Dutch Passion: how a small seed collection became a legendary seed bank

Dutch Passion is one of the oldest and few remaining “original” seed banks in the world. The company began collecting cannabis genetics back in the 1970s, and was officially registered as a seed bank in Amsterdam in 1987. The main achievement that made Dutch Passion known worldwide was the invention of feminized cannabis seed technology in the 1990s.

History of the creation and development of Dutch Passion

The 1970s: from a hobby to a genetic bank

The founder of Dutch Passion, Henk van Dalen, studied biology at the University of Amsterdam in the 1970s. At that time, cannabis from Mexico, Afghanistan, Colombia, Thailand, and other regions was being imported into Amsterdam's coffeeshops. Henk began collecting seeds from these batches and storing them as a genetic archive.

Gradually, the simple hobby evolved into systematic work:

• he analyzed the origins of the strains;
• selected the most interesting phenotypes;
• created his own crosses;
• formed a base of “original genetics” that Dutch Passion still relies on.

1987: the official birth of the seed bank

In 1987, the company was officially registered as Dutch Passion Seed Company. At that time, it was the second cannabis seed bank in Europe and one of the first professional seed producers in the Netherlands.

From the beginning, Dutch Passion focused on:

• their own original genetics;
• stable breeding;
• work with both recreational and medical markets (where legally allowed).

The 1990s: the revolution of feminized seeds

In the 1990s, the industry was still dominated by regular seeds — about half of all plants turned out male, which was inconvenient for growers. Dutch Passion conducted experiments and developed a stable method for producing feminized seeds, which produce predominantly female plants.

This innovation:

• greatly simplified life for home growers;
• reduced the risk of unwanted male plants;
• became an industry standard — today feminized seeds dominate the global market.

By the late 1990s, Dutch Passion was among the first to launch an online seed shop (1998), expanding their reach to collectors and growers worldwide.

2000s and beyond: AutoFem, expansion, and awards

After the success of feminized seeds, the company moved on to a new direction — feminized autoflowering seeds (Auto Fem). Dutch Passion helped popularize autoflowers and contributed to modern autos combining compact size, speed, and high cannabinoid content.

Dutch Passion has won more than 50 cannabis cups and awards for THC-rich and CBD-rich strains and for ease of cultivation.

The company continues to expand, partnering across North America and Europe, emphasizing that seeds are intended only for regions where their cultivation is legal.

Iconic Dutch Passion strains

Several Dutch Passion strains are considered classics in modern cannabis history:

• Blueberry – one of the most recognizable fruity strains with a berry aroma.
• Orange Bud – a classic skunk with a citrus profile, known for yield and reliability.
• Mazar – an Afghan-rooted hybrid valued for potency and stability.
• Power Plant, White Widow, The Ultimate — staples of 1990s and early 2000s cannabis culture.

These strains are still re-released and adapted to modern demands (e.g., autoflower versions), while maintaining their original genetics.

Interesting facts about Dutch Passion

1. Officially “nothing for sale” on social media.
   Their Instagram bio states “Nothing for sale”, emphasizing legal compliance and the absence of direct sales via social networks.
2. Over 50 international awards.
   Press releases and partners report more than 50 cannabis cups won.
3. Strong focus on educational content.
   Their website hosts a large blog with strain reviews, breeding stories, and educational materials.
4. The second European seed bank.
   Dutch Passion claims to be the second professional cannabis seed company in Europe.
5. Founder activism.
   In his youth, Henk van Dalen was an activist advocating cannabis legalization.

Conclusion

Dutch Passion is an example of a company that grew from a small collection project into a global brand with a massive genetic archive and significant impact on the cannabis industry.

It is important to remember that laws regarding cannabis cultivation vary widely. Any interest in Dutch Passion products should comply with local regulations.