When choosing cannabis seeds, there are a few factors to consider before making a purchase. The local climate plays a substantial role, and to be a successful cannabis cultivator, you will need to learn your area’s average temperatures and weather patterns. Though your personal preference is another important consideration, climate is the most crucial factor when choosing seeds.
Different cannabis strains do well in varying climates and weather patterns, and you will need to understand how these strains interact with your local climate. There are three main cannabis strains: Ruderalis, Sativa, and Indica, and here, we’ll discuss choosing the right seeds for any climate.
Finding the Right Seeds for Your Local Climate
When choosing a strain to cultivate, it is important to remember how these strains evolved in the first place. For instance, a strain that evolved in a tropical climate will have physical attributes that differentiate it from other cannabis strains. Such plants have smaller leaves and more flowers, while a strain from the Middle East or Central Asia will have denser buds and bigger leaves.
These physical differences exist because of the consistency and intensity of sunlight exposure. Larger leaves are an indicator of diminished sunlight availability, because these plants evolved to have a larger surface area so they can absorb more light. However, smaller leaves indicate a climate with consistent, intense sunlight, because these plants absorb enough light to grow without an increase in leaf size.
Such differences are crucial for growers when choosing a strain. If you already know what type of climate a cannabis strain comes from, it is easy to estimate how well it may do in your garden.
Ruderalis, Sativa, and Indica: The Differences
In this section, we will explain the differences between Ruderalis, Indica, and Sativa strains. Each strain has certain qualities that suit it to varying growing areas and climates, but your preferences also play a role in determining which types of seeds you should buy.
- Indica: Cannabis indica originated in Tibet, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Kashmir. These plants typically range in size from three to six feet, with rounded, marbled, and broad leaves. They are greener than other strains, with bushy, dense foliage. In some cases, they even have purple undertones that become more pronounced with maturity. Indica strains have a shorter season, which makes them a great option for growers in colder, northern climates. Indica strains provide a heavy “body high,” and they come with a characteristic taste and smell.
- Sativa: Cannabis sativa strains originate in tropical regions such as Thailand, Mexico, and Colombia. With that said, they’re remarkably tolerant to cold. Sativa plants can grow up to 12 feet tall, and their thin, pointy leaves have no clear pattern. As Sativa buds mature, they may turn red or purple in color. The product of these plants is typically described as sweet-, fruity-, or spicy-tasting. Sativa strains typically provide a “cerebral high”, which make them great for all-day use.
- Ruderalis: Cannabis ruderalis strains are not frequently grown for personal consumption because of their low THC content. These small cannabis plants are often used to make hemp rope and textiles, as well as for their potential to produce autoflowering plants. Ruderalis strains are usually grown in the northern Himalayas, as well as certain Midwestern states. These plants are highly resistant to disease and pests, and they’re valued for their high CBD or cannabidiol
Hybrid strains combine the best qualities of Indica and Sativa plants. Though all hybrid cannabis strains have some traits from each variety, they are all unique with their varying dominant traits. By inspecting the “fingers” on the fan leaves, you can tell which type of hybrid strain you have. Wide leaves are emblematic of an Indica-dominant strain, while narrow leaves are a hallmark of a Sativa-dominant plant. Hybrid cannabis strains are typically created with local growing seasons and climates in mind, combining the two strains in ways that shorten or lengthen the maturation period.
Strains That Are Great for Warmer Climates
There are certain strains you should know about if you’re cultivating cannabis in a warm setting. This quick list explains some of the best warm-weather seed options.
- Blueberry strains provide weed with a fruity flavor and a long-lasting, euphoric “high”. They are dense, short, and marked with blue, purple, and red hues. These plants do well in hot and sunny climates such as those found in Spain, Mexico, and Florida.
- White Widow is prized for its potency and sold in nearly every coffee shop in Amsterdam partly because it offers a “social high.” These are very beginner-friendly seeds, though they do best in climates such as those found in Australia, California, and Italy. White Widow is a popular cultivation choice because of its ease and high yield.
Amnesia Haze offers a “brain high.” As implied by the name, consuming Amnesia Haze provides a strong, mellow feeling. The plants typically have lime-green buds covered in small crystals. They typically do best in places such as Colombia, New Zealand, and Texas.
Strains for Colder Climates
If you are in a colder area and would like to cultivate cannabis outdoors, it is not too hard to find seeds that will allow you to do it successfully. Those living in the Northern US, Northern Europe, and Canada should consider the seed options listed below.
- Super Skunk: This strain offers a powerful “buzz” that still allows you to maintain mental clarity. Its flavor is aromatic and strong, as illustrated by the name. Plants of this strain are light green with unmistakable brown hairs. They flower rather quickly, which makes them ideal for the climates in Oregon, Canada, and the UK.
- Strawberry Kush: Here, you will find a “head-centric high” that pairs well with the “body high” provided by Indica. These plants are quick to flower, and their buds change color no matter the external temperature. Locations like the UK, the Netherlands, and Washington State are great for Strawberry Kush cultivation.
- OG Kush is valued for its strong citrus flavor, and it has the most THC of all Kush strains. These plants yield numerous heavy buds, making harvesting simple. OG Kush is commonly cultivated in Sweden, the UK, Minnesota, and other cold climates.
Whether you’re choosing a Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant seed strain, it’s crucial to consider your level of growing experience. Different strains have varying levels of tolerance when it comes to environmental stressors. For instance, some strains are fun and easy to grow, while others require additional attention for the best results. To attain the best first-time results, start with an easy-to-cultivate strain.
Choosing the Right Seed Strain
After learning all this useful information, choosing just one strain for your personal garden may seem very difficult. Though you should have a good idea of which strains will do best in your local climate, there are other factors to keep in mind.
One of the first things to consider is the kind of “high” you want to attain with the product you harvest. If you are a cannabis enthusiast, you already know there are substantial differences in the “highs” provided by different strains. It is crucial to consider your preferences and goals when determining which cannabis seeds to purchase.
What kind of “high” do you want, and which effects would you rather avoid? Are you seeking a slow-acting, mellow feeling, or a fast, energetic one? Do you want to minimize paranoia and headaches? If you are looking for a high THC strain to create concentrates with, check out our listings of potent 710 seeds.
The easiest way to find seeds that will yield the desired result is to obtain seeds from strains you have enjoyed in the past. At Kind Seed Co, we make it easy to get seeds shipped directly to your door, and we only use strains with strong genetics for a greater chance of a successful crop.
Gendering Cannabis Seeds and Plants
Marijuana plants can be female or male. When buying regular seeds, you will grow an average of 50% female plants and 50% male plants. You’ll eventually want to cull the males and cultivate the females, as unfertilized buds from female plants are potent. Though there’s anticipation involved in waiting for a seed to sprout and the plant to gender itself, it is time-consuming. Within a week of flowering induction, it is usually possible to determine a plant’s sex. Male cannabis plants pollinate female plants, producing seeds. Therefore, it is important to quarantine new plants until they are gendered to prevent accidental pollination.
In Closing
Choosing a cannabis strain that suits your climate is one of the most important steps in successful outdoor cultivation. If you select a strain that does not do well in your climate, you will only be disappointed in the end. However, if you pick a strain that works well and is easy to care for, you will receive a great yield and some fantastic seeds for your next planting. Count on kindseed.com for the service you need, whether you buy a single bean or hundreds of seeds in bulk from our wholesale menu.
