Solfire Gardens, a Pacific Northwest seed company where passion meets biology, innovation intertwines with tradition, and selection creates the extraordinary. Their genesis dates back to 2015, when their founder, a dedicated University of Washington biology student from Seattle, decided to cultivate an institution out of his sheer fascination for pheno hunting and the world of seeds.
The NASC Cast Crew had the pleasure of sitting down with Sol of Solfire Gardens. Listen to what he has to say below, and follow us on Vimeo for even more content!
Dirty Bird Genetics Celebrates the Launch of their first Autoflower
By: Beth Mathieu, owner of Dirty Bird Genetics
Dirty Bird Genetics Alpha Series - Black Goliath Auto Fem is available Friday, February 13th! This release is limited to 100 packs so don't miss out!
Dirty Bird’s release of the Black Goliath Auto marks a very special occasion for our team as the proud launch of our first-ever autoflower strain. At the time of this drop (Feb 2026), our autoflower program is 18 months in the making, and it’s still in its infancy all things considered. We anticipated that we would work most strains for several generations before achieving the stability we were looking for in order to release them. But out of the 100 auto breeding projects we’ve done over the past 18 months at Dirty Bird, the Black Goliath Auto (Anvil F7 x Sour Gorilla) genetics stood out enough to become not just a tester drop, but an elevated Alpha Series drop. In deciding to release these, we tested three cohorts of the F1 seeds, and we were able to observe about 75 plants total. We wanted to be sure of these genetics before letting them out into the wild, and at this time, we feel the strain has more than proven itself.
The Black Goliath is one of those strains that will stand out in any garden due to its dark purple flower (the photos do not do it justice), incredible, dense yields, and a terpene profile that ranges from pine to skunk to cherry chapstick. For an F1, the stability and homogeneity of the Black Goliath is quite remarkable. We credit this, in large part, to the Anvil F7 powerhouse mother we selected to breed with (a heartfelt shout out to Gnome!). The Anvil F7, a wildly stable IBL by all accounts, is your classic indica: it’s short and stout with a strong central cola, solid purple flower, and bright green foliage. The Anvil definitely brought its A-game to this cross, lending to the low PVI, the dark purple (almost black) flowers, the high density, above-average yields, and the elongated central cola.
Black Goliath Auto on day 31 looking super consistent
Anvil Auto - photo credit to Gnome
The Sour Gorilla, on the other hand, brought the sugar and the terps to the cross, and it helped stretch out the otherwise super-compact structure of the Anvil. The Sour Gorilla mother that we used in this creation is our own cross of Humboldt’s Sour Apple Auto x Fastbud’s Strawberry Gorilla Auto. The Sour Gorilla Auto is wonderfully sugary and appley, and it grows like a typical hybrid of medium height and density.
Sour Gorilla Auto (Sour Apple x Strawberry Gorilla) by Dirty Bird Genetics
Combined, the Black Goliath’s Anvil F7 x Sour Gorilla lineage came together wonderfully. In looking at the pictures below, you’ll see that this is strain with very strong central colas. In the spirit of experimentation, we topped 10 plants just to see, but the untopped plants definitely outshined them. I will note that we test all of our autos exclusively in three gallon pots, and I do expect that in a larger pot size, this strain would have done very well topped because the plants do create a very even canopy. Play around with topping if you’re into that, and if you’re not, this is going to be a great set-it-and-forget-it morphology.
Overall, we are really proud of this creation and excited for you to grow it at home and give us your feedback. These seeds are very limited. We were only able to release 100 (3) packs. That said, we will be continuing to work these genetics forward, and we are really looking forward to bringing you more in the near future as we continue to perfect this great cultivar.
Mephisto Genetics shares 3 tips for new growers, an update about their recent trip (and win!) at the American Autoflower Cup and their top recommendations! Don't miss out on all the great deals from Mephisto Genetics for Breeder of the Week!
