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Flushing Cannabis Plants: Guide for Optimal Yield and Aromas

Published

3 months ago

on


To eliminate excess salts and enhance the smoking experience, it is recommended to flush cannabis plants with plain water. We explain flushing for different growing mediums, how to optimise your watering practices, and more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, this guide provides essential information about flushing your cannabis plants.

What does flushing mean?

Flushing cannabis has become a common practice during the final stages of a cannabis plant’s life cycle. When plants grow in soil, coco, or a hydroponic growing medium, providing water without nutrients during the last 7 to 14 days has many benefits. Flushing is essential to the growing process from legally licensed cultivation facilities to hobby growers!

Watering a cannabis plant with plastic watering bucket

Many believe that flushing your plants will not only wash away any undissolved salts that have accumulated inside the growing medium around the root zone but also cause weed plants to enter a catabolic state. In other words, they begin to feed on themselves, which gives the impression that the plants are using any internal reserve nutrition before being harvested.

When is the right time to flush weed plants?

A metal sprinkler flushing a cannabis plant growing outdoors

The optimal length of the flushing period is a subject of debate among many growers. While most prefer a 14-day period before harvest, some find that a seven-day period of plain water is sufficient. Notably, the flushing period should coincide with the strain’s flowering time. For instance, if a grower is flowering a strain with an expected flowering time of 8 weeks, the flush will occur between weeks 6 and 8 of the flowering stage to ensure optimal results.

After flushing, growers can enjoy a smoother smoke and improved flavour and aroma in their final product.

The benefits of flushing

Close-up of cannabis leaf with droplets of water on it

There are many benefits associated with flushing cannabis plants. The flavour of weed will taste much smoother and more refined, and the ember of a joint will burn slowly without side burning. The ash from a joint will also be soft white and fall at the lightest tap. As far as practicality goes, substrates such as coco and soil can be reused once well flushed, and medicinal users prefer the peace of mind of a product free of chemicals and salts.

What are the salts that need flushing out?

As you may be aware, cannabis plants need a balance of primary and secondary nutrients, as well as trace mineral elements, to grow strong and healthy. These essential nutrients come in salts, which dissolve in contact with water. However, over time, these salts can build up around the roots and sit within the growing medium, potentially causing harm to your plants. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the risks of nutrient buildup and take appropriate measures to flush your plants correctly.

An orange watering bucked flushing a cannabis plant growing in a pot

Primary nutrients

Primary nutrients, or micronutrients, are essential elements that plants require in relatively large quantities for their growth and development. There are three primary nutrients:

1. Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is a key component for chlorophyll production, allowing weed plants to photosynthesise and store energy. Cannabis plants will use nitrogen during the seedling, vegetative and flowering stages.

2. Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is a nutrient that helps boost root growth and is responsible for flower production. This nutrient is essential during the early growth stages of weed plants and clones.

3. Potassium (K)

Potassium combined with phosphorus will promote a heavy set of flowers and buds. It is also responsible for the stomata function of the leaf tissue, which allows plants to absorb CO2 and perform photosynthesis.

Secondary nutrients

The plants use these nutrients less than the primary nutrients mentioned above; however, they are just as important in their own unique way. There are three secondary nutrients weed plants require during their lifecycle.

1. Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is an essential nutrient which helps plants fight off disease and pests. A key component for building cell walls, often sold together with magnesium as Cal-Mag.

2. Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium has many roles and functions as a secondary plant nutrient, ranging from chlorophyll synthesis to enzyme activation.

3. Sulphur (S)

Sulphur is responsible for enzyme activity and nitrogen, oil and protein synthesis metabolism.

Trace elements

As the title suggests, these elements are present in trace amounts. Trace elements are responsible for photosynthesis, hormone production, cell development, flower and seed production. So, let us check out the six most important elements.

1. Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is essential for plant growth, production, metabolism, and interaction with plant cells.

2. Copper (Cu)

Copper is responsible for enzyme production, chlorophyll development and germination.

3. Zinc (Zn)

Zinc has a role which aids enzyme production and plant metabolism and is a key player with general plant health.

4. Iron (Fe)

Iron aids with chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, fruit and flower production. Too much iron can cause plants to become stunted.

5. Boron (B)

The role of boron is to help with root elongation and tissue production, cell membranes and pollen production.

6. Molybdenum (Mo) 

Molybdenum is responsible for the synthesis and activity of enzymes and is vital for the process of nitrogen. It will then convert nitrogen to amino acids and fix nitrogen in the soil.

Step-by-step guide to flushing

A person watering a cannabis plant growing in a pot with watering bucket

As a responsible grower, it is crucial to understand the importance of flushing your cannabis plants to remove excess nutrients and salts that can build up in your medium. This process helps to ensure that your plants reach their full potential in terms of flavour, aroma, and overall quality. Luckily, we have a comprehensive step-by-step guide that will help you flush your cannabis plants correctly and effectively.

