Growing cannabis at home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but choosing the right strain can be overwhelming, especially for those new to this world. The options are vast, and each strain has particular characteristics that affect the growth, the flavor, the aroma, and, of course, the desired effects.
Are you looking for a relaxing experience or an energy boost? Do you have space indoors or would you rather take advantage of the sun outside? Do you want a plant that flowers quickly or wait a little longer to get the flowers you really want is not an issue? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself before selecting your next cannabis strain.
In this article, we will help you make an informed decision by looking at the main factors to consider: from the type of effect to the growing conditions, including the climate, the speed of flowering, or the flavor you want to enjoy. With the right information, you can find the perfect genetics for your garden, making your growing experience much more rewarding and successful.
How to choose the ideal strain for you
Choosing the right cannabis strain is one of the most important aspects for any grower, especially if you are taking your first steps in the world of weed cultivation. We assure you: you do not want to make a mistake in this choice! Doing so would mean spending the next few months consuming flowers that do not quite convince you, and that is something that we at Alchimia Grow Shop cannot allow. This choice not only affects the final product you will obtain, but also the development of the plants, the quality of the harvest, and the experience you will have when consuming the buds.
There are several key factors you should consider before making a decision, as each strain has unique characteristics that may better suit your needs, preferences, and growing conditions. Let’s look at some of these factors that you should consider before purchasing your new seeds, so you will not only enjoy the growing cycle but also the fruits of your efforts!
Desired effect: recreational, medicinal, active, or relaxing
The first step is to define the type of experience you’re looking for when consuming cannabis. THC-rich strains are known for offering intense psychoactive effects, which can be uplifting and euphoric or relaxing, depending on genetics. Sativa (or sativa-dominant) strains tend to provide a more energetic high, ideal for creative or social activities. Indicas, on the other hand, tend to offer a calmer feeling, perfect for unwinding after a long day or combating insomnia. Many hybrids (which are actually most of the seeds you can buy) have a balanced effect, with some mental stimulation while also providing muscle relaxation.
If you’re looking for medicinal use, you’ll want to opt for strains with a high CBD content, known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties. Some hybrids combine THC and CBD in different percentages, providing a balanced effect. Thinking about your needs and preferences is key to selecting a strain that fits your lifestyle. Do you want to consume during the day and stay active? Or perhaps you’re looking for a herb that will help you relax and fall asleep? Think carefully about all these aspects before choosing!
Type of cultivation: indoor or outdoor
The environment you plan to grow in also influences your choice of genetics. In indoor cultivation, space and plant height are limiting factors. That’s why indica varieties or compact hybrids are often the best choice, as their small size makes them easy to handle in enclosed spaces. Additionally, these plants usually have a shorter flowering period, making it easier to obtain harvests in less time. Long-flowering sativas can be a challenge due to their tendency to grow excessively and require more time to mature, so they are usually grown outdoors.
Outdoors, the options are wider, but they also depend on the climate in your region. Sativas tend to do well in warm areas, as their open structure allows for good air circulation, reducing the risk of mold. If space is not an issue and you have a suitable climate, sativas can offer generous yields and a more complex terpene profile. Indicas, on the other hand, are ideal for cooler climates or shorter growing seasons. As always, hybrids represent a good option in any growing environment, whether indoors or in the outdoor garden.
Climate: essential for outdoor cultivation
The climate in your area is crucial if you decide to grow outdoors. In warm, sunny regions, you can choose practically any strain, although sativas tend to excel at tolerating heat and making the most of long hours of sunlight. If you live in a cold area or one with short summers, indicas or autos are a better choice, as they have a shorter flowering period and can mature before the onset of bad weather.
If your region is humid or very rainy, especially in late summer, it is essential to opt for varieties that are resistant to fungi, since humidity can be a serious problem during flowering. Varieties with an open structure and more airy buds are usually more resistant to these types of conditions.
Taste and aroma: a matter of personal preference
The flavor and aroma profile is one of the most distinctive aspects of cannabis and can vary greatly between strains. If you prefer a fruity and sweet flavor, you can look for strains with notes of tropical fruits, citrus, or berries. Genetics with a heritage from the Cookies family often have a delicious and complex aroma profile, with creamy and sweet notes. If you like more intense and earthy flavors, Kush or Afghani varieties can be an excellent choice. There are also genetics with spicy, minty, or floral notes… there is a whole world of flavors and aromas in cannabis!
Choosing a strain that offers you an attractive organoleptic profile will make the drinking experience much more pleasant, so we recommend that you weigh this aspect carefully before choosing.
Fast-flowering strains: for those in a hurry
Flowering time is an important factor, especially if you have a climate with a limited growing season.
Indicas and auto-flowering strains are ideal for those looking for quick results, as they typically have a flowering period of 7-9 weeks. Sativas, on the other hand, can take up to 12 weeks or more, but usually reward you with a generous yield and a complex terpene profile.
If your area’s climate is unpredictable or you have little time available, opting for short-flowering varieties – often called Early or Fast – is the best option. You don’t want to see the weather ruin your efforts when the harvest is almost here!
Photodependent or automatic: the level of control you want
As you probably already know, cannabis can be divided into photoperiod and automatic varieties, depending on the light cycle they need to flower. Photoperiod varieties rely on changing daylight hours to initiate flowering. This allows for more control over growth and often results in larger yields. However, they do require more planning and attention; indoors you’ll need to adjust the light cycle when you decide that your plants should begin flowering, while outdoors you’ll rely on daily light hours (as soon as they decrease, your plants will begin flowering).
Automatic seeds, on the other hand, flower independently of the light cycle. They are ideal for beginners or those looking for quick and easy harvests. They tend to be more compact and have a short flowering period, although production may be somewhat lower than photoperiod seeds.
The Photoperiod of cannabis plants grown indoors
In this post we explain the various photoperiods that we can offer our plants, depending on whether we want them to remain in a vegetative state or if we want them to start flowering. We show you different photoperiods from the classic 18/6h and 12/12h so that you can optimise your indoor garden to suit your needs.
Genetics: Find your preferred lineage
Finally, some people have a special interest in certain genetics or strains originating from specific regions. If you have an affinity for a particular genetic, such as the legendary OG Kush, Haze, or Skunk, or if you prefer landraces or landraces from specific regions, such as those from Afghanistan or Thailand, it is worth investigating the available options. Each genetic has its characteristics, both in terms of cultivation and effects and flavors.
Researching and experimenting with different genetics can also be an exciting way to expand your knowledge as a grower.
Production: quantity versus quality
The amount of flowers you get from each plant can also be a determining factor.
Indicas tend to offer generous yields in small spaces, making them ideal for indoor growing. Sativas, while they may take longer to flower, tend to produce large yields if grown outdoors with enough time and space. Autos are perfect for those looking for quick harvests, although the yield is usually somewhat smaller.
If you’re looking to maximize yield, research high-yielding varieties and make sure you provide them with optimal growing conditions.
High yielding cannabis strains
Which are the most productive cannabis varieties? If we are looking for high yields, should we use feminised or regular seeds? What about automatic strains? Is the Big Bud the highest yielding variety? Here are some examples to help you choose the best genetics in regard with productivity.
As you can see, choosing the right cannabis strain is a personal decision that requires time and thought. By considering all these factors, you will be able to find the genetics that best suit your needs and conditions, ensuring a rewarding growing and consumption experience. We can only wish you good luck on your next cannabis adventure…
Happy harvest!