3 TIPS FOR NEW GROWERS
Pick a growing style that works for you
The very first step new growers will take when beginning to grow autoflowers is choosing a growing style. There are many ways to successfully grow, and each system will have its own unique benefits and limitations. Prior to germinating their first seeds, new growers will want to choose whether they will be growing indoors, outdoors, or under mixed lighting. They will need to also select a growing medium, as well as a watering style and nutrient regiment. To ensure a successful grow, it is imperative that new growers research and select a system that works best within their own unique parameters and preferences.
Source genetics that both meet your preferences and work best in your chosen system
When selecting genetics, new growers will want to source varietals that first and foremost meet their individual preferences. This may include strain lineage, flavor profile, effect, THC%, etc… However it’s also important to select varietals that work best within a chosen system. For example, certain strains will grow smaller, while others grow larger. Some are better for indoor growing while others work well for outdoor growing. Some strains are heavier feeders while others are lighter feeders. Once a system is chosen, new growers can select genetics that work best within them to strengthen the odds of having a successful first run.
Familiarize yourself with how to dial in environmental and lighting needs for your plants.
Autoflowers grow best within an optimal environmental range. The three pillars of this include temperature, humidity, and light. To dial in temperature and humidity, growers should familiarize themselves with Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD). To understand how much light a plant will need within a day, growers should familiarize themselves with Daily Light Integral (DLI). Lastly, proper airflow is imperative to regulating the environment of a garden. It prevents unfavorable microclimates by moving new air in and taking old air out.
MEPHISTO GENETICS x AMERICAN AUTOFLOWER CUP
January 2026 marked the 4th annual American Autoflower Cup, and this year our team made it out to Los Angeles, CA in full force! To celebrate our community, the Mephisto Genetics team hosted a meet & greet at The Woods in West Hollywood. Here, the MG team were able to connect with close members of our community. This included a few of our esteemed testers. Being able to connect face to face with our testers in an environment where we could open jars, calibrate our palates to one another, and intelligibly discuss flavor profiles and derive aromatic notes was priceless. The ambiance inside of The Woods garden lounge made the perfect backdrop to this epic meetup of growers and testers.
505 Headbanger just won Highest THC Autoflower 2026 at the American Autoflower Cup and North Atlantic Seed Co. is offering it with auto carts over $35 this week! This unreleased strain is sure to be a huge hit!
Twenty20 Mendocino has always taken the difficult path, the right path, the path less traveled. Their objective will never be to sell the most seeds, but to create the finest product. This is not a race and their goal isn’t to win; their goal is to stand the test of time and maintain pride and craftsmanship in everything they do. As sure as the sun will rise, they pledge to never release seeds to the public that have not been grown, tested, and approved by us. In a world of rapid-fire releases, social media hype and whimsical market demands, they promise to create our own path, march to the beat of their own drum, and always put quality over quantity.
The NASC Cast Crew had the pleasure of sitting down with Aaron of Twenty20 Mendocino. Listen to what he has to say below, and follow us on Vimeo for even more content!
At NASC, we take a lot of pride in being a Maine business and we are lucky enough to have a couple of Maine breeders on our menu, such as Seed & Soil. For this smoke session, we tried their Omaha Jazz, a strain with an interesting history and a very desirable effect. Read on to learn about our experiences!
When I got my baggy of Omaha Jazz, I immediately opened it to take a whiff. I was taken aback by this big, pungently sweet and citrus aroma. It reminded me of fruit, sunlight, and warmer days, which is the complete opposite of the current, frigid Maine-winter. In addition to a memorable aroma, I loved the way this one made me feel. It is balanced, functional, long-lasting, and a total mood-booster. I felt physically loose, mentally calm, alert, and happy. I can see this being a great strain for laid-back creative and social activities. Morning usage put a pep in my step while doing tasks and it pushed me out of a grumpy slump and into bliss. I am always in complete awe of strains that possess the magic to lift my mood like this and Omaha Jazz succeeded. - Crystal
Omaha Jazz has a sweet, smoky aroma that gives a powerful high. It burns slowly so you can really relax while you smoke and enjoy the ritual. It’s been said to have an “unmistakable perfume” which is absolutely true. This “Sweet Jazz” inspiration strain smells good as it burns. It’ll leave you feeling relaxed but still alert, so it’s great for chilling on the couch watching a show (and probably enjoying a few snacks, let’s be honest.) The effects last several hours so it’ll last you through a chill evening into a restful sleep! Definitely recommend! - Mariah
Check out the NASC Cast interview featuring Ben of Seed & Soil!
