  This hybrid form with its perfect mix of sativa and indica properties provides both a mental energy boost and physical relaxation. White Widow is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation and is known for its high resistance to pests and diseases. It is particularly popular with growers looking for a reliable and high-yielding strain.

• OG Kush
  OG Kush is one of the classics of the cannabis scene and has a large fan base worldwide. This strain is known for its intense, earthy flavor with a tangy lemon note. OG Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid that is valued for both its relaxing and euphoric effects. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for indoor cultivation, and its relatively short flowering time makes it interesting even for inexperienced growers.

• Gelato
  For growers looking for a particularly aromatic and flavorful strain, Gelato is an excellent choice. This hybrid combines indica and sativa characteristics and is known for its sweet, creamy aroma reminiscent of a dessert. Gelato offers a balanced blend of physical relaxation and mental stimulation. The plant grows compact and produces an impressive yield with proper care.

Buy cannabis seeds

Here at HANS Brainfood, we offer a carefully selected range of high-quality cannabis seeds from renowned manufacturers such as Sensi Seeds, Royal Queen Seeds and Dutch Passion, so that you can safely and reliably find the best strains for your cultivation. Before ordering seeds, however, the question of the legal situation often arises. In Germany in particular, there are clear regulations that growers should be aware of before purchasing cannabis seeds.

Is it legal to buy cannabis seeds?

Since April 1, 2024, the purchase of cannabis seeds for adults has been legal in Germany, provided they are intended for private cultivation and come from an EU store. This means that you can add our seeds to your shopping cart and order them legally.

If you have any questions about the legality of cultivation or our products, our team will be happy to advise you. It is important to us that you not only receive the best seeds, but are also provided with sound information so that you remain legally protected.

• If you prefer to use pre-grown plants, you can find ourcannabis cuttings.

Conclusion

Cannabis seeds offer a versatile basis for home cultivation. The selection ranges from regular seeds to feminized and autoflowering varieties, each offering their own special advantages for different cultivation methods. Factors such as the quality of the seeds, the time of sowing and the right substrate play an important role in successful cultivation. There is a suitable variety for every grower - whether beginner or cannabis expert - that is tailored to their individual needs and cultivation goals.