1. The water source

To ensure proper flushing of cannabis, it is imperative to utilise a fresh water source. This can be attained from various sources, such as bottled water, tap water, or rainwater. It is, however, crucial to avoid using stagnant water, as it can harm plants. It is worth noting that soft water, which has lower levels of calcium and magnesium, is preferable for flushing cannabis compared to hard water.

Reverse osmosis water is also an excellent choice for flushing. This purified water is produced by filtering regular tap water through a specialised membrane filter that functions as a super-fine sieve. It allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities and contaminants. If you have access to reverse osmosis water, it can be a valuable asset in achieving optimal plant growth.

2. Check the pH level

Depending on which growing medium is being used will determine the pH level of the water the plants will receive from seed until harvest. The best way to check the pH of your water source is by using a digital pen. Below is more detailed information about the recommended Ph levels for soil, coco and rock wool.

3. Water temperature

The ideal water temperature for cannabis plants is between 18 and 22°C (64 to 71°F). Avoid providing weed plants with cold water, as this will cause the temperature of the root zone to drop significantly and can potentially hinder the plant’s development.

4. The flush

During the flushing process, it is recommended to water your plant pot using three to five times the volume of water typically used. Pour water around the base of the stem and wait for the water to permeate through the soil. This process will help to ensure that the growing medium becomes thoroughly soaked, with excess water draining from the bottom.

5. Disposing of run-off water

Disposing the run-off water is crucial, as it contains all the unwanted residues removed from your growing medium. Always remember that proper flush measures can prevent nutrient buildup and help your plants reach their full potential.

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Flushing plants in coco

Coco coir is made from the hairs of coconut husks. Once treated with salts and buffered, coco becomes an excellent growing medium thanks to its high water content and air capacity. It is best to use reverse osmosis water at pH 6.0 when flushing weed plants grown with coco. Adding enzymes to used coco will also break down old root matter, allowing it to be recycled and used for a second crop.

How to flush plants in soil

Flushing cannabis plants grown in living soil will probably cause the most considerable debate among growers regarding flushing. Organic nutrients will buffer over 72 hours, digested by the beneficial microbes and bacteria in the soil. Some soil growers may only feed plain water throughout the entire life cycle and may not even need to wash away salt buildup. The pH of the water should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for an organic soil substrate.

How to flush plants in rock wool

Rock wool is a hydroponic growing medium containing no nutrients, making it an inert growing medium perfect for hydroponic applications. With the ability to hold up to 18 times its weight in water, rock wool is used for commercial-scale vegetable and fruit production. It is the most popular among indoor hydroponic growers. The pH of the water should be between 5.5 and 6.5 when flushing weed plants in rock wool. Unlike coco, rock wool cannot be recycled and should be discarded after every harvest.

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How to flush cannabis autoflowering varieties

Autoflower cannabis plants can be treated the same way as photoperiod plants. Fourteen days will be the ideal time to feed autoflowering plants in plain water. So if you are new to growing autoflowering plants, follow our guide and give your plants the best possible chance to thrive! This will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your plants receive the proper care they need throughout their growth cycle.

Nutrient lockout in cannabis plants

A top-view of a cannabis plant with yellow and burned leaf showing the nutrient lockout

Nutrient lockout occurs when cannabis plants can’t absorb nutrients from their growing medium, often due to a pH imbalance or excessive nutrient buildup, especially salts from fertilisers.

  1. Causes: Imbalanced pH and overfertilisation leading to nutrient and salt accumulation.
  2. Symptoms: Stunted growth, leaf discolouration, and poor bud development, resembling nutrient deficiencies.
  3. Management: Prevent and address lockout by regularly flushing the growing medium with pH-balanced water to remove excess salts and minerals. Monitoring pH and electrical conductivity (EC) levels helps in early detection and maintaining a balanced feeding schedule is crucial to avoid overfertilisation.

Flushing not only prevents nutrient lockout but also can resolve it if symptoms appear, maintaining the health of cannabis plants.

Constant vs active flushing

Constant flushing is a technique used in cannabis cultivation where plants are watered exclusively with plain water throughout the flowering stage. While this approach assumes that the nutrients in the growing medium are enough to support the plant’s growth, it may result in nutrient deficiencies if essential nutrients are absent.

On the other hand, active flushing is a targeted approach that involves supplementing cannabis plants with only water during the final weeks of flowering. This method helps to optimise the removal of residual nutrients and reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies during the bulk of the flowering stage. However, it does require careful monitoring and may involve more labour-intensive management than constant flushing.

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Tips to consider for flushing weed

Flushing weed not only improves the smoking experience it also gives you an indication of how far your plants are ready for harvest day. Below are three top tips to consider to help you get the most out of the flushing period.