To test whether a seed’s size, color and/or shape influences its ability to germinate, we tested 50 seeds of various sizes, colors, and shapes. All seeds were placed in distilled water and separated into five solocup shot glasses based on their size, shape, and color. We germ-tested 10 seeds in each of the following five categories: Large-Dark, Small-Dark, Large-White, Small-White, and Dark-Odd Shaped (meaning not elliptic as most cannabis seeds are). All seeds were stored in their respective shot glasses, placed in a box together, and left in an environment with low to no light, minimal air flow, approximately 60% ambient relative humidity, and at a temperature of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds were observed on day 3, day 5, and day 8 to determine germination rates and progress.
Disclaimer: As a disclaimer, I would like to state that this was a preliminary test of seed viability with a very small population size. For conclusions that are statistically significant, more testing will need to occur with larger population sizes. This is by no means a definitive test of seed viability but rather a preliminary inquiry into this issue. This test was mainly to show that seeds with lighter colored to white seed coats, as well as abnormally shaped seeds, and smaller seeds can still be viable.
Day 1:
The 10 seeds of each category are laid out before being placed in germinating cups.
From Left to Right: Odd Shaped, Small-White, Large-White, Small-Dark, Large-Dark.
The 10 seeds of each category in the germinating cups as seen from above.
Day 3 Germination Results:
After 3 days the seeds were laid out on a background for observation of germination progress. The images below show the results found. The white seeds from both the small and the large categories turned a darker color after 3 days in the water in the cups, but these are the same seeds of those categories as shown in the first image of all the seeds in this study.
The Large-Dark seeds showed 8/10 seeds with the radicle exposed after 3 days.
The Small-Dark seeds showed 10/10 seeds with the radicle exposed after 3 days. The lesser amount of seed coat on the Small-Dark seeds may have allowed faster imbibition (taking up of water by the seed).
The Large-White seeds showed 7/10 with exposed radicles after 3 days.
The Small-White seeds showed 2/10 with exposed radicles after 3 days.
The Odd-Shaped seeds showed all 10/10 radicles exposed after 3 days. One seed appears to have 2 radicles coming from a single seed coat. This is most likely due to 2 zygotes forming within the plant ovary very shortly after pollination or due to 2 seeds fusing as they formed.
Day 5 Germination Results:
After another few days in the dark and in the distilled water the seeds were again taken out and observed. Below are images of the results on day 5 of this experiment.
All 10/10 Large-Dark seeds are now showing exposed radicles after 5 days.
All 10/10 Small-Dark seeds continue to show exposed radicles after 5 days.
Large-White seeds are showing 7/10 exposed radicles after 5 days.
Although difficult to see, 3/10 Small-White seeds are now showing exposed radicles after 5 days.
After 5 days, 10/10 Odd-Shaped seeds are still showing exposed radicles. One of the “twin” radicles broke off of one of the Odd-Shaped seeds. The first seed all the way to the left of the image does have an exposed radicle but its slightly darker color makes it difficult to see. Once zoomed in, anyone can see that a small, discolored radicle is exposed.
Day 8 Germination Results:
After 8 days total the seeds were observed for a final time to see the results pictured below.
After 8 days, 10/10 Large-Dark seeds show exposed radicles.
After 8 days 10/10 Small-Dark seeds show exposed radicles and 3/10 even show cotyledon.
