High-quality seeds are the secret to healthy plants and great yields. A proper watering schedule and lighting quality are obviously important to the yield and health for your plant, beginning cultivating with top-of-the-line genetics is just as, if not more crucial. How do you differentiate high-quality cannabis seeds from the other seeds? We’ll teach you the best way to recognize the top cannabis seeds of the industry, stay clear of the flims ones, and get your plant off in the right way.
Appearance and Feel – Examining the Color, Size and Shape of Your Seeds
In contrast to other crops for agriculture (like fruits, vegetables or grains) cannabis hasn’t been subjected to the same rigorous breeding procedures which ensure a steady yield. It’s possible to plant a seed pack technically labelled by the name of the “strain,” but may result in distinct looking plants. Also, the individual seeds you purchase from a seed store can appear different.
The fact that cannabis seeds may differ in appearance has been a reason for some growers to believe that the shape, size or color of the seed determines its quality.
We don’t recommend using the size or shape seeds as a determinant of its quality. Some varieties simply have less seeds than other varieties and in some cases, the same plant will produce seeds with different dimensions and shapes. Do not throw away a seed just because it’s smaller or has the same shape as another.
The appearance and color of a seed in turn will tell you something about its maturation and possibility of germinating or growing into an established seedling.
Cannabis seeds mature typically come with a hard outer layer that may vary in color , ranging from very dark (or nearly black) to a light grey. They may also sport the appearance of tiger stripes. It is recommended to hold these seeds in your hands without harming the seeds.
Cannabis seeds that are still in their embryos however tend to be green with an outer shell which breaks when any type force is applied to them.
Be aware that the method of packaging and storage of cannabis seeds may also alter their appearance. Unpredictable fluctuations in temperature, humidity or light exposure could make certain seeds appear lighter or darker than others, however they do not affect their quality.
Be aware that, like mammals and other living creatures cannabis seeds differ biologically from each other (even when they’re technically the same variety) and, consequently, will have distinct physical features. Do not let these inherent variations make you believe that a rounder, larger more dark seed (for instance) is more valuable as compared to a smaller, lighter and more oval-shaped one.
Are You Able To Tell the sexuality of Cannabis Seeds based on their appearance?
We get this question on a regular basis from our clients and novice cultivators, and the answer is an unquestionable no. There’s no way to determine the gender of a cannabis plant just by just looking at it.
A quick internet search will reveal all sorts of myths on how to differentiate the female seeds of cannabis from male seeds. Some of the more famous ones is based on an illustration of five different varieties of cannabis that claim that female seeds have “a perfectly circular volcano-like depression on the bottom (from the place where the seed was connected with the cannabis plant).”
It’s not the case. We have already explained that cannabis seeds appear differently, and no one physical characteristic of a seed will be able to tell if the seed is genetically suited for either a male or female plant. One way you can differentiate whether a female cannabis plant is the male one is by looking at its blooms when it starts to sex. Beware of giving out healthy seeds because an internet chart that is popular said so.
Growing Seeds from a Bag (Bagseed)
Certain smokers may be happy to find some marijuana seeds inside their bags and think they are lucky. But, finding cannabis seeds in a bag can be a problem due to various reasons. It is a sign that the grower has made a mistake and let their female plants be pollinated by a male invading. Once flowers are pollinated they cease producing THC-containing resin and focus their energy towards making seeds. In addition, the seeds add to the volume of your bag meaning less weed for your money.
In this regard there is a chance to get lucky if the strain you were growing is actually the best. In this scenario it’s worthwhile to conduct the next test to determine whether you can germinate it.
The Germination of All Seeds, Regardless
The only method that is reliable to determine the potential genetics of a plant is to just plant it in soil. It will not take long to observe the results. This is the best option for the home-grown hobbyist with time and space for a risky endeavor. Growers who cultivate cannabis for commercial use probably do not have the time to invest in.
Find Your Seeds Well
The best way to get excellent seeds is to locate a reliable seed bank. These firms are proud on their breeding expertise and make sure their clients receive exactly what is promised. They have reputations they must satisfy, so providing anything less will damage their reputation.
The other option is to purchase seeds from someone who is a hobbyist. It’s not to say that hobby growers don’t make amazing genetics, however, If you don’t have any knowledge of them or their abilities you can’t be sure that your seeds will develop.
Conducting the Float Test
If you’re still not sure regarding the quality of your seeds after looking at their appearance and durability now is the time to put your lab coat on and put on your goggles. Well, not quite. The test is very simple and has only two results. Fill a drinking glass, or glass container using the water (preferably spring or distillate) and then place the seeds on the top.
This cost-effective and simple method is a fantastic method to distinguish the best genotypes and the bad they can sink or swim literally. Seeds that stay floundering at the top are likely to be poor quality and should be eliminated. Seeds that sink down to the bottom, like a cannonball from a plant are likely to be healthy and ought to be germinated.
But, a little patience is required during the float test as the results may not be immediately evident. It will take around 1-2 hours before verifying the results. Certain seeds of high-quality will require sufficient time to soak up enough water to allow they to submerge. Make use of this time to in the garden to water it and make sure you get the necessary pruning completed. When you return and you’re done, any seeds left in the soil are likely to be unsustainable and won’t make a difference in time and effort.
It’s crucial to only run this test if planning to germinate your seeds shortly afterward. The seeds that are viable and sink into at the base of your glass have been soaked in water, crossing their membrane, signaling that it’s the time to come to life, triggering the process of germination.
Cannabis Seed Quality The Bottom Line
Your seeds’ quality can have an impact directly in the final quality the harvest. So, with that in mind that, it is essential to follow these tips to determine the quality of the seeds you purchase. However but, make sure to be aware that every cannabis plant is distinct and therefore is likely to yield somewhat different seeds.