1. Using enzymes to flush cannabis plants

Enzymes are not only protein building blocks for weed plants, but they also accelerate the decomposition of undissolved salts. An excellent tip is to try at least two different enzyme products. The more enzymes a grower can provide for the substrate and roots, the more your plants will thank them.

Enzymes are building blocks for proteins and actively break down organic matter. There are many benefits for growers who use enzymes not only during the flushing period but also throughout the seedling, vegetative, and flowering periods. Roots love a good enzyme wash and will produce a bright, healthy glow.

2. Identifying the harvest window

The day a grower decides to harvest their cannabis plants should be based not only on how many days are left to flush but also on trichome maturity, calyx development, trichome coverage, and terpene production. Aligning the flushing stage with the above traits will allow them to achieve the most significant yields possible.

Fourteen days is the most popular choice amongst growers; however, some find seven days of plain water work just fine. The flushing period should coincide with the strain’s flowering time. So, for example, if a grower is growing a strain with an expected flowering time of 8 weeks, the flush will occur after 6 to 8 weeks of flowering.

3. Optimal watering practices for healthy growth

Root rot occurs when the growing medium becomes too wet, and the oxygen levels around the roots become too low. As a result, aerobic bacteria infect the roots, leading to a world of problems. The best way to prevent root rot is to allow the growing medium to dry out again. Dry-back periods are the way to solve overwatered substrates.

The flushing weed myth debunked

A black sprinkler flushing cannabis plants growing in black pots

In 2020, RX Green Technologies conducted an in-house study to determine whether flushing plants affect cannabinoid production, yield, mineral content, and extract quality. Using a Cherry Diesel plant, the study involved flushing samples for zero days, one week, ten days, and 14 days.

The results showed a slight increase in THC levels and terpenes in the flushed samples, with no significant difference in mineral content. Interestingly, the 14-day flushed sample had the highest return on extracts, and the blind taste test resulted in an even score across the board, indicating no significant difference in taste.

At Sensi Seeds, we consider flushing to be a crucial and integral step in the growing process. By flushing the plants with plain water before the harvest, we can effectively remove any excess nutrients and salts from the plant’s system. This process helps to improve the overall quality of the final product, resulting in a smoother smoke and better flavour and aroma. Whenever we grow plants in our facilities for the purpose of creating a grow report, we apply flushing during the final grow stage as well.

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Is flushing my weed plants essential?

Growers can debate for hours which flushing technique works best if one week or two is the way forward, and some believe flushing is not even necessary in the first place. However, after reading this article, you should be more than confident in understanding the importance of flushing weed means.

Flushing methods can vary among growers, so remain open-minded and choose what works best based on your skills and experience. Good luck mastering the flush game and growing the best crop possible!

  • Disclaimer:

    Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.



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Royal Queen Seeds & Mike Tyson are the double bill your grow needs

Published

1 week ago

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April 29, 2024

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The King of the Ring & the Queen of Seeds make a great 1-2.

Royal Queen Seeds, the award-winning European seed bank that has recently captured the hearts and minds of many American growers, isn’t the type of outfit to just sit around on its laurels. Their high-quality genetics and respect for cannabis tradition have earned both our interest and respect ever since they made their way across the Atlantic, and they’re not even close to running out of tricks.

The drive, focus, and determination that brought Royal Queen Seeds to the apex of the weed world are shared by their newest collaborator, Kid Dynamite himself, Mike Tyson. ‘Iron’ Mike is one of the most famous and recognizable heavyweight boxers ever to tie on a pair of gloves.

His iconic tattooed face has been everywhere from the silver screen to the breakfast cereal aisle, and these days, Iron Mike is becoming the champ of a different arena, cannabis. His Tyson 2.0 pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles have all made a splash in markets all over the states, and now, thanks to an exclusive partnership with Royal Queen Seeds, you can finally grow these strains for yourself. 

Related

Can the Royal Queen Seeds online Seedfinder find your ideal strain? We find out.

These two titans have come together to bring homegrowers some of the most exciting new seeds we’ve seen. In the later rounds of this article we’ll fill you in on the details of these new strains, but first, let’s take a look at why Mike Tyson and Royal Queen Seeds make such a powerful combo.

Get the champ in your corner

Courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds

If you thought that Royal Queen Seeds’ collaboration with Iron Mike is just another celebrity endorsement, another in the long line of pretty faces trying to sell otherwise unremarkable weed, you’d better think again. Tyson brings far more than just his famous tattooed mug to the proceedings.

In recent years, Kid Dynamite has become an outspoken cannabis advocate, evangelizing for the plant’s incredible medical and recreational properties most every time he finds himself in front of a microphone, like on his weekly podcast, Hotboxin’. He’s also shown himself to have impeccable taste and a vast knowledge of weed and its history, making him one of the most dynamic personalities in the cannabis space today.