After 8 days 7/10 Large-White seeds showed exposed radicles.
After 8 days 3/10 Small-White seeds showed exposed radicles.
All 10/10 Odd-Shaped seeds are still showing exposed radicles after 8 days.
RESULTS:
Preliminary Conclusion:
Many shapes, colors and sizes of seeds can be viable.
Dark seeds have the best germination rates, regardless of whether they are small or large.
White seeds are significantly more viable if they are larger. Small white seeds performed poorly in this germination test.
Seed shape has no affect on viability.
Using our germination method, seed viability was determined and unchanged by Day 5.
Based on the limited results of this preliminary study, many shapes/colors/sizes of seeds can still be viable. They don’t all have to be large and dark colored although having a dark colored seed coat does seem to have a positive correlation with germination viability. It also seems that a larger seed may have a better chance of germinating as seen in the results between the Large-White and Small-White seeds with the Large-White having a 70% germination rate and the Small-White only having a 30% germination rate. From the limited results of this simple experiment, it appears that seed shape didn’t affect germination rates with the Odd-Shaped seeds having 100% germination just like the seeds in the Large-Dark and Small-Dark categories.
One parameter not reflected in these results is the pressure with which you can apply to a seed to test viability. Lightly (very lightly) pinching a seed between your thumb and pointer finger and seeing if the seed deflates or pops can be a relatively reliable method of determining germination viability. Just a light pressure should give the kinetic feedback to know that the seed is “solid” and probably will germinate or will deflate/pop the seed and thus that seed was not viable. One thing many people seem to do is apply too much pressure to seeds when they check in this way. Again, light pressure is all that is required. One does not need to squeeze as hard as they can as this can give false results since enough pressure can pop any seed regardless of viability.
For more info on how we germinate, please see our Germination Guidehere.
Subcool shares 3 tips for new growers, their favorite breeding project & a story!
BREEDER OF THE WEEK NASC JOURNAL FEATURE
BREEDER INTRO:
Subcool Seeds is dedicated to continuing Subcool’s legacy, bringing his legendary strains to a new generation of growers.
3 TIPS FOR NEW GROWERS:
1. Start Simple & Learn the Plant
New growers often try to do too much too fast. Pick a solid medium, a proven feeding plan, and give the plant time to show you what it needs. Healthy cannabis communicates clearly — leaf color, posture, and growth rate will tell you far more than any chart ever will.
“Strong roots and steady growth matter more than chasing perfection.”
2. Don’t Overlove Your Plants
Overwatering, overfeeding, and constant adjustments are some of the most common beginner mistakes. Cannabis prefers consistency. Let the medium dry properly between waterings, feed lightly, and avoid changing multiple variables at once.
“Less intervention usually leads to better results.”
3. Genetics Matter — Choose Wisely
Starting with quality genetics sets the foundation for success. Stable, well-worked lines are more forgiving, express better traits, and help new growers learn without unnecessary frustration. A great grow starts long before the seed ever hits the soil.
“Good genetics won’t fix every mistake, but they’ll forgive many of them.”
FAVORITE BREEDING PROJECT
That’s a tough one for us because the honest answer is we don’t really have a single favorite.
Right now, our focus is on preserving and continuing the iconic cultivars Subcool spent his career creating and championing. Each project carries its own history, personality, and purpose. Some are about flavor, some about structure, some about balance and some are simply about keeping something special from being lost to time.
At the same time, we’re thoughtfully bringing these genetics from 2012, into 2025, and beyond. Sub’s work was truly ahead of its time, so our goal isn’t to reinvent it; it’s to let it keep speaking in today’s market. That means carefully selecting for louder terpene expression, improved resin production, and extract-friendly traits, while maintaining the character, soul, and integrity that made these strains iconic in the first place.
If there’s a “favorite,” it’s the process itself: honoring the original work, selecting with intention, and ensuring these genetics remain available, true, and accessible for future growers. Every preservation project is a reminder that great genetics don’t just happen; they’re built, protected, and passed forward.
