Growers will be faced with the question of Seed vs Clone? There are many pros and cons to each depending on some variables like experience, space, environment, price and size. Propagation is the breeding of specimens of a plant from the parent stock from either seed or clones. This very important step will take at least 25-30% of your space and requires high levels of cultivation expertise. One mistake and you can end up with male plants or a non-compliant crop. Some will argue that cloning from the same mother weakens the plant, which in turn would make it more susceptible to viruses and infestations. Unless you use clones that have been passed through tissue culture, at which point the breeding clock restarts, over cloning can be a problem.
Seeds will not have the obstacles of over breeding, but the risks of having male plants, hermaphrodites and uneven canopies can be costly and detrimental. Plants from seeds have taproots that hold them into the ground stronger, this is especially important in areas with high winds. Seeds are more economical than clones and for this reason are often used to cover larger outdoor grows. Keep in mind that you will either have to give up at least 25% of your space to pop the seeds or add have the breeder pop them for you at an additional cost. It is highly recommended that you also budget labor costs to scout and pull males daily.
As the Hemp industry grows and the breeders continue their wonderful work, feminization rates in seeds are increasing. Clones, since identical to their female moms will be 100% female. One growing practice in Hemp Farming is to use seeds for outdoor grows and clones for greenhouses.
At Soul Releaf, we only work with Cultivaris Hemp Clones, which are all virus indexed and pathogen free and have the largest selection of Smokeable Hemp in the country. For more experienced growers, we source the most experienced seed breeders in the West. Oregon & Colorado, both mature cannabis markets, have been able to produce some of the country’s best seeds. Protected by pilot programs that allowed for higher THC levels up to .5%, breeders were able to cross Industrial Hemp with THC plants that have produced THC like flower but without the psychoactive effects found in the THC flower.
States like California that are challenged by low THC mandates of .3% or less, will risk having some of these cultivars go hot over the legal limit. For this reason, many farmers prefer to use clones that are tried and true and identical to their mothers. All of our clones are born here in beautiful Southern California weather that allows us to plant year around, making these very happy and healthy plants ready to go into any environment across the US.
