All our seeds

Understanding cannabis seeds

Cannabis seeds or hemp seeds are the foundation of every cannabis plant. They are the product of the reproduction of male and female cannabis plants. These seeds can vary enormously in size, shape and colour, depending on the variety of cannabis they come from.

They contain all the genetic information needed to grow a cannabis plant, including the traits that determine its size, shape, resistance to disease and pests, and the amount of cannabinoids, terpenoids and flavonoids it will produce.

There are seven main types of cannabis seed: regular, feminised, classic feminised, exotic feminised, fast flowering feminised, CBD-rich feminised and autoflowering. Regular seeds produce male and female plants in roughly equal proportions. Feminised seeds are manipulated to produce only female plants (99%). Fast-flowering seeds are fast-flowering photoperiodic varieties. Autoflowering seeds, on the other hand, flower automatically after a certain time, independently of the light cycle. 

Finally, it is essential to store cannabis seeds correctly to maintain their viability (germination potential, vigour, stability and quality) over time. This means keeping them in a cool, dry, dark environment until they are ready to be planted. The ideal place to store them is in the fridge, or more precisely in the vegetable crisper, at a temperature of between 6 and 8°C. You should also place a humidity-stabilising device (humidity-stabilising tablets), so that your cannabis seeds are stored in the most stable environmental conditions possible, as this is your best guarantee of preserving their initial high level of quality.

Now that we have a better understanding of what a cannabis seed is, we can start looking at the different seed varieties available.

Growing cannabis from seed

Growing cannabis from seed is very advantageous, because the female plants from these seeds will always be more vigorous, more resistant to disease and pests, more productive and demonstrate higher overall quality, compared with growing cannabis from clones or cuttings. 

The ideal time to plant

The ideal time to plant your cannabis seeds depends on a number of factors, including the type of seed you choose (feminised, autoflowering, CBD-rich, etc.) and the growing environment (indoor or outdoor).

For outdoor growing, the best time is generally early spring, when night-time temperatures do not fall below 15ºC. The cold can slow down the development of seedlings. The seeds then begin their growth cycle with the first light of spring and are ready to be harvested in autumn.

For indoor cultivation, the planting period is more flexible. However, the plant's life cycle must always be respected: a period of growth under 18hr light followed by a period of flowering under 12hr light for photoperiodic varieties. 

Here are some general recommendations:

• For classic or exotic feminised seeds, we recommend planting them in April.
• Autoflowering seeds can be planted at any time of year, as long as their specific life cycle is respected.
• For CBD-rich seeds, please follow the supplier's recommendations, as each variety may have its own specific preferences.

The role of seeds in cannabis collections

Cannabis seeds play a fundamental role in cannabis collections. They represent the genetic diversity of cannabis and enable the different varieties of the plant to be preserved and propagated. The richness of the collection therefore depends on the quality and diversity of the seeds collected.

Cannabis seed collectors are often looking for unique or rare varieties to add to their collection. This may involve looking for seeds from specific regions, historical varieties or new exotic or other hybrids.

Some seeds are also collected for their specific characteristics, such as a high THC or CBD content, a particular resistance to disease, a short flowering time or a distinct aromatic profile.

Finally, seed conservation is also an important issue for collectors. Seeds need to be stored in optimum conditions to preserve their viability and germination potential. Choosing a quality seed bank is your best guarantee of ordering top-quality cannabis seeds.

In short, cannabis seeds are both the starting point and the treasure trove of cannabis collectors.

Choosing seeds: what criteria should you use?

To make an informed choice about your cannabis seeds, there are a number of criteria to consider.

• The type of seed: As mentioned above, there are different types of cannabis seed, each meeting specific needs and expectations.
• Climate: Some varieties are better adapted to specific climates. Tolerance to cold or heat, as well as day length, can influence the plant's growth and production.
• Source: The quality of seeds depends largely on their source. Reputable seed banks generally offer high-quality seeds with good genetics.
• The desired effect: Each variety of cannabis produces a different effect. So it's crucial to choose a seed that will produce the desired effect, whether it's relaxing, energising, creative or something else.
• Flowering time: Some cannabis seeds have a shorter flowering period than others. If you want a quick harvest, opt for autoflowering seeds.
• Disease and pest resistance: Some varieties are more resistant to disease and pests than others. This is an important criterion to consider, especially if you're growing outdoors.
• Place your trust in a trusted seed bank like SILENT SEEDS to order cannabis seeds of the highest quality.