Sub always said the plants would tell you what mattered and we listen. Our favorite projects are the ones that protect his legacy: preserving the cultivars he believed in, refining them with care, and carrying them forward without losing what made them special.
BREEDER OUTRO: A STORY, TO CLOSE
It’s honestly impossible to narrow it down to one story. Some of our favorite moments weren’t about a single smoke sesh, but about the rooms we were lucky enough to be in. We’ve shared joints, laughs, and long conversations with some true legends of the plant; Subcool, Kyle Kushman, Mr. Soul, OG Raskal, Ross (one of the creators of GG4), and many others who helped shape modern cannabis. What stands out most isn’t just who was there, but the energy: growers swapping stories, debating terps, laughing about failures, and passing knowledge the same way it always has; one bowl at a time. Those moments remind us that cannabis has always been about community, curiosity, and respect for the plant and the people who came before us. That spirit is something we try to carry into our garden every single day.
Changing the ethos of cannabis, with commercial boutique innovations, game-changing genetics, mind-opening insights and the best possible products, Ethos uses science and data to apply the best practices, make the most effective combinations and produce winners time and again. Offering the most elite, most efficient cultivars – from F1s to IBLs and Alpha Fems to autoflowers – Ethos Genetics, founded by Colin Gordon, is based in Colorado, USA. Colin and his team work to produce quality in their products as well as their contributions to the greater community. ETHOS is raising expectations.
Mandarin Cookies V2 grows like a champion and can put out very colorful and flavorful flowers. The V2 version has added even more citrus along with the always-welcome gasoline by moving away from the Forum Cut into a much chunkier, OG-Kush-heavy version named Ethos Cookie #12.
PLANET OF THE GRAPES RBX
Planet of the Grapes is made to produce and is extremely high in both cannabinoid and terpene percentages. Heavy flower yields are easy to get on this low-maintenance, medium-height, strong, lateral plant. She tests and extracts huge in usable oils! Her aroma is only outdone by her flavor: sharp grapes, sweet citrus and the signature musky, greasy flavor of Chem D. Acrid aromas like propane and "hooch" accompany the more citrusy pheno. You can expect intense, heavy, classic “Indica” effects.
CHERRY GAR-SEE-YA R1
This is not your typical compact, leafy cherry variety. Cherry Gar-See-Ya R1 stacks chunky, baseball-sized nugs from top to bottom. She is easily trained, beginner friendly, and loves growing outdoors
10TH PLANET R1
10TH Planet R1 leans to the heavy side, with intense, classic “hybrid” effects. Journey into an otherworldly blend of grape, citrus, gasoline and thick, skunky spice. Chunky, large and dense flowers give phenomenal yields in any system or space.
CRESCENDO RBX1
Crescendo RBx1 is medium-tall with some stretch. Sour, gassy and citrus flowers are crushingly strong! She is beginner friendly and is a high yielder!
With nearly 30 years of expertise, Barney’s Farm continues to innovate, offering high-quality outdoor cannabis seeds, as well as strains suited for indoor, greenhouse, and hydroponic cultivation. Their commitment to excellence and continuous development of new genetics ensures that growers of all types can find the perfect seeds for their needs.
Like the original namesake, the Acapulco Gold flowers with fat colas, flecked with beautiful reddish-brown calyx, each covered with beautiful crystals of THC. The smoke has an intense fruit-cocktail flavor that lingers for hours. This is a sativa dominant strain that offers a long-lasting high, balancing relaxing stress reduction with a real upbeat effect.
