Grow Journal—Staff Picks of Seed Banks to Shop Ahead of Planting Season
Our picks of the most trusted and discreet vendors in the game.
Words by Damian Nicholas | 3 Minute Read
SENSI SEEDS
Early Dealings
My journey for cannabis cultivation started from the urge to save money and cutting out the white labeling, normally in business white labeling is seen as a common practice and a way to save cost, New Yorkers refer to white labeling as those pop-top transparent eighth jars with the white stickers on them, label them with random strain names, leaving you clueless to what you’re smoking. Fast-forward a few months and I started becoming more curious after seeing hours of seedlings-to-harvest cannabis videos unconsciously building my confidence to attempt to grow cannabis in the summer of 2024. The seeds I used were from a white label Black Runtz eighth, a hybrid strain created by crossing Gelato x Zkittlez, which I received as a sample.
Trying A “Ting”
The eighth I mentioned earlier smoked smooth without grabba, and with grabba, had a solid kick with a fruity flavor similar to berries. The Black Runtz seeds were placed in a labed zip-locked bag until they were ready to be planted. To make a long story short, all the products and methods used for that season were from online videos and reputable sites, at the end of harvest season the result was average at best but smoke like crap (very grass-like).
So, what have I learned? Well, the first thing was my location, I started growing in late May and since the seeds were white label, I was not sure if it was actually Black Runtz, therefor I had no direction on which grow chart I could follow or information on the total amount of flower days for this particular strain—in addition to the plants struggle to adapt to my environment, dealing with pest, and powdery mildew during late September. The biggest highlight from my first growth was seeing a plant go through its stages, that was a beautiful experience. Not to mention the role nutrients play and how they affect the plant. Most consumers only see the results, often nice-sized buds; but on the other hand, there is so much more to learn.
Welcome To the Club
If this is your first growing welcome to the club, one of the first steps you need to take is to find a reputable seed bank online. With a variety of weed seeds available on the market, it's best to start with the strain you're familiar with by checking out our Strain Guide or following the breeder of the strain's social media account. Often time cannabis breeders will share where you can buy their products.
For this season we also needed to find seeds for Grow Journal, which saves you the hassle of having to do the guesswork of finding the best seed bank online—offering a wide selection of strains with a high germination rate. The overall favorite by our staff is the Homegrown Cannabis Company, a seed bank offering guaranteed germination, full strain data and the best beginner-friendly strains available on the market.
SENSI SEEDS
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Top 5 Seed Banks—Hold This Spliff, We Got You
Staff Recommended: Apple Fritter Feminized
Seed Supreme has a massive selection of over 4,000 seeds from trusted breeders, including a wide range of marijuana seeds with THC levels up to 25-30%. You can find classic strains like Northern Lights, newer options like Apple Fritter, and a variety of flavors—from sweet pineapple to savory garlic.
Seed Supreme also runs promotions like free seeds with orders and additional discounts through their newsletter. They offer a 100% germination guarantee; if your seeds don't sprout, you can request replacements. Plus, you can track your order and get support through live chat during business hours.
Strain Profile
Genetics: Sour Apple Killer x Animal Cookies BX2
THC(CBD): Over 20%(1%)
Type: Hybrid
Flower Type: Photoperiod
Flowering Time: 8–10 weeks
Flavor: Dough, Gas
Yield: Heavy (Outdoors: 14-16 oz/plant)
Where to Buy: Seed Supreme
2. Homegrown Cannabis Co.
Staff Recommended: Gorilla Glue #4 Autoflower
Homegrown Cannabis Co. is another reliable seed bank focused on high-quality in-house genetics. The brand is known for award-winning strains like GG4 autoflower and beginner-friendly Crystal Pinkman Auto, they also offer various high-CBD seeds with potential therapeutic benefits.
Homegrown Cannabis Co. provides customers with cultivation tips from experts like Swami Chaitanya and Kyle Kushman, through videos, writing articles, and strain recommendations, ensuring a higher chance of a successful harvest. They remain a standout in the online seed bank scene and offer the best resources for growers of all levels.
