How To Know If Your Cannabis Seeds Are Good or Bad

Cannabis cultivation is both an art and a science.  One of the foundational steps in this process is selecting quality seeds.  The seeds you select can significantly impact the health, yield, and potency of your plants.  Distinguishing between good and bad cannabis seeds can save you time, resources, and potential disappointment.  That’s why we’ll be covering the nuances of identifying viable cannabis seeds, ensuring that you start your cultivation journey on the right foot.

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Cannabis Seeds 101

Cannabis seeds are the embryos of the cannabis plant, encapsulated in a hard outer shell. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, each characteristic offering clues about their potential.  When the plants mature, pollen from male cannabis plants fertilizes the female plants, and so the female plants produce more seeds – hence the cannabis life cycle that can be repeated over and over again.  Once the seeds are collected from the female plant, they can be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, in order to last for a few years, after which point they are no longer viable as they can no longer germinate.

Characteristics of Good and Band Cannabis Seeds

A healthy seed typically has a hard shell and a dark color, often with tiger stripes or speckles.  In contrast, less viable seeds tend to be lighter in color and may have a softer or cracked shell.  To get a bit more specific here…

Characteristics of Good Cannabis Seeds

Color and Appearance:

• Dark Coloring: Good cannabis seeds are usually dark brown, black, or gray. These seeds often have a glossy finish with visible stripes or mottling.  The darker color indicates maturity and a higher likelihood of successful germination.
• Stripes and Speckles: Healthy seeds often have tiger-like stripes or speckles on their shells.  These markings are a positive sign and suggest a mature seed ready for germination.
• Glossy Sheen: A slight sheen on the seed’s surface is another indicator of quality.  This glossiness is a sign of the seed’s maturity and the presence of essential oils.

Texture and Hardness:

• Firmness: Good seeds have a hard outer shell that’s difficult to crush between your fingers.  This hardness protects the embryonic plant inside and ensures it remains viable until conditions are suitable for germination.
• Smooth Texture: While the seed should be firm, it should also have a smooth, consistent texture without cracks or pits.  Cracks can indicate that the seed is old or has been damaged, reducing its chances of successful germination.

Size and Shape:

• Uniform Size: While cannabis seeds come in various sizes, seeds from the same strain should be relatively uniform in size.  Consistency in size is an indicator of quality breeding practices.
• Rounded Shape: Healthy seeds tend to be more rounded and plumper, as opposed to elongated or misshapen.  This plumpness is a sign of a well-developed embryo inside.

Age and Storage

• Proper Storage: Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.  Excessive heat, light, or moisture can reduce the seed’s viability.  Seeds that have been stored properly will retain their viability for several years.
• Freshness: Although cannabis seeds can remain viable for many years if stored correctly, fresher seeds generally have a higher germination rate.  Aim to use seeds within a year of harvest for the best results.

Characteristics of Bad Cannabis Seeds

Color and Appearance:

• Pale or Green Coloring: Cannabis seeds that are white, pale green, or light in color are usually immature and less likely to germinate.  These seeds were harvested too early and have not developed fully.
• No Markings: Seeds without the characteristic stripes or speckles may be less mature and potentially less viable.

Texture and Hardness:

• Soft or Brittle Shell: If a cannabis seed is soft or crushes easily between your fingers, it’s likely not viable.  Such seeds are often old or improperly stored, leading to a compromised shell.
• Cracks or Pits: Visible cracks, dents, or pits on the seed’s surface are signs of damage or poor quality.  These imperfections can indicate that the seed is compromised and unlikely to germinate successfully.

Size and Shape:

• Inconsistent Size: Cannabis seeds that vary significantly in size within the same batch may indicate poor breeding practices.  Such inconsistency can lead to uneven growth and development in your plants.
• Misshapen Seeds: Seeds that are elongated, flat, or irregularly shaped are often less viable.  These seeds may not have developed properly and can result in weak or unhealthy plants.

Age and Storage:

• Improper Storage: Cannabis seeds that have been exposed to excessive heat, light, or moisture are often less viable.  Improper storage conditions can lead to mold, rot, or desiccation, reducing the seed’s ability to germinate.
• Old Seeds: While old seeds can sometimes germinate, their success rate diminishes with age.  Seeds that are several years old and have not been stored properly are less likely to germinate and grow into healthy plants.

Testing Cannabis Seed Viability

If you’ve seeds that you are unsure about, there are several methods to test their viability before planting.  By using the following methods, you can determine the viability of your cannabis seeds before committing them to soil or growing medium, ensuring a higher chance of successful germination and healthy plant growth:

Method #1: Visual Inspection

Look at the seeds closely.  Healthy seeds are usually dark brown with lighter accents or even have a mottled appearance.  Immature or poor-quality cannabis seeds may appear light green or white and could be smaller or misshapen.

Method #2: Feel Test

Healthy cannabis seeds are firm to the touch.  Press gently between your thumb and index finger.  If the seed feels strong and doesn’t crack under moderate pressure, it’s likely viable.  On the flip side, if it feels soft or crumbles easily, it may not be viable.

Method #3: Water Test (Float Test)

This is a popular method to check seed viability.  You simply place your seeds in a glass of distilled water and let them sit for 1-2 hours.  Healthy cannabis seeds typically sink to the bottom and remain there.  This indicates they have enough density and mass to break the surface tension of the water.  Unhealthy or non-viable seeds may float.  This happens because they lack the internal structures necessary for sinking.  However, this test isn’t foolproof, as some viable seeds may still float due to air pockets or other factors.

Germination Test: Just place cannabis seeds between moist paper towels or a cotton pad with water, until damp, but not soaking wet. Also keep them warm and check for sprouting after a few days.  Viable seeds will typically sprout a taproot within a few days to a week.  Seeds that sprout within a few days are viable.  This method is more reliable but takes a bit longer and requires more care.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Seeds

When selecting cannabis seeds, besides just the color, texture, size, and shape, there are a few other key factors to consider, in order to ensure you’re choosing the best possible seeds for your needs.

Source and Reputation:

• Reputable Seed Banks: Purchase seeds from well-known, reputable seed banks or breeders.  These sources are more likely to provide high-quality seeds with a higher germination rate.
• Customer Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from other growers. Positive feedback can give you confidence in the quality of the seeds.

Strain and Genetics:

• Desired Traits: Consider the traits you desire in your plants, such as potency, flavor, yield, and growth characteristics.  Different strains offer different benefits, so choose cannabis seeds that align with your goals.
• Genetic Stability: High-quality seeds come from stable genetics, ensuring that the plants will exhibit consistent traits and growth patterns.

Grower’s Preferences and Conditions:

• Growing Environment: Consider your growing conditions (indoor vs. outdoor, climate, space) and choose cannabis seeds suited to those conditions.
• Desired Yield and Potency: Different strains offer various yields and THC/CBD levels. Choose seeds that match your desired outcomes.

When it Comes to Cannabis Seeds, There is a Way to Take the “Good” Without the “Bad”

Identifying good and bad cannabis seeds is a critical skill for any cannabis cultivator.  By understanding the characteristics of viable seeds and employing reliable testing methods, you can ensure that you start your cultivation journey with the best possible seeds.  Remember to source your seeds from reputable suppliers, like STRNG Seeds, and also choose strains that align with your goals, and store your seeds properly to maintain their viability.  With the amount of advice we provided, you’ll be well on your way to growing healthy, robust cannabis plants that yield high-quality buds.

TO BUY CANNABIS SEEDS CLICK HERE