Sativa cannabis seeds vs Indica cannabis seeds

If you’re a seed collector, you’re probably aware of the phrases Sativa and indica when it comes to cannabis seeds; these are the two primary types of cannabis plants that have been utilized for decades. Although cannabis has been classified in this manner, there is evidence that these classifications are generalizations that do not necessarily reflect the unique attributes or merits of the seeds or plants. However, it is still worthwhile to think about.

Here, we examine the similarities and differences between Sativa and indica cannabis seeds and plants and provide a checklist to assist you to buy hybrid seeds for growers.

What are Sativa cannabis seeds?

• Sativa grows in hot regions.
• Plants are tall and thin to preserve water.

Cannabis sativa is the cannabis plant that flourishes in tropical regions. Sativa strains are frequently mentioned for their allegedly creative, energetic high. It is stated that cannabis users prefer Sativa strains over indica strains because they provide a more robust ‘head high.’ Sativa seeds differ little, if at all, in appearance from indica seeds; instead, the distinctions are found in the qualities of the seeds, their nutritional contents, and their appearance and effects once developed. Many collectors and watchers of Sativa seeds notice that they are typically smaller than indica seeds, with average sizes of match heads. Sativa strains evolved to grow taller and skinnier plants to conserve water since they originated in hotter climates.

History Of Sativa

In Western culture, Sativa was the first cannabis strain to be recognized. Carl Linnaeus classified it for the first time in 1753, and it was assumed to be the only type of cannabis. Its origins are primarily found between 0° and 30° latitudes in Thailand, Mexico, Columbia, and Southeast Asia. It can be challenging to define the precise characteristics of Sativa seeds. As has been noticed, the chemical contents, nutritional benefits, and impacts of the flowers vary widely within the Sativa category while also resembling some of the qualities of indica strains. Today, it is farmed for many of the same reasons that it has been for hundreds of years. Some prominent companies offer fantastic choices of Sativa seeds to collect, having been developed to perfection over many, many years. Sativa cannabis has been utilized for a variety of purposes since recorded history, including:

• Religious and spiritual practices
• Shamanism
• Industrial fiber
• Seed oil
• Food
• Recreation
• Medicinal purposes

Sativa cannabis seeds are an essential component of any seed collection. They have a long history, and there are many modern strain variations and hybrids available, including feminized and autoflowering strains.

What are Indica cannabis seeds?

• Indica is found in mountainous regions
• Plants are short and stocky with chunky leaves

Indica cannabis plants are native to Northern India’s Himalayan Kush region and Afghanistan’s mountainous highlands. It is thought that these are among the earliest original strains of cannabis that can still be found today. Kush is a superb example of an original indica, and there are many hybrids and varieties of this species. Indica strains are now found worldwide, but they grow best between 30° and 50° latitudes. Users of cannabis indica report feelings of relaxation and a ‘body high.’ Indica strains have a high potential for pain treatment and are typically taken at night. They are smaller than Sativa plants and produce more dense buds with a strong fragrance. It has been said that indica cannabis is more suited to medicinal use and Sativa cannabis is better suited to recreational use, although both claims are debatable. This is mainly because research into the medicinal use of cannabis has been significantly hampered in the last 100 years due to the plant’s prohibition.

History of Indica

The history of the indica strain of cannabis is difficult to trace due to the vast amounts of political change in the locations where it is grown. What is known is that indica was traditionally used to manufacture hashish, which is a dried, resinous version of cannabis in these places. Cannabis indica, which was formerly thought to be a subspecies, is now thought to be distinct from Sativa; however, this remains proven. Indica, like Sativa, has been used for thousands of years – industrially, medicinally, and recreationally – and continues to be used now. Original Kush strains are available on Homegrown Cannabis Co. and current hybrids of indica and Sativa. No seed collection would be complete without some genuine Hindu or Afghan Kush.

Sativa vs Indica – the main differences and similarities

Attribute	Sativa	Indica
Growth height	Up to 20 feet	Up to 6 feet
Flowering time	10-16 weeks	6-8 weeks
Bud appearance	Airy and light, commonly long sausage shape	Dense and thick, often conical or crowned
Leaf colour/appearance	Lighter green colours, skinnier and longer	Darker and often purple, wider and thicker
Seed appearance	Can be brown beige and grey. Some stripes may be seen.	Can be brown, beige and grey. Some stripes may be seen.
Seed size	Considered to be generally a bit smaller than indica seeds. Roughly match head size.	Considered to be generally bigger than sativa seeds. Can be match head or small bead size.

As we can see, both indica and Sativa strains have unique and common characteristics. Any cannabis seed collection will likely include a combination of the two and strains within each, such as kush or skunk. Please remember that seed size and shape may not always indicate quality, germination capacity, or yield size. Because seeds are biologically varied, they can exist in various sizes and shapes. Green seeds are considered immature.

Buying cannabis seeds checklist

There are numerous factors to consider while purchasing cannabis seeds. We have a few simple rules to follow to help you locate the perfect product for you and your collection.

Reputable retailer

Check to see if the retailer you chose has positive feedback and ratings. Reputable stores provide a wealth of information, are ready to answer questions, and can advise you on the product that best meets your needs.

The right strain for you

You have a plethora of seeds at your disposal. Each collection is unique to its owner, and having a diversity of strains makes for a good collection in general. If your seed collection is predominantly Sativa, consider adding some indica or hybrid seeds to balance it out. By selecting a reliable retailer, you can purchase high-quality seeds from various seed banks throughout the world.