Cannabis Seeds Vs. Clones: Should You Clone or Stick to Seeds?

So, you’re getting ready for your next cannabis grow and facing one of the biggest decisions — should you start from seeds or go with clones? It’s a question that every grower, from beginners to seasoned pros, has to consider.

Both methods have their pros and cons. Seeds offer stronger plants, fresh genetics, and a sense of accomplishment as you watch them grow. Clones, on the other hand, save time, guarantee consistency, and let you skip the uncertainty of germination.

The right choice depends on what you’re looking for — whether it’s variety and resilience or speed and reliability. In this article, we’ll break down the differences so you can decide which method works best for your grow.

Growing Cannabis with Seeds

Germinating seeds is exactly what it sounds like — you take a cannabis seed, give it the right conditions, and let it grow into a cannabis plant.

Like any other flowering plant, cannabis produces seeds that carry a mix of genetic traits. The process kicks off when you provide the seed with the perfect environment to sprout. Once it develops a strong enough root system and a little stem, it’s ready to move into your growing medium.

Many growers see starting from seeds as the most natural and pure way to grow cannabis. One major advantage? Plants grown from seeds tend to be stronger and more resilient, thanks to their taproots — something clones lack.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your plant grow from a tiny seed into a mature plant. It’s like raising a pet, except this one rewards you with fresh buds at the end.

That said, germinating seeds isn’t for everyone. The process takes time, and there’s always a bit of uncertainty — you never really know what kind of plant you’ll end up with.

The Germination Process

Germinating cannabis seeds isn’t rocket science, but there are different ways to do it, depending on your setup and preferences.

The first step? Sprouting the seed. This usually involves placing it in a glass of water, a damp paper towel, or Rockwool cubes. Some growers skip these methods and plant the seeds straight into the soil, just like nature intended.

Once the seed cracks open and sprouts a tiny root, it’s ready to move into your chosen growing medium. From there, all it needs is the right balance of light, water, and nutrients to grow into a healthy cannabis plant.

Since different methods work better in different environments, you’ll need to figure out what suits your location, climate, and budget best.

Why You Should Consider Growing from Seeds

We already mentioned some of the benefits of growing from seeds earlier, but let’s take a closer look at some reasons why you should grow your cannabis from seeds. 

1. Seeds Are Easy to Get Your Hands On

No matter where you live — whether it’s a city or the middle of nowhere — you can easily get your hands on cannabis seeds. Thanks to the internet, ordering seeds is as simple as a few clicks, and they usually come at a reasonable price.

If online shopping isn’t your thing, you can always visit a local seed bank. In places where cannabis is legal, seed banks are pretty common, making it easy to find a quality selection.

Worried about nosy neighbors? Don’t be. Breeders even ship seeds in discreet packaging so that no one will suspect a thing. Plus, seeds are often legal to buy and possess, even in areas where growing or consuming cannabis isn’t allowed.

2. Seed-Based Cannabis Tends to Be Stronger

Plants that come from seeds have a natural edge over clones. They develop taproots, making them sturdier, larger, and more resistant to pests and diseases.

Beyond that, growing from seeds gives you a fresh start. Unlike clones, which carry over any weaknesses from their mother plant, seed-grown cannabis begins with brand-new genetics, giving you a better shot at a healthy cannabis plant.

And let’s be real — there’s nothing quite like watching a tiny seed turn into a lush, thriving cannabis plant. 

3. You Can Breed Your Own Strain

Think about it — Sour Diesel and Girl Scout Cookies had to start somewhere. If you grow from seeds, you can experiment with breeding and create your very own custom strain.

All you need to do is cross a female plant with a male of your choice, and by the end of the cycle, you’ll have hundreds of seeds with unique genetics.

Who knows? Your perfect mix of taste, potency, and effects could become the next legendary strain.

4. Feminized Seeds Don’t Bring Any (Male) Surprises

One of the biggest headaches of growing from regular seeds is that you won’t know if you’ve got a male or female plant until the flowering stage. Males don’t produce buds, and if you don’t remove them in time, they’ll pollinate your females, turning your crop into a bunch of seed-filled buds.

To avoid this hassle, you can simply buy feminized seeds, which are bred to guarantee female plants. This saves you time, effort, and the stress of constantly checking for rogue pollen sacs.

