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The cannabis industry hit USD 43.72 billion in 2022 and is projected to continue growing for the foreseeable future. To claim a piece of the pie, you need to produce high-quality weed. While much of the quality depends on growing techniques, top-tier production starts with your seeds.
Your seeds must be top quality to ensure the best quality product and growth. You also need to understand the seeding process like a professional.
Use this comprehensive guide to learn about cannabis seeds, their appearance, anatomy, and types. We’ll also help you pick the perfect seeds to grow your crop.
Like other plants, cannabis plants grow from seeds. They are the primary means by which the plant reproduces. These seeds contain the genetic information necessary to grow into mature cannabis plants.
Cannabis seeds come in various strains, each with unique characteristics, including variations in plant size, growth patterns, cannabinoid content (such as THC and CBD), and flavor profiles.
Some strains are bred for high THC content, which is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis. In contrast, others are produced for high CBD content, which is known for its potential therapeutic properties without causing a significant high.
You can buy cannabis seeds from seed banks, both online and in physical stores, and use them for home cultivation.
Remember that the legality of growing cannabis from seeds varies from one state to another, so it’s crucial to understand and comply with the local laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation.
To fully grasp the complexity of cannabis seeds and their role in marijuana quality, it’s essential to understand the basic anatomy of cannabis seeds. Let’s take a look.
The heart of a cannabis seed is the embryo. This is a smaller version of the cannabis plant within the kernel, which later germinates and produces the first shoots.
The cannabis embryo is made of the following parts:
The embryo makes up the innermost bundle of the cannabis seed, but it’s not the only organic matter inside cannabis seeds. Surrounding the cannabis embryo is the nutrient-rich endosperm.
During the germination period, before the cannabis plant can get all its necessary nutrients through photosynthesis, the endosperm provides the plant with fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Surrounding the embryo and the endosperm is the seed coat. The seed coat acts as a container and armor and protects the internal structure of cannabis seeds.
It is what we see when looking at cannabis seeds. The shell is sturdy and can tell you a lot about the seeds.
Your cannabis seeds need to be fully developed and healthy to ensure robust and fruitful growth. Seeds that aren’t strong will produce weaker plants that waste resources and produce subpar cannabis.
These appearance markers will help you identify good seeds and discard bad ones.
The darker the seed, the better. Dark cannabis seeds are fully developed seeds, which means they stand a better chance of developing into bountiful plants.
Avoid white or green seeds unless you’re actively looking for them. They’re underdeveloped and struggle to germinate. Cannabis seeds that are pale brown are old and overdeveloped.
Cannabis seeds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The majority are round, oval, or teardrop-shaped. They’re also relatively small, between an eighth and a quarter of an inch across.
Cannabis shells feature characteristic marks resembling small tiger stripes or lightning bolts.
Healthy cannabis seeds retain moisture through a waxy sheen on the shell. Healthy cannabis seeds maintain moisture through a waxy sheen on the shell. If the shine is gone and the seed looks dried out, it’s a sign that it isn’t high quality or healthy.
To check the sheen, hold the seeds under a light. The shine should reflect the light off the surface of the seeds. If the seeds are matte, look for other seeds.
Young and healthy seeds are dark and filled out. A shiny, hard seed is full of moisture and ready to germinate.
Older seeds look dry and brittle. The color withers away, leaving them a faded brown hue. Old cannabis seeds also feel brittle. If you can break them with a pinch, they won’t germinate.
Cannabis seeds can differ from one another in various ways, primarily due to genetic factors. These genetic differences lead to variations in the characteristics of the resulting cannabis plants. Some of the ways in which cannabis seeds differ include:
Cannabis growers should choose seeds that match their goals and growing conditions because the seed’s genes significantly affect how the plants turn out.
To choose the right seeds for your needs, let’s take a look at common types and how they differ from one another.
Regular seed bundles contain both female and male cannabis seeds. Male cannabis seeds fertilize female seeds to produce new growth. They are used mostly for breeding as male cannabis plants don’t make the flowers needed for marijuana production.
Male plants produce tiny pollen sacs in clusters in the leaf axils or along the branches. Pollen sacs burst open when they reach maturity, and pollen can be carried by the wind or by insects to each the pistils of female plants.
