Breeder Steve is one of the names that constantly appears in the history of modern cannabis breeding. With Spice of Life Seeds, he shaped a generation of growers back in the 1990s. After decades of absence from the market, his genetics are now available again – and with Seeds of Anarchy, a new project is being added at the same time.
For Verdampftnochmal, this means expanding our assortment with genetics that have a long history and a clear focus on selection, aroma, and phenotypes. For passionate growers, pheno-hunters, and collectors, access to these lines is now easier once again.
Breeder Steve & Spice of Life: The Breeding Legend Behind the Genetics
Breeder Steve is much more than just a brand name – he is considered a pivotal figure in the history of modern cannabis breeding. His breeding work began in 1989 as a hobby grower in Ontario, Canada. This early dedication quickly evolved into a commercial project, leading to the foundation of the established seed bank Spice of Life Seeds in Vancouver (British Columbia) in 1994.
Due to his extensive travels and breeding work, Steve is a highly connected personality. His journey took him from Switzerland to Colombia and Thailand. In Switzerland, he conducted extensive selections from 2000 to 2004 under the local legal framework. In August 2016, Steve was invited to speak before Congress in Colombia. He also advised Senator Juan Manuel Galán’s legal team on medical cannabis legislation.
Super Soil, VeroSinse & Aquaponics: First-Hand Knowledge
Today, Steve shares his decades of experience via his podcast Spice of Life Studio. The topics regularly covered there include:
- Soil Science & Organic Optimization: In episodes like “Steve’s Special Blend: How to build your own super soil”, he explains in detail how to mix organic super soil substrates to support plant health and build a suitable medium for organic cultivation.
- Politics & Global Market Developments: Steve discusses the legal frameworks ranging from decriminalization to full legalization worldwide.
- The VeroSinse Project: A scientific milestone in breeding parthenocarpic (unfertilizable) cannabis. The project aims to reduce the risk of unwanted pollination in outdoor cultivation through parthenocarpic or seedless plants.
Breeder Steve is among the earliest documented breeders who cultivated cannabis in closed aquaponics systems and publicly documented their experiences. With “Dual Root Zone (DRZ)” aquaponics, Steve pinpointed the high nutrient demands of flowering cannabis plants: The upper root zone roots in an organic substrate, while the remaining root mass continuously draws nutrients from the fish cycle.
Dual Root Zone Aquaponics
Dual Root Zone Aquaponics (DRZ) is a highly specialized method of sustainable, biologically integrated plant cultivation. It combines fish farming in a closed loop (aquaculture) with soilless plant cultivation (hydroponics). The method was developed to solve a fundamental nutrient problem in the cultivation of heavy-feeding plants like cannabis.
The Problem with Conventional Aquaponics
In classic aquaponics systems, it can be difficult to fully cover the nutrient needs of heavy-feeding plants via the fish cycle. At the same time, water quality must be managed to ensure conditions remain suitable for the fish. A separated root zone creates additional leeway for supplying the plant.
How the Dual Root Zone (DRZ) Works
The Dual Root Zone technique bypasses this biological bottleneck by physically dividing the plant’s root area into two separate zones:
- The Upper Zone (Organic Substrate): The upper root mass is located in an organic soil medium (e.g., soil or coco coir). In this isolated zone, the grower can specifically administer organic fertilizers and nutrient supplements from above without them entering the fish water cycle.
- The Lower Zone (Fish Water Cycle): A portion of the root mass has access to the circulating water from the fish tanks. A microbiome of nitrifying bacteria is central to the nitrogen cycle: excretions and other organic nitrogen compounds are converted into nutrient forms usable by plants through several microbial steps.
Through this combination, different nutrient sources can be used separately: The lower zone binds the plant to the biological cycle of the aquaponics system, while additional organic nutrients and soil conditioners can be specifically applied in the upper zone.
Early Work by Breeder Steve
Breeder Steve is one of the earliest documented breeders to practically test and publicly describe the cultivation of cannabis in closed aquaponics systems.
He undertook his first experiments in an improvised closet setup in Vancouver. His so-called “Mickey Mouse System” became famous: It consisted, among other things, of a Mickey Mouse shower curtain over which the water trickled past rubber mats back into a container with goldfish.
Despite these simple means, the results were remarkable:
- The flowers developed a very solid structure.
- The harvested cannabis left a very light ash when burned.
Steve was so convinced of the flavor and quality benefits that he noted he would exclusively operate indoor or greenhouse facilities aquaponically in the future.
The Terroir Philosophy and Cannabis: Why Aroma & Cannabinoids Are More Than Just THC
One of the most important agronomic ideas behind Breeder Steve’s approach is transferring the terroir concept from viticulture to cannabis. This refers to the idea that genetics should not be considered in isolation, but always in interaction with the environment, cultivation conditions, and selection.
The quality of a flower cannot be meaningfully reduced to a single percentage on a THC lab report. Rather, the interplay of various compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids is crucial. In this context, the concept of the entourage effect is also frequently discussed. How large and reproducible such interactions actually are in humans remains a subject of scientific research. Instead of isolated potency values, the entire chemical and sensory profile takes center stage.
