What is ruderalis

Ruderalis is one of the three main species of cannabis, along with sativa and indica. Its name comes from the Latin word “ruderalis”, which refers to plants that are able to survive in harsh conditions and in “ruderal” sites - areas disturbed by human activity or natural disasters. This species of cannabis has its roots in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, particularly in the regions of Kazakhstan and Mongolia. In these areas, ruderalis grew wild, which contributed to its natural adaptation to the cold climate and short growing season.

Origin and distribution

Ruderalis differs markedly from sativa and indica in its botanical characteristics. Externally, they are small plants, rarely exceeding 30-80 cm in height. The leaves of ruderalis are smaller and less developed than those of sativa or indica. Also, the stem of ruderalis is thinner and branching is less pronounced.

One of the key features of ruderalis is its ability to autoflower. Unlike sativas and indica, which begin the flowering process in response to changes in the light cycle (usually when the daylight hours are shortened in the fall), ruderalis begins to flower based on the age of the plant, not the amount of light. This mechanism allows ruderalis to complete its life cycle faster than other cannabis species, which is an important advantage in regions with short summers and unfavorable climatic conditions.

Genetic characteristics and chemical composition

Ruderalis also has unique genetic features. Genetically, this species of cannabis is less diverse than sativa and indica due to its natural habitat and fewer breeding experiments. However, it is the ruderalis gene responsible for autoflowering that makes it so attractive for hybridization.

In terms of chemical composition, ruderalis tends to have a lower THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content compared to sativa and indica. This cannabinoid is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. However, ruderalis often contains higher levels of CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive component that is being studied for its potential therapeutic properties. This makes ruderalis and its hybrids popular for those seeking medical uses for cannabis without strong psychoactive effects.

The role of ruderalis in modern cannabis breeding

Today, ruderalis plays a key role in breeding programs around the world. Thanks to its autoflowering ability, breeders are actively using ruderalis to create new cannabis varieties that combine the best qualities of sativa and indica with the ability to bloom and mature quickly, regardless of light conditions. These autoflowering varieties have become particularly popular among home cultivators and professional cannabis growers, as they allow for multiple harvests per season and adapt to different growing conditions.

Crossing ruderalis with sativa and indica

The main goal of crossing ruderalis with sativa and indica is to create hybrid autoflowering varieties that combine the best characteristics of all three cannabis species. Ruderalis itself does not have a high THC concentration or significant yield, but its unique autoflowering ability is a valuable quality for breeders. This trait allows plants to start flowering based on age rather than the light cycle, which greatly simplifies the grovelling process and shortens the time from sowing to harvest.

Crossing ruderalis with sativa and indica creates autoflowering varieties that combine the fast life cycle and stability of ruderalis with the high THC levels and pronounced effects of sativa or indica.

Hybridization of ruderalis with sativa

Sativa is a species of cannabis that is known for its height, thin leaves, and long flowering period. Sativas typically grow outdoors and require a long growing season, making them not the best choice for regions with short summers. However, sativas are known for their stimulating and energizing effects, which are often associated with high THC content. They are suitable for daytime use because they can improve concentration, creative thinking, and even induce euphoria.

When ruderalis is crossed with sativa, the resulting hybrids inherit the compact size and autoflowering ability of ruderalis, as well as the stimulant effects and high THC levels of sativa. These autoflowering hybrids are especially popular with cultivators who want to produce powerful plants in limited space or in environments where light conditions cannot be controlled. Because of their autoflowering ability, these hybrids can go through a rapid growth and flowering cycle, making them ideal for northern regions or use on balconies and in greenhouses.

Hybridizing ruderalis with indica

Indica is a species of cannabis that is characterized by its broad leaves, dense bush structure, and shorter flowering period compared to sativa. Indica typically grows in the mountainous regions of South Asia and is known for its relaxing and calming effects. These varieties are often used for evening or night time as they promote relaxation, reduce stress and pain, and can also help with insomnia.

Crossing ruderalis with indica creates autoflowering hybrids that have the compact size and high tolerance that is characteristic of ruderalis, as well as the powerful calming effects inherited from indica. These hybrids are often used medicinally for their ability to alleviate chronic pain, relieve stress, and promote good sleep. Because these plants are not light-dependent, they are ideal for growing indoors and in regions with short summers.

Advantages of ruderalis and autoflowering varieties

One of the most significant advantages of ruderalis and autoflowering varieties is their ability to autoflower. Unlike sativas and indica, which require a specific light cycle to start flowering (usually 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness), ruderalis and its hybrids start flowering automatically after reaching a certain age. This makes such varieties extremely suitable for growing in environments where light control is difficult or impossible. Autoflowering varieties start blooming usually 2-4 weeks after planting, which allows for faster and more frequent harvesting compared to traditional photoperiod varieties.

Fast life cycle

Due to their ability to autoflower, autoflowering cannabis varieties have a shorter life cycle. On average, they are ready to harvest as early as 8-12 weeks after sowing, while photoperiod varieties take much longer. This allows cultivators to harvest multiple crops in one season, which is especially important in regions with short summers. A shorter life cycle also means that plants are less likely to be affected by diseases and pests.

Resistance to adverse conditions

Ruderalis evolved in the wild under harsh conditions, so it is highly resistant to adverse weather conditions, diseases and pests. This quality is passed on to its hybrids as well. Autoflowering varieties often show greater hardiness and are able to survive in more extreme conditions than photoperiod varieties. They are also less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, making them ideal for outdoor growing in less favorable climates.

Compact size

Ruderalis and autoflowering hybrids tend to be smaller in size compared to sativa and indica. Their compact growth makes them handy in confined spaces such as balconies, greenhouses or small rooms. It also allows the plants to be hidden from view.

Ease of growing

Due to their autoflowering ability and high tolerance to adverse conditions, autoflowering varieties are easier to grove than photoperiod varieties. They do not require strict light control and are less stressed by environmental changes. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners or for those looking for a less labor-intensive growing option.