Related

How to get the most out of these five unique strains by Royal Queen Seeds

Mike has confirmed that cannabis has been a part of his life for many years and has helped him cope with both physical and mental stress, the same struggles that bring many Americans to cannabis today. This all goes to what makes this exclusive collaboration all the more special; these strains weren’t developed only by Mike Tyson, The Baddest Man on the Planet, but also by Mike the Grower, the tireless cannabis advocate and homegrowing enthusiast.

Mike the Grower is out to spread the love of growing like a modern-day Johnny Appleseed, albeit one with a champion belt and a devastating left hook. But his cannabis bonafides are as legit as they come, and we’re thrilled that Iron Mike is a kindred spirit. 

It’s tough to imagine a better collaborator for Tyson than Royal Queen Seeds. Royal Queen Seeds brings Tyson 2.0 to the next level in the same way that a great coach brings the most out of a talented fighter. RQS is a team of cannabis breeder’s breeders, with decades of experience delivering top-quality seeds to growers. 

Related

Why you should be growing F1 hybrids from Royal Queen Seeds

In the same way that a good boxing couch can take a fighter to the next level, Royal Queen Seeds brings Tyson 2.0 to even greater heights. You can be sure that any seeds ordered from RQS meet their exacting standards of genetic quality and pedigree purity, and at an affordable price to boot. Said Tyson: “If you’re the best in the world at what you do, most likely, we’re gonna be partners.”  

What else is there to say? Some of the best of the best are teaming up to make themselves even better. Let’s get ready to rumble and take a look at the first six strains on offer from Royal Queen Seeds and Tyson 2.0.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Gelato 44

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Descended from Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mints GSC, Gelato 44 is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid that doesn’t pull its punches. Newer growers need not apply; Gelato 44 is a strain that requires a consistent amount of light and good soil quality to thrive, making it a better fit for experienced growers.

While Gelato 44 is not for the faint of heart, either for growing or for smoking, those who can hang ten rounds with this strain will find that it offers a tasty citrus flavor and a pleasantly relaxing, occasionally euphoric sensation. Gelato 44 is also potent enough to overcome Iron Mike’s formidable tolerance. Growers can expect their buds to be around 22% THC by volume. 

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Dynamite Diesel 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Named for Kid Dynamite, one of Mike’s many monikers, Dynamite Diesel is a piston-punching indica-like that’ll put even frequent cannabis consumers flat on their backs. Dynamite Diesel has DNA from two legendary strains you’re probably familiar with, Sour Diesel and Skywalker OG. With genetics like those, there was no way that Dynamite Diesel would wind up with a glass jaw—on the contrary, it’s more than worthy of bearing one of Mike’s names. This beauty takes particularly well to outdoor environments and can reach titanic 200 cm heights. Plant some this season, and you’ll have a full tank of gas come harvest.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 NYC Sour D Auto 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

A favorite of the man himself, with NYC Sour D, you can now grow the strain that charmed The Baddest Man on the Planet. While most of the Tyson 2.0 strains are pretty heavy hitters, NYC Sour D is a lighter affair, a sour, citrus, and gas-flavored sativa perfect for an energetic morning smoke or midday rally.
Growers working with limited space will love NYC Sour D. It only grows to around 80 cm tall when grown indoors, perfect for most tents and balconies. NYC Sour D Auto comes from fine genetic stock, an heir of NYC Diesel and Sour Diesel Auto. The result is an autoflowering strain that doesn’t skimp on all the good stuff. Who says good things can’t come in small packages?

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 GOAT’Lato Auto

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

You can tell that the Tyson 2.0 team knew they had something special when they named this strain. GOAT’Lato Auto is a cross between Cookies Auto and Tyson’s own Gelato 44, an inspired combination that has resulted in a true contender. A fast-growing indica-dominant hybrid that can be ready to harvest in as little as ten weeks, GOAT’lato Auto is tough to beat if you need to grow your stash quickly.

Nearly as fun to say as it is to smoke, GOAT’Lato Auto also has the rare distinction of being among the most flavorful of all of Royal Queen Seeds’ vast stock, a tasty terpene-packed treat that comes on quickly and takes no prisoners. Fans of GOAT’lato Auto report that it’s an incredible focus aid, helping them lock in and KO chores in the first round. But is it truly the greatest Gelato of all time? Order from Royal Queen Seeds today and find out for yourself. 

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Punch Pie 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Another of Iron Mike’s personal favorite strains, Punch Pie is a pleasure to grow for indoor and outdoor setups alike. Punch Pie’s genetics include strains like Purple Punch and Purple Kush, making it as true an indica as you’re likely to find. You’ll see it in the grow; Punch Pie likes to spread out in wide bushes, topping out at about 150 cm in ideal outdoor conditions.

