Cannabis seeds are one of the most valuable tools for growers, enabling them to create new plants and experiment with different genetics. Furthermore, seeds offer growers more control over their harvest as plants emerge directly from seed rather than being cut from an existing plant like with clones – giving more power over flavor, cannabinoid content, flowering time, and yield.
Growing from seed can be challenging for beginners, as seeds are fragile during early germination stages and must be handled carefully to ensure survival. Germination usually takes 18 days on average; many factors could prevent any given seed from germinating at all; for optimal success when germinating seeds it is best done in a dark, warm place with ideal moisture and temperature conditions.
As soon as a seed germinates, it will begin developing into two structures known as hypocotyl and cotyledons. Cotyledons provide those first few leaves visible upon sprouting while hypocotyls grow roots that will ultimately become taproots to anchor into soil and help access nutrients for plant life.
Once the radicle and other key parts of a plant have fully developed, they will be ready to produce their own flowers. A new plant will emerge from a female flower and produce thick stems and swollen buds during flowering; additionally, THC-rich trichomes will form during this process.
As interest in CBD has grown, breeders have developed hybrid strains with high levels of CBD while low or neutral THC concentration. The resultant cannabis plants have shown therapeutic effects like pain relief and appetite stimulation; many strains are now available at dispensaries. If growers want to create specific CBD profiles with their cannabis crop, feminized seeds that guarantee at least 99% chance of producing female plants are best; or start from an existing CBD-rich strain such as clones.
Feminized seeds provide you with peace of mind from dealing with male plants which contain pollen sacs that could ruin your harvest by producing only THC-free flowers. Beginners looking for an easier growing experience should consider growing multiple plants at once with vegetative techniques, as this option helps avoid the hassles associated with pollination and flowering. It is especially suitable for creating large harvests from multiple plants. Clones offer greater consistency than seeds and can be produced from any mature plant, shortening harvest time. Unfortunately, however, clones may reproduce undesirable traits from their mother plant and may not perform as well as feminized cannabis plants; nonetheless they remain popular with beginning growers. Both options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages so it’s up to each grower individually to determine which option best meets their needs.