Luckily, most reputable seed banks offer feminized versions of popular strains, making your life a lot easier.

5. So Many Options to Pick From

Growing from seeds opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you want a specific strain, feminized seeds, or autoflowering varieties, there’s something for everyone.

Autoflowering seeds, in particular, are great for growers who want a faster harvest. These plants automatically switch from vegetative growth to flowering without needing a change in light cycles, unlike photoperiod plants, which require manual light adjustments.

On the other hand, if you’re relying on clones, your options are much more limited. You’ll need access to a healthy mother plant, and even then, you’re stuck with whatever genetics the grower is willing to share.

6. Disease-Free Start

Growing cannabis from seeds is advantageous as it gives the grower a clean slate. If you buy quality seeds from a reputable breeder, they are less likely to carry pests, pathogens, or diseases. 

Clones come from cutting a mature mother plant, which means there’s a lot of potential for problems. Any pests or diseases present in the mother plant will almost always transfer to the clone. For example, if the mother has powdery mildew, spider mites, or aphids — you get the picture. Clones can still have issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye despite heavy pest management.

In contrast, seeds offer a clean start. They are naturally sterile on the outside and do not carry over any of the problems that could be found on a clone. Seeds are especially attractive to organic growers or growers growing in disease-sensitive environments.

Therefore, it's important to get your seeds from reputable breeders to make sure they're not improperly stored or contaminated. Seeds that come with a reputation usually get tested and we can be certain they are pathogen-free.

Why Growing from Seeds Might Not Be for You

On the other hand, growing from seeds may not always be the right approach — despite their benefits. Here are some reasons why. 

1. Not Every Seed Sprouts 

Even when you buy from a reputable seed bank with high germination rates, there’s no guarantee that every seed will sprout. Some seeds just won’t grow, no matter how perfect your conditions are.

That’s why it’s always smart to start with multiple seeds — even if you only plan on growing one plant. A little backup never hurts.

2. Genetic Variations Can Be Random

Every seed carries genetic variations, which means your plants may not grow exactly like their parents. Even if you buy seeds from the same strain, you might notice slight differences in flavor, yield, height, or even color.

For some growers, this adds a fun element of surprise. But if you’re looking for absolute consistency, clones might be the better choice.

3. Seeds Take Time to Get Started

Germinating seeds isn’t exactly a quick process. Before they’re ready to be transplanted into soil or another growing medium, they need time to sprout and develop a solid root system.

While a couple of extra weeks might not seem like a big deal, cloning might be the faster option if you’re in a hurry to grow your next batch.

4. Risk of Male Plants 

One of the biggest challenges in growing cannabis from seed is the chance of male plants, especially with regular seeds. Cannabis plants are usually dioecious — that is, they have male or female flowers. Most growers cultivate cannabis to use it rather than breeding it, and for such growers, male plants are useless as they don’t offer resin-filled buds containing THC or CBD. 

If male plants are not identified, they will pollinate the female plants, which will lead to flower buds filled with seeds, instead of the strong seedless flowers (also known as sinsemilla) that growers generally want. This can greatly lower the quality and amount of the whole crop.

How to Identify and Remove Male Plants

Male plants tend to exhibit their sex sooner than females. They form little pollen sacs, which appear at the nodes(the places where branches meet the stem). You must pay close attention to your plant during the pre-flowering stage (about 4–6 weeks into the vegetative stage) and remove the males before they pollinate the females.

Feminized Seeds

Feminized seeds are bred to produce only female plants — often with a claimed success rate of 99%. To make this plant pollen, females are forced to produce pollen that is used to pollinate other female plants. Feminized seeds lower the chances of male plants greatly but don’t offer a 100% guarantee. Sometimes variables within our operation such as light leaks, inconsistent watering, and other stressors force female plants to develop hermaphroditic traits with male and female flowers. 

Best Practices

• Buy feminized seeds from reputable breeders with a track record. 
• Regularly inspect plants during the pre-flowering stage.
• To minimize stress and prevent hermaphroditism, maintain a consistent growing climate.
• Don’t use regular seeds unless you’re confident with sexing and breeding plants.