When it’s time to harvest, you’ll be greeted by gorgeous, sweet-smelling buds that are caked in resin. Like any great fruit pie, you’ll be able to taste a whole medley of berries in Punch Pie, with notes of blueberry and cherry accompanied by earthy undertones. You can expect some serious couch-lock as well. The best part about Punch Pie is that it doesn’t even need that long in the oven. You can expect to harvest your Punch Pie plants in about nine weeks after planting.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Corkscrew Auto

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

For the final entry in our list, we’ve got a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid dubbed Corkscrew Auto. Corkscrew is the descendant of Cherry Pie Auto and Tangie, two easy-to-grow strains that can hold their own in rough conditions. Corkscrew Auto has the grit to go all ten rounds and make its genetic stock proud; it’s a tough customer that’ll thrive in whatever setup you have at home.

On the smoke, Corkscrew leads with a haymaker. You’ll feel the cerebral effects as soon as you take the first hit, helping you feel energetic and creative. Corkscrew Auto will take a touch longer than some of the other seeds on this list to harvest, but trust us, and trust Mike. Corkscrew Auto is well worth the wait.

And there’s the final bell! That’s all the Tyson 2.0 strains currently available from Royal Queen Seeds, but stay tuned—this partnership may well go the distance. Make sure to visit the Royal Queen Seeds website and follow them on socials to keep yourself up-to-date on all the new seeds they have in store. Likewise, you can keep up with Tyson 2.0 by heading to their website and following them on social media to see what sort of big moves Kid Dynamite and his crew have planned for the next round. Happy growing!

Availability subject to law.



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The Leafly weed grower’s guide to 2024

Published

3 weeks ago

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April 16, 2024

By


Spring has sprung and with it fresh veggies in the garden. High season has also kicked in for cannabis gardeners: clone and seed sellers are doing brisk business as growers big and small ramp up for the 2024 full-sun outdoor run.

You can grow a pound of AAA-grade buds off a single outdoor plant if you get started today. Here’s how from Leafly’s weed grower’s guide to 2024.

Where to start

Start with Leafly’s first-ever Weed Gardener’s Almanac for 2024. Learn the right thing to do at the right time to stay synced with the seasons and maximize your investment in seeds, soil, water and time.

The official Leafly Weed Gardener's Almanac 2024 image

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The official Leafly Weed Gardener’s Almanac 2024

You can also start with Leafly’s Learn/Growing section—our evergreen guide to the basics of weed gardening.

Leafly’s guide to growing marijuana image

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Leafly’s guide to growing marijuana

Can’t grow? No problemo

How to order weed delivery online with Leafly

What to grow

Man, do we have some options for you! Our affiliate link partners want you to start with “The best cannabis seed companies”. Featuring groups like:

ILGM.com

Seed Supreme

DNA Genetics

Royal Queen Seeds

Homegrown Cannabis Co

Cookies Seed Bank

Premium Cultivars

The best cannabis seed companies image

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The best cannabis seed companies

Beyond that, we published our biggest, independently reported, 100% organic, 100% AI-free guide to the best seeds and clones to grow in 2024. Part 1 has the hot-hot new-new from the top dogs. Part 2 digs into strains related to Sour Diesel and Chemdog and such. Part 3 focuses on strains perfect for making extracts (aka hash) both old-school and new.

Modern cannabis too strong for you? No sweat, we have some excellent picks for strains with a balanced amount of THC (which causes euphoria) and CBD (which can moderate THC’s effects).

How to grow it

So you figured our where to start and what you want to grow—now you need to know how to grow it!

For that we got a fresh story on the ‘living soil’ wave sweeping cultivation. What is living soil? Read about it and start that compost pile today!

What is ‘living soil’ weed and why does it rule? image

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What is ‘living soil’ weed and why does it rule?

For even more, check out: How to make organic soil

There’s even more to vegetation and flowering.

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How to top and prune marijuana plants

Get pest management tips from Kannabia Seed Company.

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How to keep your grow pest-free with Kannabia Seed Company

Leafly Strain of the Year 2023 is Permanent Marker—Here’s how to grow that strain and catch that wave.

How to grow the Permanent Marker strain image

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How to grow the Permanent Marker strain

How to harvest it

Growing is only half the battle. So much good pot is destroyed in the drying and curing phase where you got to keep temps low, humidity balanced, and avoid mold.

Shop highly rated dispensaries near you

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Here’s some fresh drying tips for an experienced master.

Expert interview: The science of saving those terps at harvest image

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Expert interview: The science of saving those terps at harvest

Then check out our evergreen guides to drying and curing:

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The ultimate guide to drying and curing cannabis for the best results

Troubleshooting your garden

If you want to make God laugh, tell Her your plans. When things go off the rail, practice a positive, solution-oriented mindset and enjoy the chance to learn something new from our troubleshooting guides.

The best part about growing weed is the friends you make along the way. You’ll be stronger and happier when you grow in community with your fellow gardeners and cannabis culture. Plug into your new network by attending these amazing cannabis events, all across the country.

