How to Create Better Hybrid Cannabis Strains

Growing cannabis strains is one of the most rewarding projects for any cannabis enthusiast. Many people grow their favorite strains right from their homes. Experienced growers may even want to get into commercial cannabis growing. But if you want to get serious about growing, you should learn how to create better hybrid cannabis strains.

Breeding indica and sativa strains helps you create new hybrid strains that possess the qualities of both parent strains. Hybrid strains have become incredibly popular for cannabis connoisseurs and consumers as they often offer a mix of physically relieving and mentally stimulating properties. But how do you make the best hybrid cannabis strains? Here are some handy tips.

Choose Strains With Distinct Genetics

There are many approaches to creating hybrids. For instance, you could simply take two similar strains and cross them to create something that pronounces their best qualities. But if you want to create better hybrid cannabis strains, one of the best things you can do is to choose strains with distinct genetics.

Choosing two completely different strains can yield fascinating results. For instance, taking a pure indica strain known for deeply relaxing qualities and crossing it with one of the most stimulating sativa strains can give you a well-balanced hybrid with an exciting blend of effects. You should also consider differences in taste, flavor, appearance, and other qualities.

Some of the best hybrid strains are created by using strains from different regions. For instance, crossing a classic indica kush strain from Afghanistan or Indica with a powerful Californian sativa strain can result in an amazing hybrid. Some of the best hybrid strains cross strains from various regions, bringing out the best of each.

Use Landrace Strains

If you want to breed the best hybrid strains possible, it helps to choose strains with strong genetics. Many strains are known for having powerful genetics that often override weaker strains. As such, it’s better to use two strains with distinctive and dominant genetics rather than crossing these strains with genetically weaker strains.

Experienced breeders often carry out test crosses to determine the genetic dominance of each strain. Doing so can help you find the best strains for breeding. You can then combine these genetically-dominant strains to create sensational hybrid crosses. With that said, this can take a lot of time and effort.

One of the easiest ways to ensure your strains are genetically-dominant is to use landrace strains. These are strains that originate in a particular region and have been grown there for a long time. During this process, the strains build strong genetics that can be used for exceptional hybrid strains. 

Some of the most popular landrace strains include Acapulco Gold, Thai Stick, Hindu Kush, and Durban Poison. However, there are plenty of other examples you can find throughout the world and experiment with.

Choose Potent Strains With Powerful Effects

When it comes to creating popular, distinctive strains, potency and effects are important. Potency generally comes down to the cannabinoid makeup of each strain. Strains that are high in THC often have particularly noticeable effects. However, strains that are high in other cannabinoids like CBD or CBN can also offer interesting highs.

Crossing potent cannabis strains can often give you a distinctive and unique hybrid strain. For instance, crossing a high-THC indica strain with a potent sativa can give you a strain with sensational physical and mental effects. Crossing high-THC strains with high-CBD strains is also a good way to create a memorable hybrid.

With that said, you don’t always have to choose the strains with the highest cannabinoid levels. There are plenty of strains out there with modest levels of THC that are still known for delivering distinctive experiences. Breeding multiple strains that are hailed for unique or prominent effects is a smart way to develop top-notch hybrids.

Consider The Aroma And Flavor

Strains are often memorable due to how strong they are or the effects they deliver. However, these aren’t the only qualities you should consider when developing new hybrid strains. Many cannabis connoisseurs look for the most aromatic and flavorful strains. As such, you might want to focus on breeding strains with distinctive scents and tastes.

Memorable hybrid strains are often created by crossing two strains with distinctive flavors. For instance, Cherry Pie combines the sweet grape and berry notes of Granddaddy Purple with the sharp citrusy notes of F1 Durban. As a result, the strain is beloved by cannabis enthusiasts for its sweet and sour flavor.

You don’t necessarily need to choose strains with opposite flavors, either. Sometimes combining two sweet strains or two dank strains is a good way to create something even better. In some cases, you can use this as an opportunity to enhance the effects of a strain while maintaining or improving its smell and taste.

High-Yielding Strains Are Better

Another smart tip for when you’re learning to create better hybrid cannabis strains is to choose high-yielding strains. If a strain is known for producing bountiful yields of dense buds, you’ll end up with plenty of hybrid cannabis to use however you want. You can even mix other strains with high-yielding strains to get more out of them.

You’ll also want to consider other factors when growing these strains. For instance, you’ll need to make sure you have the right conditions for growing. Sativa strains often produce incredible yields, but sativa plants can also grow exceptionally tall – meaning you’ll need plenty of space to grow them.

However, choosing the right high-yielding strains for your growing operation can give you some sensational hybrids. You might also want to consider fast-growing strains. That way, you can produce your hybrid cannabis quicker and even use it to breed new strains.

Conclusion

Whether you’re growing for yourself or trying to prime your growing skills for professional purposes, these tips can help you learn how to create better hybrid cannabis strains. Keep experimenting with the best strains possible and you’ll end up with various distinctive strains.

If you want to take your growing skills further, you might even want to consider growing cannabis professionally. Starting a cannabis business can be tough, but you can get far with the right knowledge and marketing. Fortunately, you can find various guides, resources, and even custom accessories to boost your cannabis brand at Cannabis Promotions.