In the evolving world of cannabis cultivation, a growing number of veteran cannabis growers are making a noticeable shift from using clones to starting from seeds. While clones have been a popular choice for maintaining consistency and rapid growth, many experienced cultivators are returning to the use of seeds, embracing the genetic diversity and resilience they offer.
Why Are Growers Moving from Clones to Seeds?
Clones, or cuttings from a parent plant, have long been favored in the cannabis industry due to their genetic uniformity. They allow growers to replicate successful strains without worrying about variations in the final product. However, an increasing number of cultivators are finding that seeds offer several advantages over clones, particularly when it comes to the health and resilience of the plants.
According to Reggie Harris, co-founder of Kansas City-based House of Kush, many clients are now looking for “good, hearty plants that aren’t difficult to grow.” Seeds have become more popular as concerns about disease resistance and pest problems have grown in the regulated cannabis market.
Benefits of Using Seeds in Cannabis Cultivation
Seeds offer several advantages that make them increasingly attractive to growers:
- Genetic Diversity: Unlike clones, which are genetically identical to their parent plant, seeds offer a greater degree of genetic variability. This allows growers to develop unique strains with distinct characteristics, such as improved THC content, flavor profiles, and terpene compositions.
- Disease and Pest Resistance: One of the main concerns with clones is their vulnerability to pests and diseases. Because clones are identical, an issue affecting one plant can quickly spread to the entire crop. Seeds, on the other hand, provide more natural genetic resilience, making them less susceptible to large-scale infestations or diseases.
- Pheno Hunting: While growing from seeds can take longer, it offers growers the chance to engage in pheno hunting, a process where they explore the unique phenotypes that emerge from a batch of seeds. This can lead to discovering new, proprietary strains that have commercial potential and set growers apart in a competitive market.
The Role of Tradition in Seed Cultivation
The renewed interest in seeds isn’t just about practical benefits; for many, it’s about preserving cannabis culture. Mario Guzman, the creator of the renowned Gelato and Sunset Sherbert strains, regularly exchanges seeds with fellow growers around the world. For him, this exchange of genetics is a way to maintain the spirit of cannabis cultivation that existed long before the industry became heavily commercialized.
Guzman compares the modern-day seed exchange to the seed markets in Amsterdam, where cannabis seeds were traded long before the U.S. cannabis industry took off. These seeds formed the foundation for many of the regulated markets we see today.
Why It Matters: The Future of Cannabis Genetics
As the legal cannabis industry continues to expand, genetic diversity will play a key role in differentiating products and maintaining crop health. Seeds offer the flexibility and resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. By moving away from the reliance on clones, veteran cultivators are preserving the cultural roots of cannabis growing while exploring new genetic innovations.
Conclusion
The shift from clones to seeds marks a return to the traditional art of cannabis cultivation, blending genetic exploration with practical benefits like increased disease resistance. As more growers embrace seeds, the cannabis industry may see a resurgence in unique, high-quality strains, benefiting both cultivators and consumers alike.