Ultimate weed contest calendar of 2024 image

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Ultimate weed contest calendar of 2024

Are you excited about growing a pound yet? You should be. The golden era of ganja shines even brighter when every garden has a seven-leafed tree poking out of it. Remember: She who is not busy growing is busy buying!



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The best cannabis seed companies 2024

Published

4 weeks ago

on

April 12, 2024

By


These recommendations on the best cannabis seed companies are made by Leafly Product Picks after extensive research, internal debate, and expert consultation. If you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Updated for 2024.

A quick look at 2024’s best cannabis seed companies

ILGM.com

Seed Supreme

DNA Genetics

Royal Queen Seeds

Homegrown Cannabis Co

Cookies Seed Bank

Premium Cultivars

Selecting seeds ahead of the planting season is one of the most exciting parts of growing your own cannabis for experts and novices alike. There are thousands of strains out there to try, with more dropping every season, so the only real question is where you want to start.

We’ve put together this list of the best places to buy seeds online to help you navigate where to find quality seeds you can count on. We’ve gone ahead and classified these into several categories like best genetics, best for beginners, etc, so read on until you find the right seed bank to fit your needs. Happy growing!

Top seed banks of 2024: Reviews and recommended products

Recommended product: Do-si-dos

best seed companies

Highlights

  • Expert knowledge courtesy of Robert Bergman
  • Extensive resources for newcomers
  • Highly affordable

The cannabis journey of a thousand harvests begins with a single seed, and tons of happy hobbyist growers get their start with I Love Growing Marijuana, affectionately known as ILGM. Founded in 2012 by the incomparable master breeder Robert Bergman, ILGM.com is our recommendation for the best seed bank to start your growing journey due to their extensive online resources for novices, as well as plug-and-play grow kits that are ideal for those just starting out. That’s not all—ILGM will also include a free download of Robert Bergman’s Grow Bible with every purchase.

ILGM is the perfect company to teach you how to stop worrying and learn to love growing marijuana, and even have it love you back.

Do-si-dos: Winner of one of the biggest prizes in cannabis, our very own 2021 Leafly Strain of the Year award, Do-si-dos may be a total champion, but it hasn’t let all that fame go to its head. Do-si-dos is still the easy-to-grow sensation that arrived on the scene nearly a decade ago and has been a friendly introduction to the world of cannabis growing ever since.  Do-si-dos is a slightly indica-leaning hybrid that can hold up well in a variety of climates and growing conditions, although it slightly prefers an indoor environment. You can start your cultivation adventure with ten Dos-i-dos feminized seeds for just $149.

Pros Cons
Plug-and-play options Limited selection of rare strains
Free Grow Bible

Recommended product: Alien OG Feminized

best seed companies

Highlights

  • Great for medical patients
  • Easy delivery
  • High-CBD options

Many growers first take to the hobby because they get tired of giving so much of their paycheck to the local dispensary. If you’re one of those cannasseurs that got into growing green to save some green, then look no further than Seeds Supreme. They have a massive selection of strains both common and rare, expertly collated into an easy-to-use webpage. You’ll be hard-pressed to find seeds for a better price anywhere, and Seed Supreme even frequently slashes their own already low prices with heaps of special deals and promotions.

Seed Supreme goes the extra mile when it comes to taking care of their customers who primarily grow cannabis to ease the symptoms of their medical ailments. Not only do they have multiple strains popular in the medical community, Seed Supreme allows you to sort strains via the particular symptom you are hoping to relieve or condition you are suffering from. Customers are able to browse either by ailment, like multiple sclerosis or arthritis, or by symptoms, like nausea or insomnia. This means that Seed Supreme is one of the best spots around for finding the perfect strain to help with whatever ails you.

Seed Supreme’s low prices means you’ll never have to pick between two of your favorite strains again. Thanks to them, the answer will always be both.

Alien OG Feminized: A true 50/50 hybrid the likes of which are increasingly rare, Alien OG is the sort of strain that’ll have you questioning your place in the universe. Hailing from outer space by way of the San Francisco Bay, Alien OG gets its potent DNA from Alien Kush and Tahoe OG Kush, two parents who are no slouches in the THC department either. You can expect your Alien OG buds to reach up to 28% THC in ideal conditions, enough to satisfy the strongest of tolerances and help anyone explore the farther reaches of the galaxy.

Pros Cons
Incredibly easy-to-browse website Automated customer support
Extensive options for medical patients

Recommended product: Chocolope Fem

best seed companies

Highlights

  • Multiple award-winning genetics team
  • Incredibly in-depth growing information
  • Special members-only Seed Vault Club

With twenty years of excellence under their belt, DNA Genetics are some of the elder statesmen of the cannabis world. They’ve migrated from California to the Netherlands and back again, breeding legendary strains and filling their trophy case with prestigious awards. There’s hardly a cannabis award in the twenty-first century they haven’t won by introducing the world to favorites like Tangie, Kosher Kush, and Lemon Skunk, magical strains that continue to loom large in cannabis culture to this day.

