Deciding between growing cannabis from seed or clone? Each method has its perks. In this article, we’ll explain what a cannabis clone is and explore its advantages, such as uniformity and faster growth. We’ll also delve into the benefits of seeds, like genetic diversity and robustness. Plus, we’ll compare their growth timelines to harvest. Get ready to make an informed choice for your next cannabis cultivation adventure!
What is a cannabis clone?
A cannabis clone is a cutting taken from a mature cannabis plant, which is then rooted and grown as a separate plant. This process ensures that the clone inherits the exact genetic makeup of its parent plant. Cloning is a popular method for replicating specific plant characteristics, such as its potency, yield, and growth habits, without the genetic variations that come with seeds. Essentially, when you grow a clone, you’re creating a genetic duplicate of the parent plant, offering predictability in the characteristics of your new plant.
What are the advantages of to growing clones?
Growing clones offers several advantages, making it a preferred choice for many cultivators. Firstly, clones guarantee genetic consistency. Since they’re exact genetic replicas of the parent plant, you can expect uniformity in growth patterns, potency, and yield.
Another significant advantage is the time saved. Clones bypass the seed germination stage, speeding up the growing process. They also reach maturity faster than plants grown from seeds, leading to quicker harvests.
Additionally, clones can be more cost-effective in the long run. Once you have a high-quality mother plant, you can produce numerous clones without the recurring cost of seeds.
Lastly, for growers looking to maintain a particular strain, cloning is the ideal method. It ensures the preservation of specific traits and qualities of the cannabis strain that might otherwise vary in plants grown from seeds.
What are the advantages to growing cannabis seeds?
Growing cannabis from seeds holds its unique advantages. Firstly, seeds offer a vast array of strain options. There are countless strains available, each with unique characteristics, and many seed banks often provide free cannabis seeds with orders, giving growers the opportunity to experiment with different types.
Another advantage is the greater control over the grow. Seeds allow for a fresh start, free from any potential pests or diseases that clones might carry over from the parent plant. This control extends to the entire growth cycle, from germination to harvest.
Seeds can also be more cost-effective than buying clones. While the initial investment in high-quality seeds might be higher, seeds generally offer more plants per dollar spent compared to purchasing individual clones.
Additionally, seeds have the potential for more robust growth. Seed-grown plants typically develop a strong taproot, which can contribute to better nutrient uptake and overall plant health, potentially leading to higher yields and resilience.
How long does a clone take to grow to harvest?
The time it takes for a cannabis clone to grow to harvest can vary depending on several factors, such as the strain, growing conditions, and cultivation techniques. However, generally, clones have a shorter growth cycle compared to seed-grown plants. This is because clones skip the seed germination and early seedling stages.
Typically, a cannabis clone will take about 7 to 14 days to root properly. Once rooted, the clone enters the vegetative stage, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the grower’s preference and the specific strain’s characteristics. This stage is crucial for the plant to develop a strong structure and sufficient foliage to support future buds.
After the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering stage. This period usually lasts about 8 to 10 weeks, but it can vary based on the strain. During this time, the plant develops its buds.
In total, from the time a clone is taken to the point of harvest, it can take approximately 10 to 18 weeks. This timeline can be shorter than growing from seed, as the initial stages of growth are bypassed.
How long do cannabis seeds take to grow to harvest?
The time it takes for cannabis seeds to grow to harvest varies based on the strain type: Sativa, Indica, or Autoflower.
Sativa Strains: Sativa plants are known for their taller stature and longer flowering times. Once the seed germinates, which typically takes a few days to a week, the plant enters the vegetative stage. This stage can last from 4 to 8 weeks, or longer, as Sativa strains often require more time to develop their characteristic height and foliage. The flowering stage for Sativas usually extends longer, typically around 10 to 12 weeks. In total, from seed to harvest, Sativa strains can take approximately 14 to 20 weeks.
Indica Strains: Indica plants, shorter and bushier compared to Sativas, have a quicker growth cycle. After germination, the vegetative stage for Indicas generally lasts about 4 to 8 weeks. The flowering stage is shorter than Sativas, typically ranging from 8 to 10 weeks. Overall, Indica strains can be ready for harvest in roughly 12 to 18 weeks from seed.
Autoflower Strains: Autoflowering cannabis strains are unique because they transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage based on age, rather than light cycle changes. They have the shortest overall growth cycle. After germination, these plants quickly enter the vegetative stage for about 2 to 4 weeks, then automatically start flowering. The flowering stage can last 7 to 10 weeks. Autoflowers can be ready for harvest in about 10 to 14 weeks from seed, making them a fast and convenient option for many growers.
In this article, we’ve explored the key differences between growing cannabis from seeds and clones. Whether you choose the genetic consistency of clones or the diverse potential of seeds, both methods have unique advantages. Seeds offer a wide range of strains and robust growth, while clones provide a faster path to harvest. Apply these insights to tailor your next grow to your needs. Happy growing, and don’t forget to like and share this article!