Growing regular cannabis seeds might feel a bit old-school in a world of feminized and autoflowers, but it’s a rewarding experience. These seeds hold the genetic magic that lets you decide the plant’s destiny—whether you’re after buds, seeds for breeding, or just a cool learning experience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to make it simple and fun.

What Are Regular Cannabis Seeds?

Regular cannabis seeds are the OG of the cannabis world. They’re natural, unaltered, and can grow into either male or female plants.

Definition and characteristics of regular cannabis seeds

These seeds are exactly what they sound like—regular. They come straight from pollinated plants without any genetic tinkering. This means every seed has about a 50/50 chance of being male or female. Unlike feminized seeds, which are bred to produce only females, or autoflowers, which flower regardless of light cycles, regular seeds follow the classic rules of nature.

Difference between regular, feminized, and autoflower seeds

  • Regular seeds: Natural and perfect for breeding but unpredictable.
  • Feminized seeds: Engineered to grow female plants for high yields of buds.
  • Autoflower seeds: Low-maintenance plants that flower automatically, great for beginners.

Why Choose Regular Cannabis Seeds?

Regular cannabis seeds aren’t just old-fashioned—they’ve got some serious perks.

Advantages of using regular seeds for cultivation

  • Breeding potential: You can create your own strains by cross-pollinating.
  • Stronger genetics: Regular seeds tend to produce hardy plants that adapt well to different conditions.
  • Cost-effective: They’re often cheaper than feminized or autoflower seeds.

Potential challenges when growing regular seeds

  • Male plants: These don’t produce buds, so you’ll need to weed them out.
  • More effort: Identifying and separating males from females takes time.
  • Space: You’ll need room to let plants grow big enough to sex them.

Preparing to Grow Regular Cannabis Seeds

moving a cannabis plant in a pot

Growing regular seeds starts with good prep work.

Selecting high-quality cannabis seeds

Always go for seeds from a trusted source. Look for seeds that are dark, firm, and have a slight sheen—avoid anything green or cracked. A reputable seed bank will also give you info on the strain’s growth habits and THC levels.

Choosing the right growing medium (soil, hydroponics, etc.)

  • Soil: Ideal for beginners and offers natural nutrients.
  • Hydroponics: Faster growth but requires more knowledge.
  • Coco coir: A mix of both worlds, offering control and ease of use.

Setting up the grow environment: indoor vs. outdoor

  • Indoor: Total control over light, temperature, and humidity.
  • Outdoor: Sunlight is free, but you’re at the mercy of weather and pests.

Germination Process for Regular Cannabis Seeds

Every successful grow starts with germination.

Step-by-step germination methods (paper towel, water, direct planting)

  • Paper towel method: Moisten a paper towel, place the seeds on it, cover them, and keep it warm (70-85°F).
  • Water method: Soak seeds in a glass of water until they sprout.
  • Direct planting: Pop seeds straight into your medium, about 1 cm deep.

Common mistakes to avoid during germination

  • Overwatering: Seeds drown easily.
  • Using dirty tools: This can introduce bacteria.
  • Impatience: Germination can take a few days, so chill out!

Growing Regular Cannabis Plants

After germination, it’s time to grow.

Understanding the seedling stage: care and growth tips

Keep seedlings warm, humid, and under gentle light. Use a spray bottle to mist them lightly and avoid overwatering.

Managing the vegetative phase: light cycles, nutrients, and watering

  • Light cycles: 18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness.
  • Nutrients: Focus on nitrogen-heavy feeds.
  • Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Transitioning to the flowering stage: recognizing signs

Watch for pre-flowers—small structures at nodes. Females have tiny pistils; males have round sacs. Flip to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to induce flowering.

Identifying Male and Female Cannabis Plants

male cannabis plant with pollen sacks growing on it

This step is where you separate the buds from the boys.

Why it’s crucial to separate male and female plants

Males pollinate females, turning your buds into seeds instead of smokable flower. Unless you’re breeding, males are bad news.

How to identify males, females, and hermaphrodites

  • Males: Round pollen sacs at nodes.
  • Females: Pistils that look like tiny white hairs.
  • Hermaphrodites: Both sacs and pistils—remove these plants too.

Advanced Tips for Growing Regular Cannabis Seeds

Once you’ve got the basics, level up your grow.

Techniques for breeding and cloning cannabis plants

  • Breeding: Use male pollen to fertilize a female plant for seed production.
  • Cloning: Take cuttings from a female plant to grow genetically identical plants.

Optimizing light cycles and pH levels for healthy growth

  • Keep light cycles consistent—plants thrive on routine.
  • Maintain soil pH between 6.0-6.5 for proper nutrient absorption.

Harvesting and Curing Regular Cannabis Plants

The finish line is in sight!

Signs it’s time to harvest your cannabis

Check trichomes under a magnifying glass—cloudy or amber means it’s harvest time. Pistils should be mostly brown, not white.

Proper techniques for trimming, drying, and curing

  • Trimming: Remove large fan leaves.
  • Drying: Hang buds upside down in a cool, dark, ventilated space for 7-10 days.
  • Curing: Store buds in airtight jars, burping them daily for 2-4 weeks.

How long does it take to grow regular cannabis seeds?

It typically takes 3-5 months to grow regular cannabis seeds from germination to harvest. This depends on the strain, your growing setup, and the care you give your plants. Indoor setups can be faster due to controlled conditions.

What is the best light cycle for growing regular seeds?

Use an 18/6 light cycle during the vegetative stage and switch to 12/12 for flowering. This mimics natural daylight patterns and encourages plants to grow and bloom properly.

How do you prevent male plants from pollinating females?

Separate male plants as soon as you identify them. Keep a close eye on pre-flowers to spot males early and move them far away or dispose of them completely.

Can regular cannabis seeds be grown outdoors?

Yes, regular cannabis seeds thrive outdoors with plenty of sunlight and space. Be mindful of your local climate and potential pests to get the best results.

What nutrients are essential for growing regular cannabis plants?

Cannabis plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Focus on nitrogen in the vegetative stage, then switch to phosphorus and potassium during flowering for optimal bud development.

Conclusion

Growing regular cannabis seeds is all about embracing the challenge and rewards of a natural grow. Whether you’re in it for the learning experience, the breeding potential, or just because you want to keep it old-school, this guide gives you everything you need to succeed. Remember, it’s not just about the destination—it’s about enjoying the journey too.