Growing marijuana is a responsibility that requires gardeners to know the cultivation differences between its varieties, Indica and Sativa. These plants may look similar but have distinctive features.
Over time and generations, Sativa strains have developed specific traits that differentiate them from other cannabis varieties. Certainly, Sativa is a good bet, and being familiar with its peculiarities and general growing practices will be helpful.
Before buying Sativa seeds, read this post to gain more insight into what to expect from growing these plants.
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Sativa Effects
Best Sativa seeds give birth to plants known for their motivating, euphoric, mood-elevating, and uplifting effects and focus mainly on brain action.
This type of high is suited for daytime use and interferes with sleep, inducing less “body stone” than Indica. It is the choice for people who want to experience energy, focus, a sense of alertness, and creativity.
This cannabis variety helps cope with boring daily work. It stimulates sociability and conversation and prompts giggles due to enhanced serotonin levels.
Phytocannabinoid profile
Sativa’s effects, aromas, and flavors are affected by its phytocannabinoid profile. Aside from holding THC and CBD, it is rich in naturally occurring terpenes, flavonoids, secondary cannabinoids, fatty acids, and other active chemicals.
Due to their synergistic work, these compounds affect the human body and help with various medical issues, such as inflammation, chronic pain, spasms, brain and mood disorders, etc.
Plant Peculiarities
Sativa was discovered before Indica. Originally, it comes from equatorial regions in Central and South America and Southeast Asia. So, it has acclimated to handling humid and hot environments and tolerates high temperatures well.
The plants have adapted and become tall and thin. They have narrow leaves that are capable of storing water.
Due to their airy bud structure, they can resist molds and pesticides. Compared to Indicas, these strains require less frequent fertilizing and feeding and deliver more generous crops.
Tips on Successful Cultivation
Your experience in growing Sativa will be easier and more rewarding if you take into consideration a few simple principles:
- In their vegetative stage, Sativa plants may remain squat; however, during their bud-forming stage, they can grow significantly, so prepare enough vertical space.
- Choose the proper pot size. More root space stimulates more growth potential.
- If a long flowering period is a disadvantage, opt for faster-finishing strains. Now, there are a lot of Sativa seeds for sale that don’t necessarily have an Indica heritage mixed in.
- Fertilizer buildup can diminish a delicate Sativa’s bouquet, so occasional feeding will be the best option.
- Their essential oil production is done during ripening. To help the strains reach their maturity quicker, shorten the day to 8 hours during the final weeks before harvesting.
With proper planning and care, even inexperienced gardeners can cultivate Sativa strains inside and outside despite the less obedient growth habits of this cannabis variety.
Popular Sativa Strains
Here is a list of some renowned strains that have become popular with seasoned breeders and hobbyists:
- Strawberry Cough;
- Sour Diesel;
- Amnesia Haze;
- Durban Poison;
- Jack Herer;
- Tangie;
- Green Crack.
They are chosen due to their fantastic effects, delicious flavor/aroma, unique cannabinoid profile, easy cultivation, and other reasons.
Actually, it is hard to find 100% pure Sativa strains. Most of them have been crossbred with other cannabis varieties to create plants that are less complicated in cultivation (for example, shortening their flowering period or size).
Many strains are close to Sativas, but if you trace their lineage, you’ll find they are hybrids. However, you can rest assured because these sativa-dominant strains provide effects typical for this cannabis variety.
Summing Up
You can’t go wrong if you choose cannabis Sativa seeds to grow in your garden. The high induced by this marijuana variety has an inspiring effect and is perfect for almost all daily activities. Besides, most cannabis connoisseurs highly appreciate the organoleptic features of Sativa. Many breeders create new strains suitable for indoor cultivation, so growing them is not an issue anymore.