DNA Genetics has begun to license its precious genetics to home breeders, spreading the DNA to be shared and iterated upon, in the true spirit of cannabis culture. If you’re interested in growing weed that is one step short of mythical, then DNA Genetics has the storied genetic legacy you’ve been dreaming of.

A team that got so tired of winning every single award that they decided it was only fair to let everyone else have a turn with their genetics. We’re honored to add one more accolade to this legendary group.

Chocolope Fem: The delicious winner of over ten awards, Chocolope is descended from OG Chocolate Thai, a hard-to-find cultivar notable for its chocolate and coffee aroma, and Cannalope Haze. Chocolope is a mouthwatering sativa-like that produces huge, resin-coated buds, perfect for the hash-maker or anyone who appreciates a stronger smoke. This strain is beginner-friendly, resilient, and oh-so tasty; there’s no reason not to treat yourself with a seed or twenty.

Pros Cons
Legendary genetics Smaller selection
Exclusive VIP members club

Recommended product: Titan F1

best seed companies

Highlights

  • Custodians of classic strains
  • Innovative genetic team
  • Scientific outlook

Earning the crown for the most innovative purveyor of seeds is Royal Queen Seeds, a European seed bank that has had a British Invasion-level impact on American growers. Based in Amsterdam, a site of stoner pilgrimage for decades, Royal Queen Seeds has been the careful shepherd of cannabis DNA that goes back to the days of the coffeeshops. However, it’s Royal Queen’s ability to look towards the future that has earned them the spot on this list.

Royal Queen’s dedication to innovation extends to all levels of their business. Not only are they advancing the frontiers of cannabis genetics with their line of F1 Hybrids, but they’re also making sure growing weed is more accessible and fun than it ever has been before through tools like their online seedfinder. Touring Royal Queen’s incredible genetic library will surely have you seduced by a special strain that you can crown as your next fave.

Royal Queen Seeds has made monarchists out of us. With unrivaled respect for tradition combined with an innovative edge, RQS will have growers saying “Hail to the Queen.”

Titan F1: F1 strains are famed for their resilience and robust genetics, and Titan F1 is an exemplar even among the F1 crowd. A pioneering hybrid, Titan F1 is an inbred cross of princely genetics including stand-out strains like Blue Dream, Amnesia, and Sugar Magnolia. Cannabis inbreeding won’t result in your weed going pug-shaped—in fact, RQS uses the technique to reinforce beneficial traits like resilience to pests or high-THC content. Get Titan F1 growing in your garden today, and experience some truly titanic majesty.

Pros Cons
Innovative genetic team Somewhat slower order processing
Wide variety of classic & unique strains

Recommended product: Kyle’s Sweet Island Feminized

best seed companies

Highlights

  • Great resources for growers of all levels
  • Several experts on staff
  • Unique cultivars

The best growers in the business will tell you that there’s always more to learn about cannabis cultivation. Like an iceberg, most of the substance of cannabis growing is below the surface. Growers who are interested in learning from some of the best minds in the cannabis industry should find a home at Homegrown Cannabis Co, a seed bank that offers extensive seed options as well as all the resources you could ever need to take your growing game to the next level. 

Homegrown Cannabis Co has a crew of cannabis-growing heavyweights bringing their knowledge to Homegrown customers by writing articles, producing videos, and recommending strains. These experts are a veritable Mount Rushmore of cannabis legends, including Parker Curtis, Victoria Rouland, Nikki Lasterto, Swami Chaitanya, and the incomparable Kyle Kushman. With combined decades of experience, you can’t go wrong consulting with these legends.

Homegrown’s team of experts is second to none. Talk about a blunt rotation!

Kyle’s Sweet Island Feminized: One of Homegrown’s Cultivars with Character (CWC), Kyle’s Sweet Island bears the stamp of approval from one of Homegrown’s biggest assets, the man himself, Kyle Kushman. Sweet Island has a robust pedigree featuring Sweet Pink Grapefruit and Big Skunk #1, two famous parents who always bring a tropical vibe. 

After planting Sweet Island, prepare for it to grow to a formidable height — this hybrid leans sativa and will bear the growing hallmarks of those strains. On the smoke, Sweet Island is an energizing, mentally stimulating strain that Homegrown recommends for a wake’n’bake companion. And with a respectable 19% THC, Sweet Island will give you just the push you need without sidetracking your whole day.

Pros Cons
Great community Limited rare cultivar selection
Expert advice
Affordable

Recommended product: Fried Banana

Highlights

  • Very innovative
  • Embedded in San Francisco culture
  • Originated world-famous strains

If you’re a seasoned hand at cannabis cultivation, and you find yourself craving something new and exciting to grow to keep the hobby fresh, then Cookies Seed Bank would like a few words. Cookies are legendary in the business, creating multiple world-famous strains, like GSC, a strain whose name pays homage to both the brand itself and the girls in green sashes. While picking up strains you’ve heard of before is certainly an option, in our opinion, the real reason to check out Cookies is the strains you haven’t. The team at Cookies is constantly cooking up new, unique strains that push the boundaries of cannabis cultivation. 

