Ruderalis Landraces

Description

**Ruderalis Landraces** represent the wild, autoflowering subspecies of *Cannabis sativa*, native to regions of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. Unlike photoperiod-dependent varieties, Ruderalis plants automatically transition from vegetative growth to flowering based on age, typically within 3-4 weeks of germination, completing their life cycle in as little as 10-12 weeks total. **Key Botanical & Genetic Characteristics:** * **Autoflowering Trait:** The defining feature, controlled by the *autoflowering-1 (auto1)* gene, making them independent of light cycles. This trait has been revolutionary in modern breeding for creating fast, discreet, and resilient autoflowering hybrids. * **Morphology:** Plants are typically short (30-80 cm), stocky, and hardy, with few branches, slender leaves, and modest bud structure. They evolved to survive harsh, short-season climates. * **Cannabinoid Profile:** Historically very low in THC (often <3%) but naturally higher in CBD and other minor cannabinoids like CBG. This chemotype makes them the primary genetic source for high-CBD and balanced THC:CBD cultivars in modern cannabis. **Modern Significance:** Pure Ruderalis landraces are rarely cultivated for direct consumption due to their low potency and yield. Their immense value lies in their genetics. Breeders cross them with potent *indica* and *sativa* varieties to create **autoflowering hybrids** that combine ease of growth, speed, and discretion with desirable effects, flavors, and yields. They are also the cornerstone for breeding **high-CBD medicinal strains** like Charlotte's Web and ACDC. **Growing Notes:** Extremely resilient and beginner-friendly. They are resistant to pests, mold, and cold temperatures. Their small size makes them ideal for stealth, sea-of-green (SOG) setups, or outdoor gardens in climates with unpredictable summers. Yields are generally light but are compensated by speed and multiple harvests per season.