Catching Up with Dutch Passion

How long has the Dutch Passion Seed Company been around for?

We were officially registered in 1987 although our unofficial strain-hunting and seed-collecting roots stretch back to the 1970s. We’re still one of the oldest remaining original Dutch seed companies. Most people still remember us for being the first to create feminized seeds back in the 1990s.

We also like to think we have played important roles in the evolution of autoflower strains and new cannabinoid research. Our long heritage allows certain advantages, for example our archives of rare cannabis seeds from the 1970s and before. These are irreplaceable and priceless to us, literally. They are also incredibly interesting for modern-day research when looking for unusual terpenes and cannabinoids.

What are your thoughts on the modern-day trends we are seeing with strains?

Cannabis trends have been evolving ever since the 1970s, when Dutch Passion began collecting cannabis seeds. New and highly potent auto flowers are in high demand from connoisseur growers. Recent trends with potent USA genetics have yielded plenty of stable, strong new strains for growers. 

With this much activity & competition, continuous genetic improvements are here to stay. Good news for cannabis seed buyers. Expect new cannabinoids with unusual new effects and plenty of powerful/satisfying strains for the future.

Do you think growers prefer as many strains as possible instead of one or two?

That much depends on the individual, their experience, and skill levels. We find that many home growers enjoy having a variety of strains in their jars. To achieve this, they often order and grow similar types of genetics. For example, that might mean growing a mixture of indica strains alongside each other, or a mixture of similar-height auto-flowers. 

More experienced growers will cultivate a mixture of stretchy sativa (using training techniques) alongside indicas which they may allow growing naturally. One thing we can say is that growers have never been as interested and knowledgeable about genetics as they are today. The wide diversity of grower profiles is one of the main reasons for Dutch Passion to maintain/improve one of the widest collections of cannabis seeds currently available.

How popular have Dutch genetics become in the U.S.?

USA home growers have always had a certain regard for original Dutch seed companies. But many licensed USA growers and breeders have also imported our genetics. Dutch Passion work closely with the Dutch Government, who certify our seeds to be pest/disease free and approve export with formal Dutch Government phytosanitary certificates and an export license.

With one of the biggest remaining collections of original regular seeds we also see US breeders growing their mother plants for onward selection and crossing. Plenty of US home growers enjoy growing our genetics too, as evidenced on social media. 

We’re especially pleased to see Dutch Passion seeds sell well in the USA, after all, American growers already have an impressive selection of elite local USA genetics to grow. Dutch Passion has enjoyed a long history with the US cannabis community dating back to the 1970s, working hard to introduce the best of the early USA genetics to European growers. 

Which type of plants would you recommend to a beginner grower?

We would probably recommend they go for a pack of autoflower seeds, a simple variety with wide grow latitude from a proven supplier would be the best starting point. Autos grow under a fixed 20-hour daily light cycle. Grow them in a large aerated air pot/grow-sack container. 

Perhaps in 50-100 liters of quality soil, and it should be an easy grow with no real need to add nutrition (other than perhaps a light top dressing of bloom nutrients later on). Especially if slow release organics (e.g., BioTabs) are mixed in with the soil.

What are your top tips and advice for a beginner grower?

Keep it simple and buy the best kit you can, for example buy an LED grow light rather than an HPS. Use large aerated grow containers such as air pots or felt sacks. A large container with slow release organics means little, if any, maintenance other than occasional watering will be required. 

Beginners should start with easy, low-stretch strains. Autos may be a good option, especially the most consistent/proven autos from top breeders. Auto flowers grow with a wide latitude, it’s no surprise to Dutch Passion to see so many people only grow auto seeds.

What are your top tips and advice for an aspiring breeder?

It’s all about the genetics! Aim to grow plenty of plants and keep the best of the best in your mother room. You will need a top quality in-house analytical lab or an outsourced one that you can really rely on. The lab will give you accurate data on your mother plants, terpene levels and cannabinoids.

Keep only the elite specimens and cross them until the stability is as high as you can get it. It’s not easy work and will take years before your reputation is established.

Do you have any top tips for anyone growing autoflowering strains?

Grow with LED grow lights for the best results. THC levels will automatically reach higher levels than would be possible under HPS. Grow with aerated grow containers, the autoflower root system thrives in an oxygen rich environment. If growing with air pots or felt grow sacks, don't be afraid to try large 50+ liter options, it allows an optimized root network and a maximized result above ground. We would also recommend serious growers consider a supplemental UVA/UVB bulb to really push terpene/cannabinoid production.

What are your top tips for outdoor growers?

Don’t rule out autoflower seeds. In warm climates, you can get 2-3 crops per year. Some growers in increasingly hot countries, such as Spain, are avoiding a mid-summer harvest and concentrating on grows in the less intensely hot months. 

We would also recommend that growers choose proven outdoor feminized strains which are compatible with their grow location. Another top tip is to start your seeds under a small light, give them a few weeks and put them outdoors when the weather has warmed up.

Can you tell us more about your recent High Life Cup win?

After over 35 years of history and more than 80 cannabis cups, we always take pride in participating in such events. This year's High Life Cup win was even more special, with three of our newer strains fighting off fierce competition. Kerosene Krash won 1st place, in the Outdoor Cup. She is more often recognized as one of the top-10 strongest Dutch Passion indoor strains. 

But the tough genetics also lend themselves to outdoor cultivation, so long as the conditions are not too extreme. CBD Mazar took 1st place in the medical category. She is a remarkably stable low-THC, high-CBD strain that receives rave reviews from the medical community. 

Finally, Auto Mimosa Punch took 2nd place in the highly competitive Autoflower Cup. One of our highest terpene-content strains ever with a hugely powerful high, it’s one of Dutch Passion’s best-ever autos.

Finally, where can our readers find out more about Dutch Passion?

Our website has tacks of information, grow reviews, blogs, detailed lab reports, our 80+ cannabis cup wins and everything else. Just search ‘Dutch Passion’. You can also see plenty of our customer results on social media. Home growers looking for expert grow guides and in-depth strain reviews should check out www.dutch-passion.blog