Breeding vs Blending : Understanding the fundamental differences
In the cannabis world, the terms "breeding" and "blending" are often used, but they refer to very different processes. Understanding these distinctions is essential for both amateur and professional growers to produce high-quality genetics.
Le Breeding : the art of genetic selection
Breeding is a long and meticulous process that can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years. It involves starting from scratch with pure genetics, such as landraces (local varieties), foundation hybrids, or heirlooms (heritage varieties). Breeders select the best plants over several generations to stabilize specific traits. This process ensures robust and unique genetics.
Examples of reputable breeders :
- Shanti Baba (Mr. Nice Seeds)
- Nevil Schoenmakers
- Ace Seeds
- Mandala Seeds
- Bodhi Seeds
- Karma Genetics
- Dynasty Genetics
- Brothers Grimm Seeds
- Brother Haze
- Heimee Cheeba
- And many other passionate purists.
Breeding strains are often considered elite. They are usually available in regular (male and female) or clone form. For example, a strain like **(Colombian landrace x Thai landrace) x Mexican landrace** illustrates the complex work of breeders..
Blending : A Rapid Approach
Blending, on the other hand, is a much faster process, taking between six months and a year. It involves crossing two existing genetics, either using a male to pollinate a female, or producing feminized seeds by making the plants hermaphroditic (for example, with colloidal silver).
Examples of well-known blenders :
- Ethos
- Solfire Gardens
- In House Genetics
- Tiki Madman (Un tas de merde)
- Exotic Genetix
- CopyCat Genetics (Un tas de merde)
- Relentless Genetics
- Lit Farms
- Ripper Seeds
- Elev8 Seeds
- Barney’s Farm
- FastBuds
- And other blending players.
Although blending allows for the rapid creation of new strains, the quality is generally inferior to that of genetics from the original breeding stock created by official breeders. Blenders rarely disclose the exact origin of the strains used, which can also pose traceability issues.
Examples of known Breeder/Blender:
- Capulator
- Symbiotic genetic
- Seed Junky Genetics
- DJ Short
- Top Dawg Seeds
- Archive Seed Bank
- Shiloh Massive
- Cannarado Genetics
- And other
Quality and Recognition
Breeded genetics are widely recognized by purists and the cannabis elite. They offer superior potency and stability, making them highly sought after. In contrast, blended products are often perceived as counterfeits, with variable quality and limited recognition.
Conclusion: Choosing Authenticity
To truly stand out as a grower, focusing on the authenticity and quality of your genetics is essential. Working from regular seeds directly from the original breeder allows you to find "keepers"—those exceptional plants that you keep as mother plants because they make all the difference. And believe me, a good keeper can satisfy loyal customers for years, even a decade later.
Today, the market, driven by purely capitalist logic, is promoting feminized seeds. The goal? To accustom people to change in order to sell more and more, again and again. But in reality, keeping a feminized plant as a mother plant is like playing Russian roulette: risk of hermaphrodite, ruined harvest... and ultimately, zero stability. Conversely, serious breeders select their keepers from regulars—that's where the real foundation lies.
Because, ultimately, consumers aren't looking for 15 new strains every week. They want their four or five favorite strains, the ones that fit their vibe, their use. And from time to time, okay, a little new product. But not a complete renewal every month.
Personally, I've always worked on my own genetics. And it was my clients themselves who asked me to keep certain phenos. Ten years later, I'm still asked for more. It just goes to show that true quality remains.
Don't listen to the hype—especially when it's pushed by those who have a vested interest in selling you something.
It's like a Louis Vuitton bag: the original lasts for years. A counterfeit bought at the market? It gives up after a year. And it's the same for seeds: a well-selected regular is a long-term investment. A feminized one is often just disposable.
