Ever looked at a cannabis seed pack and felt like you were trying to decode a secret message? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. For new growers—and even some seasoned ones—the labels on cannabis seed packaging can seem packed with jargon. But hidden in those few lines of text is everything you need to know about what you’re growing.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you’re looking at when you pick up a cannabis seed pack: the genetic lineage, breeder info, seed type, flowering time, cannabinoid content, and more. We’ll also include examples from leading breeders like Compound Genetics and Relentless Genetics, and reference reliable sources such as SeedFinder and Leafly.

1. Strain Name

This is the most obvious part of the label. But it’s more than just a name—it often hints at flavor, effects, or lineage. For example:

Slurricane: A cross between Do-Si-Dos and Purple Punch
Cherry Cookie: From Relentless Genetics, blending GSC and Cherry Pie

Some breeders get creative with naming, so always dig into the genetics behind the name—more on that below.

2. Genetic Lineage (aka Parentage)

This section tells you what two (or more) strains were crossed to create the seed you're holding. For instance:

Jet Fuel Gelato = Jet Fuel x Gelato 45
Bahama Mama = Black Banana x Tropicana Cookies

Knowing the lineage helps you anticipate how the plant might grow, what it might smell like, and what kind of effects it will have. SeedFinder is a great tool for tracing genetics deeper.

3. Breeder or Brand Name

Credibility matters. Breeders spend years stabilizing genetics and selecting standout phenotypes. That’s why the breeder name on your label is often a mark of quality and consistency.

Examples of reputable breeders on Pars Planet include:

4. Seed Type (Feminized, Regular, Autoflower)

This is crucial for planning your grow. Here’s the breakdown:

Feminized: 99%+ female plants. Best for growers focused on bud production.
Regular: Can grow male or female. Ideal for breeders and those looking to create new hybrids.
Autoflower: Flower based on age, not light cycle. Great for fast and simple grows.

For example, a pack of Mind Flayer by Solfire Gardens will likely specify “feminized photoperiod” on the label—meaning you need to flip to 12/12 to induce flowering.

5. Flowering Time

This number tells you how long the plant takes to flower—typically noted in weeks. It's not the total life cycle, but rather the time it takes after switching to the 12/12 cycle (or in the case of autos, from the start of flowering).

Examples:

Slurricane (In House Genetics): 8–9 weeks
Jet Fuel Gelato (Compound Genetics): 9–10 weeks

Shorter flowering strains are great for fast harvests or outdoor growers in northern climates.

6. THC & CBD Content

Labels often include an estimated cannabinoid profile. While actual levels can vary based on grow conditions, breeders will list average lab results for that genetic line.

THC dominant: 20–30% THC (e.g., Cherry Cookie by Relentless Genetics)
Balanced or CBD-rich: Often under 10% THC and high CBD

Some packages also reference the entourage effect—the theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together.

7. Flavor & Aroma (Terpene Notes)

Look for words like “gassy,” “fruity,” “earthy,” or “dessert-like.” These are shorthand for the strain’s terpene profile—compounds that give cannabis its smell and flavor.

Examples:

Cookies & Cream (Exotic Genetix): Vanilla, sweet, creamy
Don Mega (Solfire Gardens): Diesel, skunk, spice

These notes are sometimes subjective but give a good clue as to what to expect in the cured flower or extract.

8. Yield Estimates

This can vary wildly depending on your grow setup, but many labels include:

Low / Medium / High yield
Approximate g/m² indoors
Outdoor yield per plant (in grams or ounces)

Pro Tip: Breeders like Exotic Genetix often breed for both potency and yield, giving you the best of both worlds.

9. Grow Difficulty

Some seed packs include a rating or descriptor like “easy,” “moderate,” or “experienced only.” This helps you pick the right challenge level for your skillset.

Beginner-friendly strains include:

Bahama Mama – Solfire Gardens
Cookies & Cream – Exotic Genetix

10. Harvest Month (for Outdoor Grows)

Especially useful for growers planning a full-season outdoor run. This note tells you the expected outdoor finish date—critical in regions with early fall rains or frost.

Example: “Finishes by late September (Northern Hemisphere)”

Putting It All Together: A Sample Label Breakdown

Strain Name: Cherry Cookie

Breeder: Relentless Genetics

Type: Feminized Photoperiod

Genetics: GSC x Cherry Pie

THC: 25–28%

Flowering Time: 8–9 weeks

Aroma: Cherry candy, dough, musk

Yield: Medium–High

Grow Skill: Intermediate

Available at: Pars Planet – Relentless Genetics

Final Thoughts: Knowledge Grows Confidence

Reading a seed label shouldn’t feel like solving a riddle. Once you understand the terms, you’ll be better equipped to choose strains that fit your grow space, experience level, and end goals. Every breeder has their own labeling style, but the core info is always there—you just need to know how to read it.

Browse our full lineup of trusted breeders and seed collections at the Pars Planet Seed Shop, or check out detailed brand breakdowns on our Brands Page. Ready to grow with confidence? Your next legendary harvest starts with the right pack—and the right knowledge.