Strain Profile
Genetics: Gorilla Glue #4 x Unknown Ruderalis
Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid
THC(CBD): 23-27% (0.7%)
Flower Type: Autoflower
Flowering Time: 8–10 weeks
Flavor: Citrus, Diesel, Earthy
Yield: Above Average (Outdoors: 1-10 oz/plant)
Where to Buy: Homegrown Cannabis Co
3. DNA Genetics
Staff Recommended: Strawberry Banana Feminized
DNA Genetics is a seed bank that hold weight in the cannabis industry. Originally from California, they've made significant contributions to the scene, winning numerous awards for iconic strains like Tangie, Kosher Kush, Lemon Skunk, and most notably the award-winning Chocolope Fem, known for its delightful chocolate and coffee notes.
The brand now shares its best genetics with home growers, fostering community and creativity in cannabis cultivation. At the time of writing, their catalog includes 42 feminized seeds, 17 auto-flowering varieties, and 15 regular strains, offering a unique selection—in addition to responsive customer support and a 14-day refund policy making DNA Genetics a go-to online seed bank for award-winning genetics.
Strain Profile
Genetics: Original Strawberry Banana x Strawberry Banana
Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid
THC(CBD): 20-25% (1%)
Flower Type: Photoperiod
Flowering Time: 9–10 weeks
Flavor: Fruity, Sweet
Yield: Heavy (Outdoors: 21-25 oz/plant)
Where to Buy: DNA Genetics
4. Cookie Seed Bank
Staff Recommended: White Sherb Feminized
Renowned for their exceptional strains, Cookies has made quite a name in the cannabis industry, with classics like GSC (Girl Scout Cookies) that pay tribute not only to the brand but also to the iconic figures behind it. While it's tempting to select well-known strains, we recommend this seed bank for more intermediate to advanced growers.
Founded by the influential duo of Berner—an established figure in both the cannabis and hip-hop realms—and the mysterious grow expert known simply as Jai, Cookies has become a cornerstone of cannabis culture and for Hip Hop. Berner operates with the flair of a mogul, while Jai, a key player in the San Francisco Bay Area scene, has shaped the very fabric of modern American cannabis.
Strain Profile
Genetics: White Runtz X Sunset Sherbet
Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid
THC(CBD): Pending via Cookies Seeds
Flower Type: Photoperiod
Flowering Time: 8–9 weeks
Flavor: Berry, Citrus, Spicy
Yield: Heavy (Outdoors: 19-23 oz/plant)
Where to Buy: Cookies Seeds
5. Royal Queens Seeds
Staff Recommended: Northern Light Auto
When it comes to revolutionizing the seed industry, Royal Queen Seeds stands out as a true leader. This Amsterdam-based seed bank has made waves in the American cannabis community. With roots that trace back to Amsterdam's iconic coffee shop culture, Royal Queen Seeds has expertly preserved the rich genetics of cannabis while simultaneously pushing the envelope toward future advancements.
Their commitment to innovation shines through in various aspects of their operations. Not only are they enhancing cannabis genetics with their impressive range of F1 Hybrids, but they are also dedicated to simplifying and enriching the growing experience. Tools like their online seedfinder make it easier than ever for cultivators to find the perfect strain. Explore Royal Queen’s extensive genetic library of unique strains that just might become your new favorite.
Strain Profile
Genetics: Northern Light x Ruderalis
Type: Indica
THC(CBD): 14% ( less than 0.3%)
Flower Type: Autoflower
Flowering Time: 6–8 weeks
Flavor: Citrus, Earthy, Fruity, Pepper, Pine
Yield: Medium (Outdoors: 6-8 oz/plant)
Where to Buy: Royal Queen Seeds
Planning on cultivating this summer? When your harvest is complete, let us know, your harvest could be featured and reviewed for the Strain Guide. At the moment, we can only accept New York residents' submissions. If interested, please email a photo of your harvest and strain info to us at submissions@frasspot.com. Happy planting!
Damian Nicholas
Editor-in-Chief, Frasspot
Damian Nicholas is the editor-in-chief for Frasspot. He manage all content, production, and consumer experiences across all platforms. He has contributed as editor-in-chief since December 2019.
Jun 02, 2025
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