Welcome Inside Cultivar in Seattle
Cultivar is a renowned commercial cannabis producer in Seattle, recognized for its large-scale operations, innovative breeding, and the integration of both modern science and traditional methods. The company has received numerous awards for its commitment to quality and excellence in the industry.
The City of Flowers
While many producers focus on expanding their grow space at the expense of quality, Cultivar stands out as an exception. Despite operating on a massive scale—occupying 40,000 square feet and utilizing 852 lights—Cultivar consistently produces premium-grade cannabis buds and high-quality concentrates. Their motto is: “Grow the plant right—from seed, root, leaves, flowers, to buds!”
Cultivar is dedicated to using advanced technology throughout the cultivation and processing stages. The company aims to grow large quantities without pesticides, relying on hand-watering and trimming, and ensuring proper drying and processing. In 2017, Cultivar received a development award from the state of Washington. Their commitment to excellence and genetic diversity sets them apart from other producers.
Located in the heart of Seattle in a former shipping complex, Cultivar holds a state license for cannabis production and processing. The company also prioritizes environmental responsibility, implementing measures to reduce their impact on lighting, water, and waste. Cultivar has already reduced its electricity consumption by 46%.
Inside the Greenhouses
The Cultivar team is passionate about genetic diversity and cannabis breeding. They maintain a large collection of mother plants and a tissue culture lab with 350 unique genetic samples. Seeds are sourced from experienced, reputable breeders. The list of strains grown at Cultivar is impressive, including OG, Cookies, Diesels, Chems, Lemons, and Sherbets, along with experimental hybrids. Each strain is carefully selected for its unique terpene profile, resulting in a wide range of aromas—cheese, diesel, fruit, spices—all showcasing the plant’s full potential. Cultivar’s strains are among the most aromatic, potent, and impressive available.
The company is especially proud of its collection of parent plants and is always searching for strains with high THC and CBD content.
The Laboratory
In addition to traditional cloning methods, Cultivar operates a sterile tissue culture laboratory for plant genetics. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art regeneration technology. Lab director Mike Gid explained that their goal is to master plant cloning at the cellular level, allowing a single cell to grow into a full plant in a test tube. This enables rapid propagation and long-term preservation of genetic material in cryogenic freezers. Using these advanced methods, one plant can give rise to thousands, far surpassing the capabilities of standard cloning. The lab also researches plant protection against pests, diseases, and pathogens—paving the way for the future of cannabis cultivation.
Strain Diversity
Each grow room is equipped with a climate control system, including full ventilation with filters. Lighting combines CMH lamps and double-ended HPS fixtures, reducing energy consumption by over 50%. Plants are grown in a mix of organic coconut coir and perlite, resulting in dense buds covered in large trichomes—rich in terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids for outstanding aroma and effects. Separate rooms for seedlings, vegetative growth, and flowering provide optimal conditions for each stage. Water is filtered, including reverse osmosis treatment.
Eight grow rooms are staggered and harvested every two weeks, ensuring a constant supply of fresh product to the market.
Disease Prevention
Washington state prohibits the use of pesticides in cannabis production. Cultivar employs an organic mold and pest control system, relying solely on biological control agents.
Harvesting
For 10-12 days before harvest, plants are watered only with pure water and natural enzymes. Whole plants are dried intact to preserve the buds, in sealed chambers with antibacterial coatings and humidity control. Ideal temperature and humidity levels protect the terpenes. During harvest, entire plants are cut, with leaves left on during drying to protect delicate trichomes. Humidity is maintained at 56-60%. Buds are then hand-trimmed—no machines are used—before being placed in containers for curing. Drying takes about two weeks, with curing lasting at least one to two weeks. Each room yields approximately 75-85 pounds of dry buds per harvest.
Processing and Packaging
Only whole buds are immediately packaged in eco-friendly containers; the rest is used for extracts. Cultivar’s products are known for their unique aromas, with five different flavors available for smokers. The company uses rapid extraction and distillation systems, and a hydraulic press to produce oil from raw material. Cultivar has become famous throughout Washington for its aromatic and potent concentrates. The entire Cultivar team are true experts, dedicated to delivering the best possible products to consumers. They have proven that large-scale commercial operations do not have to sacrifice quality, as long as the right cultivation and processing methods are used—from seed to finished product.