Cannabis cultivation has evolved dramatically over the years, with breeders developing various plant types to cater to different growing environments and purposes. To understand the diversity in cannabis plants, it's essential to grasp the concepts of genotype and phenotype.
Genotype is the DNA or genetic makeup of the plant, determining its inherent characteristics. Phenotype is the observable physical expression of these genetic traits influenced by the environment. The relationship between genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (GE) results in the phenotype (F) of the plant.
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What are Photoperiod/Photo-dependent Varieties?
Photoperiod or photo-dependent cannabis varieties rely on the light schedule to trigger flowering. These plants start to flower when exposed to around 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness. This type has been the cornerstone of cannabis cultivation, allowing growers to control the plant's size and harvest time.
Key Features of Photoperiod Varieties:
- Control over final plant size
- Customizable crop duration
- Potential for larger harvests
- Higher cannabinoid levels
- Extensive genetic variety
- Can be cloned and kept as mother plants
For indoor growing, photoperiod plants require a specific light schedule, typically 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness for vegetative growth, shifting to 12/12 for flowering. Outdoor growers benefit from the natural progression of the seasons to induce flowering.
What are Automatic or Auto-Flowering Varieties?
Auto-flowering cannabis plants flower automatically based on age rather than light exposure. These plants, derived from the Cannabis Ruderalis subspecies, are perfect for growers seeking multiple harvests throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Key Features of Auto-Flowering Varieties:
- Flowering independent of light schedule
- Quick turnaround from germination
- Suitable for multiple outdoor harvests annually
- Ideal for small spaces and discreet gardens
- Cannot be kept as mother plants
Autos are excellent for outdoor growers in climates with light contamination from street lamps or for indoor growers looking to maximize space and light efficiency. They thrive with photoperiods of up to 24 hours of light, resulting in increased yields.
What is an F1 Fast Version?
F1 Fast Versions are hybrids between auto and photoperiod plants, offering a blend of both types' advantages. These plants are photoperiod-sensitive but have shorter flowering times, typically maturing 1-2 weeks earlier than standard photoperiod varieties.
Key Features of F1 Fast Versions:
- Flowering photoperiod: 12/12
- Rapid flowering (6-8 weeks) indoors
- Shorter flowering time by 1-2 weeks outdoors
- Control over final plant size and crop duration
- Hybrid vigor: fast-growing and resistant
- Ideal for humid climates and shorter summers
- Similar cannabinoid levels to photoperiod varieties
- Can be cloned for mother plants
F1 Fast Versions are particularly beneficial for guerrilla growers aiming to harvest before adverse weather or detection. Indoor growers also appreciate the ability to manage growth phases while enjoying quicker harvests.
Exploring Regular and Mutant Cannabis Seeds
Regular Seeds: These include both male and female plants, allowing for natural breeding and genetic diversity. Regular seeds are favored by breeders and those looking to create new strains.
Mutant Cannabis Seeds: Some strains exhibit unique mutations, such as Freakshow and Ducksfoot, which affect their growth patterns. These mutants can be unrecognizable to aerial surveillance, making them ideal for stealth growing.
Conclusion
The world of cannabis cultivation offers a range of plant types to suit various needs and environments. Whether you prefer the control of photoperiod varieties, the convenience of auto-flowering plants, the speed of F1 Fast Versions, or the traditional approach with regular seeds, there is a cannabis plant for every grower. Understanding these different types allows cultivators to optimize their growing strategies and achieve the best possible results.
Feel free to visit our Cannabis Clinics Malta website to explore our selection of seeds and learn more about how to cultivate your perfect cannabis garden. Happy growing!