5. Higher Cost 

Seeds tend to cost more upfront — especially if you’re sourcing quality genetics from reputable breeders — but there’s no arguing that they pack some punch. You can usually get clones locally at a cheaper price but seeds — especially rare or exotic ones, can be quite expensive.

Why Are Quality Seeds Expensive?

There are many reasons as to why quality cannabis seeds cost more:

• Famous seed banks and breeders that offer tested genetics usually have quality stock. As a result, this causes their prices to be higher.
• Better quality seeds are the result of selective breeding over a couple of generations, which means that they take time to stabilize.
• Some cannabis strains are in high demand as they are either rare or hard to get your hands on (like those that have won awards or are endorsed by celebrities). Since these strains are so sought after and not that common, they can sell for a higher price.
• Seeds that have been feminized and those that bloom automatically (autoflowers) have an elevated price tag due to the fact that they involve more breeding work and will only produce female plants.
• Some breeders charge a premium price because their seeds undergo laboratory tests for germination rates, disease resistance, and cannabinoid profiles before going on sale.

Price Range

• Regular Seeds: $30–$70 for 10-pack.
• Feminized Seeds: $70–$150 for 10-pack.
• Autoflowering Seeds: $60–$120 for 10-pack.
• Rare strains or limited edition strains: 200+ for 10-pack.

Are They Worth the Cost?

High-quality seeds are initially costly but will grow healthier plants with better potency and yield more than their low-priced counterparts, so they are cost-effective in the long run. However, this can be a huge turn-off for new and small growers. 

Tips to Save Money

• Buy from trusted seed banks that provide bulk discounts.
• Look for promotional deals or free seeds with purchases.
• Use cheap beginner-friendly strains before moving to high-end genetics.

6. Longer Vegetative Phase

Growing cannabis from seeds comes with some distinct disadvantages. The most obvious one is, generally, that a plant grown from seed will require a longer veg phase than a clone. This longer period can affect the overall grow cycles, particularly for growers needing quicker harvests.

Why Do Plants Grown from Seeds Take Longer?

The plant's natural life cycle and development are responsible for the long vegetative phase.

The seedling stage plants must go through a development phase that lasts for at least 2–3 weeks. In this phase, the plants are tiny, and fragile and, work on developing their first root system and leaves. Clones don't go through this phase as they are already rooted in the soil.

In addition, seed-grown plants are focused on developing a strong taproot first as it helps to anchor the plant and absorb nutrients. Clones don’t have to go through this phase. So, as you can see, while this stage of development gives the seed-grown plant a lot of strength for the long haul, it can delay above-ground growth early on.

Moreover, seed-grown plants need to be mature before they can flower and this can take about four to six weeks in the vegetative stage before exhibiting pre-flowers, while clones taken from mature plants can flower much sooner.

How Much Longer Is the Vegetative Stage?

Generally, seeds take at least 2–3 weeks longer in the vegetative stage than clones because of the seedling phase where the plant spends quite a bit of time building its roots and leaves. Clones skip this phase entirely as they are cuttings from existing mature plants.

After the seedling stage, seed-grown plants usually need 4–8 weeks in the vegetative stage before flowering. Clones, however, can mature faster, which means they can spend 2–4 weeks more in the vegetative phase. 

Seed-grown plants will take 6–11 weeks in total to transition to the flowering stage, while clones take 4–6 weeks. Despite the longer timeline, the extra time in the vegetative stage often results in stronger, healthier plants with bigger yields, so much of the time, it’s worth it.

How to Minimize Veg Time

• Use autoflowering seeds that flower regardless of the light cycle.
• Keep the light, temperature, and nutrients at the right levels.
• Choose fast-flowering strains or ones that naturally have short vegetative periods.
• Use bright lights so they grow well early on.

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Seeds to Grow?

Starting your cannabis grow from seeds has its perks — stronger roots, better resilience, and a higher chance of producing rich, aromatic buds packed with resin and terpenes. But before you start anything, you need to pick the right seeds.

Not all seeds are created equal, and choosing low-quality ones can set you up for disappointment before your plants even get started. So, how do you ensure you’re getting the best?

The easiest way is to buy from a trusted seed bank. With so many options online, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest deal, but that can backfire. Do a little research — check reviews, ask experienced growers, and make sure the seed bank has a solid reputation.