This attitude also shapes Steve’s artisanal selection work. To breed strains that stand out in taste and simultaneously perform reliably, he uses a fixed schema: Every line first goes through an outdoor selection round, followed by two indoor runs. The approach is pragmatic: Outdoors, he selects for vitality, stress resistance, and weather hardiness, while indoors he optimizes flower structure density and yield. This creates genetic lines that grow very robustly without compromising on resin coverage or aesthetics.
A highlight of this philosophy was the close collaboration between Breeder Steve and DJ Short in the Swiss Alps. Through transgressive segregation, the two specifically picked out rare phenotypic outliers from DJ Short’s famous Blue Line. The project gave rise to well-known lines like Blue Satellite, Moonshine-Rocket Fuel, and Rosebud – strains that are still considered a reference for complex terpenes in the grower scene today.
What is Transgressive Segregation?
In genetics, transgressive segregation occurs when the offspring of a cross exhibit certain traits more strongly than both parent plants. For example, this can mean that an offspring plant shows a stronger expression of a trait than both parents, such as resin production or cold resistance. Biologically, this arises because previously separated, advantageous genes from both parents come together in a completely new combination and reinforce each other.
What is Heterosis (the Hybrid Vigor Effect)?
Heterosis – often referred to as “Hybrid Vigor” – describes an increased growth performance, vitality, or other advantageous trait expressions in certain crosses, which often become visible in the F1 generation. This effect can be particularly pronounced when crossing genetically distinct parent lines.
The Crucial Difference Between F1 and F2
To understand the difference between heterosis and transgressive segregation in practice, you have to look at the sequence of generations:
- The F1 Generation: F1 offspring can show high uniformity and pronounced heterosis given suitable parent lines. However, this effect is not automatically stable in the same form over subsequent generations. If F1 plants are crossed with each other, the genetic splitting increases significantly in the F2 generation.
- The F2 Generation (The Playing Field of Selection): When F1 plants are crossed with each other, genetic segregation increases significantly in the F2 generation. This creates a wider range of different phenotypes. Under certain genetic conditions, forms of transgressive segregation can also occur, where individual offspring express certain traits more strongly than both parents.
- The Difference in Breeding: While heterosis primarily describes the performance traits of certain hybrids, transgressive segregation arises from the recombination of alleles. Breeders can select such striking phenotypes in larger populations and work towards stabilizing the desired traits over further generations.
The targeted search for unusual phenotypes in segregating populations is a classic tool in plant breeding. It is precisely this genetic diversity that makes segregating populations interesting for breeders: Instead of just looking for the most uniform plant possible, selection can be specifically aimed at rare combinations of desired traits.
The Comeback: The Spice of Life “Adventure Mixes”
For the 30th anniversary of Spice of Life Seeds, celebrated in 2024, Breeder Steve released limited special editions: the so-called Adventure Mixes. These packs consciously break with the trend of absolute uniformity in modern commercial hybrids. They are designed as genetic treasure chests aimed at ambitious collectors and home growers who want to cultivate the joy of selecting and discovering unique phenotypes.
- Sweet Pink Grapefruit (SPG) Edition: Breeder Steve describes the original Sweet Pink Grapefruit as a highly aromatic clone from the late 1980s from British Columbia, which he genetically classifies as a rare Northern Lights #1 mutation with an intense grapefruit-citrus profile. For the anniversary mix, nine selected West Coast mother plants (including White Runtz, Gelonade, Log Cabin, Garlotti, 2090 Shit, ZEV, Fatso, Gush Mints, and Slurty) were crossed with a reversed pollen donor of the Spritzer strain. Since Spritzer, according to the breeder, carries SPG-related genetics in its lineage, it is intended to contribute to the expression of characteristic citrus notes in the offspring.
- Shishkaberry Edition: The classic Shishkaberry (often also spelled Shiskeberry) is based on the crossing of two Afghani mother lines selected by Steve (known as the “red” and “yellow” lines) with a very resinous Blueberry male from DJ Short in 1995. It is known worldwide for its excellent resin production, heavy yield, and deep berry aroma. The anniversary mix combines the legendary Shishkaberry genetics directly with modern West Coast elite lines, guaranteeing a broad spectrum of premium, fruity-resinous phenotypes.
Seeds of Anarchy: Modern West Coast Crosses in Detail
With Seeds of Anarchy, Breeder Steve presents his latest project. The line combines his classic, precise craftsmanship with selected elite clones from the US West Coast.
According to the breeder, a reversed Spritzer clone is used as the pollen donor. The cross of Grape Pie, MAC, and Runtz was selected for high resin production, suitability for solventless extractions, and a characteristic terpene profile.
Why These Genetics Are Interesting Today
The current projects combine several aspects of modern cannabis breeding. Historical genetics meet new West Coast crosses. At the same time, breeders are looking for highly reproducible traits and paying attention to aroma, resin production, and diverse phenotypes rather than just a single lab value. This genetic diversity makes the lines particularly interesting for growers who want to delve deeper into cannabis genetics and targeted selection.
