Types of Cannabis Seeds

All types of cannabis seeds

1. Non-photoperiod/autoflowering seeds
2. Photoperiod seeds
3. Regular seeds
4. Feminised seeds
5. Sativa cannabis varieties
6. Indica cannabis varieties
7. Ruderalis cannabis varieties

At Growlobby we make it easy for you. Here you'll find a clear, straightforward guide to understanding what types of cannabis seeds exist, what advantages each one has, and which one is best suited to you and your growing space.

Cannabis seeds can be classified based on different characteristics, which allow users to understand the type of seeds they're going to grow. We can divide the types of cannabis seeds into two groups: the first according to their behaviour, and the second according to their genetics.

According to their behaviour

According to their lighting requirements:

Seeds can be divided into non-photoperiod (autoflowering) and photoperiod.

According to their gender:

Seeds are classified as regular or feminised.

According to their genetics:

• Indicas (Cannabis Sativa Indica)
• Sativas (Cannabis Sativa Sativa)
• Ruderalis (Cannabis Sativa Ruderalis)
• Hybrids (Crosses of the three previous genetics)

Cannabis seeds according to their lighting requirements:

Non-photoperiod autoflowering cannabis seeds

Autoflowering cannabis seeds flower on their own, regardless of the light cycle, thanks to ruderalis genetics. They come from crosses of other genetics with a Ruderalis variety. Cannabis ruderalis is a wild plant originating from cold regions, known for its ability to adapt to extreme light and temperature conditions, and is used in hybridisation to produce autoflowering varieties. They flower upon reaching a certain age, without needing light changes and their flowering can be between 30 and 45 days. You don't need to change the photoperiod.

You can achieve good-sized plants with good production and harvests in a very short time, in some cases in just two months. Usually harvested around 70-80 days from germination. Although the yield is lower than regular or feminised seeds, they're still productive.

Another great advantage is their compact size, ideal for terraces or discreet growing.

Keep in mind that production can be more limited (although this has improved greatly with the latest autoflowering generations) and the margin for error is smaller, as the shorter cycle means any mistakes have a bigger impact.

Autoflowering seeds are recommended for all types of growers, but especially for those wanting quick, discreet harvests and beginners looking for something easier.

Photoperiod seeds

All other varieties whose life cycle depends on hours of light can be grouped as "photoperiod seeds" which require 12 hours of darkness to begin the flowering phase and complete their productive process.

In general, we can say that most cannabis seed varieties are commonly photoperiod except those commercially called autoflowering seeds.

Cannabis seeds according to their gender

Regular seeds

Regular seeds can produce male or female plants, so you'll need to identify the sex during growth. With these seeds you can select certain phenotypes and cross them to create your own genetics, indoors you'll need to discard the males, which are roughly 40%, depending on environmental conditions, nutrition and genetics this can vary.

The best thing about using regular seeds is their genetic diversity, ideal for creating your own variants. Also, they tend to be more resilient plants.

You need to keep in mind that you have to eliminate males if you don't want pollination and that this type of seeds require more experience and attention.

Who are they recommended for? For the advanced grower or home-breeding enthusiast.

Feminised cannabis seeds

Feminised seeds are seeds modified to produce only female plants, that is, the ones that produce buds. The sex is reversed to ensure there are no male specimens in the crop. Feminised seeds, being products of selective breeding, have a high female germination rate, ensuring more efficient and effective harvests.

In recent years, seeds called Fast Version have been developed, which are a hybrid between a photoperiod variety and an autoflower. The result is feminised seeds with ultra-fast flowering, with a flowering time shorter than any autoflowering or feminised plant.

Their quick growing period makes them perfect candidates for adverse situations or locations. They're great for guaranteed flower production and saving time, you don't have to worry about a male plant showing up. They're perfect for indoors and outdoors. If you're looking for the best cannabis seeds for outdoor growing, we've made a perfect selection on our website for outdoor crops.

Feminised seeds are perfect for the practical grower, seeking good production without complications.

Keep in mind that feminised seeds are not ideal for making crosses or preserving genetics and some may stress more than regular seeds if not grown correctly.

Types of cannabis seeds according to their genetics:

In addition to classifying seeds by their behaviour (feminised, autoflowering, etc.), it's also important to know the different types of cannabis according to their genetics; Sativa cannabis varieties, Indica varieties and Ruderalis varieties. These categories affect the growth, appearance, effects and growing needs of each plant (the shape of the buds, the shape of the leaves and branches, the size or the effects they produce…) The type of seeds based on their behaviour (whether regular, feminised or autoflowering) also plays a crucial role in these characteristics.

Sativa cannabis varieties:

• Sativa cannabis seeds are native to the Americas, Africa and Asia.
• They can reach great heights of up to 4 or 5 metres. They have an elongated appearance, their leaves are long and narrow, with considerable distance between internodes which can result in less compact buds. They're thin plants that adapt better to outdoor conditions and warm climates.
• The flowering cycles of sativa cannabis seeds usually last between nine and thirteen weeks. These are longer cycles than those found in indica varieties. The effects of sativa varieties are more uplifting, with feelings of euphoria and happiness, they stimulate the imagination (greater psychoactivity) and in some cases stimulate appetite.

Indica cannabis varieties:

• Indica cannabis seeds are native to India and Pakistan.
• They have a medium-sized appearance, their leaves are short, broad and with fewer points than sativa varieties. They also have less distance between nodes, making it a very sturdy plant.
• The flowering cycles of indica cannabis plants are seven to nine weeks. Shorter cycles than sativa varieties.
• The effects produced by indica varieties are relaxing, especially physical, they're varieties highly recommended for relieving pain, ideal for rest or sleep.
• They're genetics perfect for indoors or cooler climates.

Cannabis Sativa Ruderalis varieties:

Ruderalis cannabis seeds are native to cold regions of Europe and Asia, specifically believed to originate from Liberia and Siberia. They're uncommon genetics. They have a small size appearance with a low profile. They don't require a change in light hours to enter flowering like other varieties, they flower automatically, which reduces their life cycle to three months, making them perfect for beginners. One of the benefits of this variety is that it's widely used for crossing with indica or sativa plants, as that's how autoflowering cannabis seeds are obtained. It has no powerful effects on its own, but it's key to creating autoflowering varieties.

Hybrid cannabis varieties:

Hybrid varieties are the result of crosses between indica and sativa plants, with the aim of combining the best of both genetics. We're not talking about random mixes: breeders select specific traits (like production, flavour or effect) and cross them to create plants that are more balanced, powerful or adapted to different grows.

Nowadays, 90% of the cannabis seeds we find for growing are hybrids

How do they work?

Each hybrid has a different percentage of indica and sativa. This determines whether it will be more relaxing, more stimulating, or somewhere in between. For example:

• 70% indica / 30% sativa → more relaxing, ideal for rest.
• 50%/50% → mixed effect, both body and mind.
• 30% indica / 70% sativa → more cerebral, ideal for daytime.

Advantages of hybrid varieties

• Balanced effects: you can find relaxing, energetic or in-between hybrids.
• More production and resilience: many hybrids have been designed to produce large harvests and better withstand pests or mistakes.
• Wide catalogue: there are hybrids for all tastes, with fruity, citrus, earthy, sweet flavours...

Why choose a hybrid?

Because it lets you adjust your experience. If you want a plant to relax with without getting knocked out, or one that energises without making you anxious, hybrids are designed for exactly that. Plus, they're ideal if you're looking for more manageable and productive grows, both indoors and outdoors.