Here are some things you can look for when picking a seed bank:

• Stick to well-reviewed seed banks with a history of quality products
• They should offer a variety of well-known strains, not just obscure or “mystery” seeds
• Good seed banks list expected yields, growth conditions, and flowering times
• If it’s suspiciously cheap, there’s probably a reason; if it’s overpriced, you might be paying for hype
• Real growers leave real feedback, so check for detailed reviews, not just generic praise
• Seeds should arrive in discreet, well-protected packaging without unnecessary delays

Taking the time to pick the right seeds will save you a lot of frustration down the road. Once you’ve got high-quality seeds, you’re already halfway to a successful grow.

Cloning Cannabis 

If growing from seeds isn’t your style, cloning might be the better option. It’s a go-to method for growers who want consistent results and a faster turnaround. Cloning is especially popular for perpetual harvests since it lets you keep producing identical plants without starting from scratch every time.

So, what’s cloning all about?

It’s pretty straightforward: you take a cutting from a healthy mother plant, encourage it to grow roots, and then transplant it. Since the new plant is a genetic copy of the mother, you get the same strain characteristics — the same potency, flavor, and growth pattern. 

But keep in mind, even with identical genetics, your results can still vary based on growing conditions.

The Cloning Process

While cloning has its perks, it’s a bit more hands-on than planting seeds. You need to start with the right mother plant — and not just any will do. Here’s what to look for in the mother plant:

• Healthy and stress-free: Any signs of disease, pests, or nutrient issues? Move on.
• In the vegetative stage: Avoid plants older than two months or those showing pistils (flowering indicators).
• Strong genetics: If the mother plant has weak growth or poor bud development, so will the clones.

Once you’ve found the perfect candidate, you’ll need to take a cutting. Snip a lower branch (these root better), immediately place it in water to prevent air from blocking its capillaries, and trim off larger fan leaves to help it focus on rooting.

Next, dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and let the magic happen. With the right conditions — moisture, warmth, and a little patience — your cutting will start growing roots. Once it’s strong enough, transplant it into your preferred growing medium, and you’re off to the races.

Why You Should Consider Cloning Cannabis

Cloning cannabis isn’t just about saving time — it comes with some solid advantages that make it a favorite among experienced growers.

1. Guaranteed Female Plants

No surprises here — when you clone a female plant, you get a female plant. Unlike regular seeds that give you a 50/50 chance of ending up with a male, clones eliminate that gamble entirely. Even feminized seeds, while reliable, aren’t foolproof. With clones, you can rest easy knowing every plant you grow will produce the buds you're after.

2. No Waiting 

Growing from seeds means waiting for germination, seedling development, and early root growth before your plant even starts stretching. 

With clones, you skip all that. Fresh cuttings are already as mature as the mother plant they came from, meaning they hit the ground running. Within days, they’re ready to grow like any healthy cannabis plant — no weeks of waiting required.

3. You Know What You’re Getting Into

Ever fallen in love with a strain, only to grow it from seed and get a completely different experience? With clones, there’s no guessing. Whether it’s potency, flavor, or growth characteristics, you already know what to expect because the genetic makeup is identical to the mother plant. 

That said, your growing conditions still play a role — nutrients, light, and environment will impact how your cannabis plant turns out.

Why Cloning Cannabis Might Not Be for You

Of course, cloning isn’t perfect. It comes with its own set of challenges that might make you think twice before ditching seeds altogether.

1. Good Luck Finding Clones

Unlike seeds, which you can order from any reputable seed bank, clones require a living, healthy mother plant — and that’s not something you can just pick up at the store. Unless you already have a mother plant, you’ll need to track down a local grower willing to share a cutting.

The good news? Growers’ communities are often pretty welcoming. If you can connect with the right people, you might be surprised how many are happy to help you get started. Just ask and ye shall receive. 

2. Clones Need Extra Care

Seeds are tough. Many growers can toss them into the soil with minimal prep, and they’ll still grow. Clones? Not so much.

Fresh cuttings are fragile and need very specific conditions — proper humidity, warmth, and light — to develop roots. If they experience too much stress, they’ll simply wither and die. You’ll also need a dedicated setup to root your cuttings before they’re strong enough to thrive on their own.