Cookies was founded by the dynamic duo of Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr, AKA Berner and the enigmatic growmaster known only as Jai. Berner is nothing short of a cannabis mogul in the mold of Jay-Z, hip-hop career included. His partner Jai is a pillar of the San Francisco Bay Area community and a foundational part of the broader cannabis culture. His creativity has influenced the makeup of American cannabis forever, and if you want to know which strain will take the country by storm next, there’s a decent chance Jai is dreaming it up right now. Get your seeds from Cookies and impress your friends with a harvest of the next big thing.

Want to know what the next five years of weed will look like? The last two at Cookies.

Fried Banana is the sensitive type; a skilled hand can be necessary to help this strain reach its full potential, but there’s no better investment to make. Fried Banana features a depth of flavor and aroma that’d have a sommelier stuttering, a true treat for the connoisseur of finer cannabis flower.

Fried Banana is a backcross of Cookies’ legendary Gelato #41, with additional genetics from Stardawg Guava, where Fried Banana gets its tropical flair. Make sure you keep an eye on Fried Banana plants when they reach maturity, they tend to grow spindly as they near harvest. The team at Cookies recommends providing Fried Banana a bit of support to make sure it becomes all it can be.

Pros Cons
Lots of unique strains Premium price point
Killer legacy

Recommended product: Jealousy

best seed companies

Highlights

  • Impeccable genetics
  • Outstanding user community
  • Resources for all experience levels

There’s nothing quite like word of mouth to inspire trust, and a company that isn’t afraid of letting their customers speak freely is usually one you can bank on. Such is the case with Premium Cultivars, our selection for the seed bank with the best user community. Each strain available on the Premium Cultivars storefront features insightful, relevant reviews from growers all over the United States. This creates a dedicated community of growers that customers have access to, without digging through a dozen Reddit threads to find a worthwhile review from a real person.

Premium Cultivars was able to cultivate this online community because of the undeniable quality of their genetics, and the care they take in preserving that legacy. Growers respect quality and hate a scam, and the fact that Premium Cultivars has been able to inspire such a loyal community speaks incredibly well to their product. See for yourself what these seeds can do in your garden, and then pay it forward and leave your own review!

If you’re a nerd like us and love talking about weed as much as smoking it, then you’ll find your kind online at Premium Cultivars.

Jealousy: Jealousy is currently having a moment, earning a slew of accolades including the big one; the coveted Leafly Strain of the Year award. All this popularity has made Jealousy a hard girl to find, with many dispensaries selling out as fast as breeders can grow. Now, thanks to Premium Cultivars, you can snag Jealousy for yourself with these autoflowering, feminized seeds. The word from the Premium Cultivars community is that Jealousy is an easy, low-maintenance strain to grow, so pick up a pack of twelve seeds for just $129.00 and get to planting.

Pros Cons
Excellent user reviews No information listed for strain effects
High-quality genetics
Fast delivery

Learn more about seeds & growing cannabis

Why you can trust Leafly Product Picks

Leafly is the world’s leading cannabis discovery platform and provides a vast library of content from some of the most respected voices in cannabis. Leafly Product Picks prioritizes accuracy and integrity in our selections, working through mountains of research, testimonials, and testing to source products you can trust.

Jake Rosendale: Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products

smiling portrait photo of man in glasses and grey cap against an aquamarine background

Jake Rosendale is Leafly’s Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products. He’s been with Leafly since 2022, where he spends his time researching the best products in the wide world of weed. Jake’s been writing about cannabis, food, and wine in the Seattle area for 5 years. In addition to Leafly, you can find his work in Seattle Met Magazine and High Times. He loves sci-fi novels, country music, and Super Lemon Haze.

Anna Elliott: Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products

portrait photo of woman with short dark hair and glasses in a black polo shirt against an aqua-green background

Anna Elliott is Leafly’s Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products. She’s been with Leafly since 2021, managing and editing brand-related content and bringing the best stories on the industry’s top products to life. With a decade of experience reviewing products, covering brands, and editing stories, Anna loves talking up the people & products that make a real difference in readers’ every day. She’s found that Space Mints makes the perfect pairing for enjoying her frankly irresponsible vinyl collection.

Final thoughts

No matter the season, these seed banks are the best in the business. With options for every type of grower, from horticultural novices to captains of cannabis cultivation, our selections for the best cannabis seed companies are poised to kick off a renaissance in homegrowing. A greener world is a better world, so find the seed bank that’s right for you and get your hands in the dirt today!

For business inquiries, please direct messages to affiliate@leafly.com.

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