MIMOSA X ORANGE PUNCH
Mimosa x Orange Punch is a colourful Cali strain that everyone can succeed with! It is a dream to grow for a beginner, yet can produce extreme concentrations of THC. Once dried and cured, the buds have a delicious citrus, candy, and orange flavor. It gives a complete sense of euphoria and happiness to generate a truly uplifting sensation.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
Pineapple Express is a wonderfully flavorful and truly legendary 60% sativa-leaning hybrid, powered by a myrcene-dominant terpene profile with a genetic heritage pedigree that speaks for itself. It is naturally highly resistant to molds and diseases and does not require any special skills to grow. The taste and aromas of are distinctly tropical with fresh-cut pineapple, tropical fruit, and mango with undertones of cedar and spice. The smoky aromas are distinctively funky and skunky.
RUNTZ MUFFIN
Runtz Muffin features a sweet and fruity profile with citrus notes. This strain offers a relaxing and euphoric experience, accompanied by a gentle body high.
GORILLA Z
Gorilla Z is characterized by a sweet, fruity terpene profile with chocolate undertones. Provides relaxing and mood-enhancing effects.
Fast Buds is a leading cannabis seed bank that specializes in producing top-quality autoflowering cannabis strains. With over 12 years of experience, Fast Buds is a pioneer of autoflowering genetics. As the first major American autoflower breeder, Fast Buds quickly made a name for itself. Their latest innovations have been breaking worldwide THC level records for autoflowering strains, further solidifying their reputation for excellence.
In 2025, Fast Buds released new auto strains like Frostbanger, Z-up, and Purple Haze, as well as a line of feminized photoperiod options and a variety of freebies. Below, you'll find the top five strains by Fast Buds at NASC.
PURPLE LEMONADE AUTO
Purple Lemonade Auto provides a complex high made up of subtle Sativa kicks and light body-stoned sensations. Zestful flavors are sweetened by a strong sugary seasoning making it the ideal sweet-tooth strain.
GORILLA COOKIES AUTO
Gorilla Cookies Auto grows extremely big, chunky, and dense buds with a beautiful mix of dark and light shades of green with bright orange hairs giving her quite the bag appeal. It has a synergetic high, perfect for the end of the day, especially after a long day of work.
BLUE DREAM AUTO
Blue Dream Auto is one of our most stimulating strains that gives an intense head high before mellowing out into a relaxing body high -- perfect for afternoon tokes. You won't be crashed on the couch. With citrus notes that are combined with the berry and earth note, the final flavor is mouth-watering, with a hint of pine or cedar and a tart sweetness as the soothing, happy vibes take grip.
BANANA PURPLE PUNCH AUTO
With Banana Purple Punch Auto, you can expect a candy-like terpene profile with an overwhelming ripe banana taste, deliciously complemented by a fruity background that leaves your mouth tasting as if you’ve just eaten a bag of delicious gummy bears. After a couple of hits, the pleasant head high slowly turns into a powerful long-lasting sedative effect that feels like it's melting your whole body.
BLACKBERRY AUTO
Blackberry Auto seeds produce plants with a powerful bouquet of flavors, including spicy, sweet, fruity, wild berries, and pine. Expect lots of relaxation, but don't expect to get off the couch. The effects kick off with a buzzing cerebral stimulation followed by a smooth yet rapid period of relaxation.
Disclaimer: Cannabis seeds are sold as souvenirs, and collectibles only. They contain 0% THC. It is imperative that you check your state and local laws before attempting to purchase seeds, and we are not liable for what you do with seeds after receiving them. The statements on this website and its products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before use. North Atlantic Seed Company assumes no legal responsibility for your actions once the product is in your possession and is not liable for any resulting issues, legal or otherwise, that may arise.
Pink Milk (F)$60.00 – $100.00
Rubicite (F)$60.00 – $100.00
Lucid Vision (F)$100.00
Dirty Water (F)$60.00 – $100.00
Butter Balm (F)$60.00 – $100.00
The Pulp Father (F)$60.00 – $100.00
Sundae Supper (F) [LAST SUPPER DROP]$100.00
Ripe (F) [LAST SUPPER DROP]$100.00
Lemon Elixir (F) [LAST SUPPER DROP]$100.00