3. They Inherit Everything, Even the Bad Parts

The biggest drawback of cloning? If the mother plant has problems, your clones will too. That means if the original plant has weak genetics, pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, every clone you take will carry those same issues.

And here’s the kicker: many of these problems don’t show up immediately. You might only realize something’s wrong after growing several clones, all of which end up with the same mysterious issue. If you’re not careful about selecting a strong, healthy mother plant, cloning can create more problems than it solves.

How to Pick the Right Cannabis Clones to Grow?

If you're going the cloning route, picking the right mother plant is non-negotiable. Whatever traits the mother has — good or bad — will be passed down to the clones. So, choosing a weak or unhealthy plant is setting yourself up for failure before you even start.

A single mother plant can crank out over 50 clones in a week, but not just any plant will do. Here’s what you need to look for:

• Healthy mother plant: No nutrient deficiencies, no pests, and no signs of disease. A stressed-out plant will pass those problems to its clones.
• In its vegetative stage: Clones taken from a flowering plant struggle to root and may even turn into a hermie.
• Under two months old: Younger plants tend to produce stronger, more viable clones.
• No pistils or stigma: If the plant has already started developing reproductive structures, it’s too late to clone.
• No recent fertilization: The mother plant should be flushed of excess nitrogen before cloning, so it focuses on growing roots instead of leafy growth.
• A plant you actually like: What’s the point of cloning cannabis if you don’t love the flavor, aroma, or potency of the mother plant?

Once you've got the right mother, it's time to take your cuttings. Here’s how to do it right:

• Pick branches from the lower part of the plant — they have more rooting hormones, which speeds up growth
• Look for sturdy, healthy branches without any visible stress
• Cut right below a node (those little joints on the stem where leaves or buds grow)
• Use a sharp razor or scissors to make a clean, 45-degree cut to maximize the rooting surface
• Make sure each clone is at least five inches long for the best results

Once you’ve taken your cutting, immediately place it in water to prevent air from getting inside and messing with the plant’s ability to absorb moisture. Keep it in a dark place to encourage root development.

Pro tip: Trim large fan leaves to prevent the clone from spending too much energy on photosynthesis. This forces it to focus on developing roots instead. Just be careful and make sure the cutting stays submerged in water to avoid air pockets.

Seeds or Clones: Which One is Right for You?

At the end of the day, the choice between clones and seeds comes down to your experience, goals, and setup.

If you’re a beginner or a casual grower, seeds might be the better option. They’re widely available, easy to store, and don’t require special conditions to start growing. Plus, feminized seeds eliminate the headache of sexing plants, so you don’t have to worry about males sneaking into your grow.

Seeds also allow for more variety. If you like experimenting with new strains or want to discover a unique phenotype, seeds will keep things interesting.

On the flip side, cloning is perfect for long-term growers, especially if you are growing commercially. Clones skip the early growth stages, meaning they mature faster than plants grown from seeds. You can also replicate your favorite plant over and over, ensuring consistent flavor, potency, and yield without the unpredictability of growing from seed.

If you're in it for the long haul, cloning is also more cost-effective. No more buying new seeds, dealing with dud seeds, or gambling on whether your plants will turn out female. With a strong mother plant, you can keep producing high-quality clones indefinitely.

That said, cloning has its limits. If you keep cloning from clones (instead of refreshing your mother plants), genetic drift can occur — meaning later generations might not be as strong or productive as the first. To keep things fresh, it’s best to start new mother plants every so often.

Summary: Cannabis Seeds Vs. Clones: Should You Clone or Stick to Seeds?

At the end of the day, both seeds and clones have their place in cannabis growing. If you want a fresh genetic start, stronger roots, and the excitement of growing something from scratch, seeds are the way to go. They offer diversity, resilience, and the potential to create your own unique strains.

But if you’re after speed, consistency, and the ability to replicate a strain you love, cloning is the better choice. It removes the guesswork, ensures every plant is female, and speeds up the growing process.

Ultimately, the best method depends on your goals. Whether you choose the adventure of seeds or the efficiency of clones, both paths lead to the same rewarding destination — a healthy, thriving cannabis grow. So, which one are you choosing? Let us know in the comments below.