HOW TO BREED
YOUR OWN
CANNABIS STRAIN
by Luis Cordova
There are many reasons why growers may want to breed their own strain . Whatever the reason , follow these steps from Luis Cordova to breed the best strain for your needs .
So , why do we and why should we breed cannabis ? That may be a hard question for breeders to answer . Breeding can be for a hobby , to preserve genetic lineage , to improve plant health , or for developing new species . Breeding can improve flavor , cannabinoids , shape , yields , or many different properties . Currently , the breeding community has become increasingly interested in breeding for terpenes . Terpenes are the aroma-producing compounds of the plant that give it smell and taste . Understanding the terpene profile of the plant allows for improved terpene development . As more is understood of the plant , it has been found that terpenes play a vital role in the entourage effect and the sale of product . Let ’ s take a look at the key basic components of breeding .
Strain and Soil Choice
Following some easy steps can allow anyone to create a breeding program . Before putting seed into soil , it is important to first choose your strain or strains . Choice can be based on plant size , terpenes , yield , or any factor you choose . Whatever your choice , you will need some regular seeds . Female-only plants can be used , but you will have to force them to be hermaphrodites , which is not the best choice for a home breeder . Soil choice should be considered at this point . A good soil mix should have a balanced ratio of macro- and micronutrients . The soil should also have a balance of beneficial microbes . Microbes are the secret to improving the plant ’ s health and feed the plant the nutrients it needs . Healthy soil encourages healthy cannabis plants with higher production , strength , and quality seeds .
Cycle and Pollen Collection
So now we have our seeds and our soil : now for the long part . The next two months will be letting your plants grow while keeping them healthy . Most breeders will let their plants veg for at least two months , sometimes longer depending on the size of the plant , growroom size , and plant vigor . This is really a personal choice , but a bigger , well-defined plant will give bigger flowers and more seeds . I like to aim for a two-month veg cycle . Of course , this is for a plant that is growing faster than its pots can keep up and shows potential . If the plant isn ’ t performing as well as I expect but still has some potential , I like to give it two to four weeks extra growth to see if it is worth keeping . Usually , I aim to finish in a seven- to 15-gallon ( 26-57 liter ) fabric pot due to my own grow limitations .
70 Maximum Yield