How to choose the right cannabis strain for a beginner

Beginning growers need to know how to choose the right cannabis variety for a beginner. If you just read the description and decide on the one you like, then the cultivation process will most likely be doomed to failure. It is necessary to foresee possible problems in specific growing conditions in advance, take into account your experience, and only then give free rein to desires, choosing the taste, aroma, effect and strength of influence you like.

1. Growing cannabis outdoors or indoors

If a grower is to grow marijuana seeds outdoors, the most important selection criterion will be the climatic conditions of the growing area. In the southern regions of our country, the gardener should not bother too much, since spring frosts leave early, and autumn frosts come late. This allows you to grow any photoperiod varieties or alternate 2-3 autoflowering varieties with a short life cycle. If the characteristics of the plant say that it ripens as early as November, and the first prolonged frosts or rains in the latitudes of future cultivation occur in the middle of this month or later, then it will fit. The only disadvantage of the southern latitudes is high humidity, so it is better not to choose varieties with very dense buds. For the southern coast of Crimea or the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, heat-resistant plants are very well suited.

For cooler regions, first of all, you should focus on the harvest time indicated in the description. If, for example, a variety manages to bring a crop before the end of September, and the first serious frosts in the grower’s region occur in October, then you can safely choose it. In latitudes close to Moscow, most varieties of Dutch seed banks, which were specially created for the northern European climate, feel very good.

Beginner growers who live in areas close to northern latitudes should focus exclusively on autoflowering strains. In the conditions of a short warm period of the year and white nights, not a single photoperiod plant will be able to reveal its potential. Here it is worth focusing on the duration of the period from a stable positive night temperature to the onset of the first frosts. If the life cycle of an autoflower is shorter, then it is suitable.

Some autoflowering strains can go from seed germination to harvest in as little as two months. If such plants are also frost-resistant, then the grower will be able to grow them even in northern latitudes.

In indoor cultivation conditions, the grower’s region of residence will not play any role, since a microclimate favorable for the plant will be created in a specially designated room or grow box. The length of the daylight hours will be regulated by the grower himself with the help of lamps. This means that varieties with any length of the life cycle or flowering period are suitable. Everything will depend on the amount of time that the grower is willing to devote to the plants.

Impatient ones should choose fast-growing autoflowers right away, and those who like to look after their babies longer should give preference to photoperiod varieties. It should be borne in mind that fotiki always bring more yield, and with autoflowers you do not need to bother with the light regime.

2. Maximum growth of a cannabis strain

In open ground conditions, the dimensions of the future plant do not play practically any significance. It can grow freely in any direction, and nothing prevents the development of the root system. It is worth considering only the safety factor, because bushes 2-4 meters high become too noticeable on the plot.

Indoor growth of the future plant plays a very important role. This is the main criterion for choosing a variety, since it is necessary that the plant matches the dimensions of the grow box in which it will grow. For stealth boxes, low-growing varieties of cannabis are excellent, the growth of which can be 40-80 cm. For small grow boxes, plants with a bush height of 80-150 cm are suitable. Well, for taller bushes, you will most likely have to allocate an entire room.

There are cultivation methods that can keep the growth of the plant under control, but in this case it is not worth talking about the yield declared by the manufacturer. It is very effective to use the horizontal space of a low grow box in order to increase yields using the SOG or ScrOG techniques.

3. Saturation of the smell during the flowering period

Most cannabis varieties give off a strong aroma when flowering, which, although it may have hints of, for example, citrus or sweet fruit, can still easily give away a grower. Indoors, this problem becomes especially relevant, because neighbors or random guests will quickly determine the source of the aroma. In this case, you need to either install carbon filters in the grow box and choose any variety of cannabis you like, or save money by choosing a low-smelling plant. If cultivation takes place in non-residential premises or on the street, then the problem is removed by itself.

Although the aroma of some overly odorous plants can reach several hundred meters.

4. Experience in growing cannabis

Beginner growers who are just getting started with cannabis gardening should focus on beginner cannabis strains. These plants are unpretentious in cultivation, resistant to external environmental factors, easily tolerate stress and can be grown using the “plant and forget” method. Such varieties will perfectly help to gain practical experience and get the desired harvest. Among them are both photoperiod and autoflowering plants. The choice depends on the readiness to observe the correct light regime for the camera.

Those beginners who have studied the theory well enough can stop at ordinary autoflowers. As a rule, they do not require too much attention to themselves, and due to the ruderalis genes they have strong immunity, which greatly increases the chances of success.

If there is an inexorable desire to grow a complex and capricious variety of cannabis, then it is better to immediately prepare for the worst. It will be necessary to read all relevant literature well, carefully monitor the pets and control all aspects of cultivation. For those who are not afraid of difficulties and defeats, this is an excellent result to test themselves.

5. Yield

The need for the amount of harvest directly depends on the consumer abilities of the grower. Everything seems to be clear here – the more cones the variety brings, the better. But in fact, abundant yields entail large bush size and branching, which not only leads to several of the above problems, but also complicates the cultivation process itself. Needs for water, fertilizers, lighting are increasing significantly and require careful monitoring. Therefore, high-yielding varieties, the growth of bushes of which can reach 2-4 meters, are best grown by experienced gardeners.

Beginners are better off either not paying attention to the performance of the plant at all, or choosing a suitable commercial variety. They tend to combine good yields, low maintenance, fast bud maturation, decent THC levels, and stress tolerance.

6. Cost of seeds

Most expensive cannabis seeds are produced by time-tested seed banks from Europe and America. Although there is a mark-up for the brand in their cost, there is certainly no doubt about the quality of the product. Usually the increased cost is caused by environmentally friendly production methods and manual labor. Cheaper seeds are usually released by newly-entered seed banks that lower their markup to attract customers. The quality of their products is also good.

If the grower plans to purchase 1-2 seeds, then it is better not to save money and take proven seeds. If you have to plant a whole greenhouse, then the question of cost will become much more significant. Then cheaper seeds will allow more funds to be spent on equipment.

It all depends on the financial capabilities of the grower. You can read about the reliability and quality of any variety on the forums or grow reports, and then make a choice.

7. Sativa high or indica stone

The effects of marijuana are of two types: sedative and cerebral. The first is usually called stone, the second is high. Stone effect brings indica, high – sativa.

The stone effect of indica has a greater effect on the human body, relaxing it. The taster wants to take a horizontal position and relax. His mind switches to contemplation and deep space travel. Stone instantly relieves stress, nervous irritation and pain, helps to fall asleep. It is more suitable for a relaxing holiday in the evening, since it will be very difficult to perform daytime chores after it.

The high effect of sativa affects the human brain and central nervous system more, stimulating them. Thoughts become clear and precise, new ideas appear. The body is overflowing with energy, the mood will rise. There is a desire to act and create. This effect is more suitable for the beginning or middle of the day. It relieves fatigue, makes it easy to do routine work, awakens creativity and social activity. For lovers of bright highs, we have a special selection of Sativa for beginners. In it you will find varieties with an invigorating high effect that are easy to care for.

Almost all hybrid cannabis varieties combine both of these effects. Usually the sativa high comes first, followed by the indica stone. The duration of each of them depends on the predominance of the corresponding genes.

Here the choice depends only on the preferences of the grower.

8. Force of influence

THC-tolerant growers should definitely choose a cannabis strain with a THC level of over 18%. It is these who are considered truly lethal;
For lovers of a good strong effect, but without side effects, varieties with an indicator of about 15% are suitable;
Those who like to enjoy the tasting process for a longer time should stop at varieties with a THC level of 8-12%. They will have a decent impact force, and will also allow the grow