The Strains of Seeds of Anarchy at a Glance:
| Variety / Strain | West Coast Mother Clone | Father Pollen (Reversed) | Terpenes & Aroma Profile | Growth & Extraction Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dancing Sprite | White Runtz | Spritzer | Sweet candy notes, sugary gas esters | High resin production; selected for suitability for solventless extractions (bubble hash / rosin). |
| Spritzade | Gelonade | Spritzer | Fresh citrus peels, sweet and sour lemonade | Sativa-dominant, vigorous growth; pronounced citrus profile. |
| Cabin Fever | Log Cabin | Spritzer | Woody pine aroma, damp earth, wood tones with berries | Vigorous and robust growth; combines woody notes with sweet fruit accents. |
| Naughty Dawg | Garlotti | Spritzer | Spicy garlic and fuel profile, sweet fruit gummies | Contrasting aroma profile of spicy, fuel-like, and sweet fruit notes. |
| Bullshit | 2090 Shit | Spritzer | Heavy fuel and gas aroma, skunky undertones | Outstanding resin density; strongly pronounced, Indica-dominant growth and aroma characteristics. |
| The Epstein List | ZEV | Spritzer | Creamy gas, sweet herbal mint | High trichome density; selected for suitability for bubble hash. |
| Gorgon | Fatso | Spritzer | Heavy herbal fuel, earthy pine gas | Compact, Indica-dominant growth; high resin production. |
| Gunk | Gush Mints | Spritzer | Creamy mint dough, sweet Kush aroma and gas | Exhibits a fascinating dark purple to deep black coloration at cooler night temperatures. |
| Slurpicle | Slurty | Spritzer | Syrupy dark berries, sweet grapes and fuel | Excellent bag appeal; pronounced physical and aromatic characteristics. |
ℹ️ Feminized, Autoflowering, or Regular Seeds? If you are unsure which seed type best suits your requirements and setup, you will find all differences and advantages in direct comparison in our guide “What types of cannabis seeds are there?”.
Tips: Germination & Cultivation of Valuable Boutique Genetics
High-quality cannabis seeds from Breeder Steve represent a valuable biological investment for many growers. Especially with valuable and sometimes limited genetics, special care during storage and germination is worthwhile:
- Constant Heat: The soil temperature should remain stable between 21 °C and 25 °C.
- Moisture Balance: The medium remains consistently moist but must never be wet, in order to prevent oxygen deprivation and mold formation on the taproot.
- Hygiene: Never touch the sensitive taproot with unwashed hands or unsterile tools.
💡 For detailed instructions, we recommend our proven blog guide “Germinating Cannabis Seeds: The Guide to Maximum Germination Rates”. There you will find all practical methods – from controlled pre-germination to safe planting in Jiffys and Easy Plugs – to give your plants the best possible start.
Conclusion on Spice of Life: Timeless Selection Work for Collectors & Growers
The current projects from Spice of Life Seeds and Seeds of Anarchy demonstrate how cannabis breeding has evolved between historical genetics, targeted selection, and modern crosses. It is precisely the combination of older lines with new crossing partners that makes these projects interesting – not just for collectors, but for anyone who wants to engage more deeply with cannabis genetics, aroma, and phenotypes.
And if you are still looking for the right vaporizer that brings out the full terpene profile and delicious taste of your harvest unadulterated: Be sure to check out our blog post on the new Cuboo Stick Pro Vaporizer – genuine convection in a handy pen format.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Breeder Steve has been breeding cannabis since 1989 and founded the renowned seed bank Spice of Life Seeds in Canada in 1994. He created world-famous classics such as Sweet Pink Grapefruit, Sweet Tooth, and Shishkaberry. Through his pioneering work in terpene selection and outdoor cultivation, he has had a lasting impact on modern genetic development internationally.
Spice of Life Seeds encompasses Steve’s historical lines and the limited “Adventure Mixes”, which deliberately rely on a broad genetic diversity for phenotype selection. Seeds of Anarchy is his newest project: Here he crosses modern US West Coast elite clones with a selected Spritzer pollen, optimized for extreme resin density and solventless hash extraction.
The Adventure Mixes consciously forego the strict uniformity of modern F1 hybrids. They offer breeders and collectors a broad spectrum of phenotypes. Each seed carries the genetic signature of classics like Sweet Pink Grapefruit or Shishkaberry, combined with modern elite mothers.
Similar to viticulture, terroir describes the interplay of genetics, soil conditions, climate, and cultivation methods. For Breeder Steve, it is not the isolated THC content that defines the quality of a flower, but the complex profile of terpenes, flavonoids, and secondary cannabinoids in the jar.
Keep the soil temperature constant between 21 °C and 25 °C. The medium requires even moisture but must never be dripping wet. Also pay attention to strict cleanliness: Never touch the sensitive taproot with unwashed hands or unsterile tools.