Professional growers will separate male and female plants to ensure the females do not become fertilized. Fertilization can negatively affect the flower that female cannabis plants produce.
Regular seeds are more stable than other types of cannabis seeds. With them, growers can let nature take its course with minimal human intervention. This produces more robust and consistent growth. They are also less likely to form inbreeding and other engineering abnormalities.
Regular seeds are great for crafting new strains. They’re also a good option for growers manufacturing large batches who are okay with removing male crops later down the production line.
As the name suggests, feminized seeds are bundles with only female seeds. They produce only female cannabis plants, which ensures a crop of only flower-bearing cannabis plants.
Because feminized seeds produce only flower-bearing plants, they’re an excellent option for growers who want to optimize their space, time, and resources. If you don’t want to waste time removing males from your crop or you don’t have the space to waste on male plants, feminized seeds are the way to go.
Beyond feminized and regular seeds, you can also choose between auto-flowering and photoperiod seeds.
Autoflowering seeds have been genetically altered to produce buds no matter the light cycle. With auto-flowering growth, you don’t need a light schedule, and you don’t need to monitor your growth as closely as with photoperiod seeds.
As such, autoflowering seeds are much easier to grow and require less maintenance than photoperiod seeds. They also grow faster, making them a good option for growers who want a fast and guaranteed bloom.
As for cons, you can’t clone auto-flowering seeds. You will need to buy every batch. The potency of auto-flowering seeds can also suffer from genetic altering.
Photoperiod seeds are the opposite of auto-flowering seeds. Like typical plants, they need specific light conditions to flower. The average cannabis plant needs 12 hours of darkness to grow and enter the flowering stage.
Photoperiod seeds are more potent than autoflowering seeds. So, if the potency of your product is what matters the most, photoperiod seeds are better than auto-flowering ones. Photoperiod seeds also work better for large-yield operations.
However, photoperiod seeds require more care when growing. Specific light conditions are necessary for the cannabis seeds to grow into the flowering stage. If these needs aren’t met, the buds won’t develop right.
When you purchase seeds, keep this inspection list in mind to ensure you buy the right seeds for your unique needs.
First, verify your seed bank for quality products.
There are many fake sellers – both online and in person – that sell duds. Some sellers will also list one strain and then sell something completely different. So, to ensure your seeds and their listings are accurate, partner with a seller who sells the real stuff and is honest about their product.
Verify your seed bank with reviews. Check client reviews for any issues, especially those associated with seed quality. The seed bank should also provide detailed information on the seed type, whether it’s auto-flowering or photoperiod, feminized or regular, as well as its potency, strain, and growing conditions.
Determine the type of seeds you need for your growing operation.
Do you want regular seeds or feminized seeds? Photoperiod or auto-flowering? What weed strain do you need – indica, sativa, or a hybrid?
You should also consider the genetics you want. The seed bank should also provide a detailed listing of the genetics, aroma, and ancestry of your chosen seed.
Once you’ve found a seed bank worth your money, it’s time to inspect the seeds.
Use the cannabis seed guide above to ensure the seeds are healthy. They should be firm, dark with stripes, and plump. There should also be a waxy sheen on the seed coat, which indicates good moisture retention.
If the seeds are dry, brittle, or pale (unless it’s the color of a specific strain), the seeds aren’t going to germinate or procure a healthy crop.
Different strains have different THC and CBD levels. The levels of each can affect the potency and effects of each type. Browse the seed bank catalog to see the effects and potency of each type and purchase the ones suitable for your grow operation.
Lastly, note the growing conditions the seeds need to flourish. Cannabis seeds have different humidity, light, darkness, etc. needs. If your grow setup doesn’t mesh with the seeds you purchase, they aren’t growing to reach their full potential.
So, evaluate your grow operation and buy seeds that suit your setup. If you want a specific seed, check the growing condition requirements and adjust your processes accordingly.
Buying cannabis seeds in bulk can keep you stocked up for years. It also works out cheaper. But keeping your seeds stored safely while waiting for the plants to flower is a different story.
Fortunately, cannabis seeds are pretty durable. If stored correctly, your stock can last years on end. Some growers even successfully store seeds for up to a decade.
Use the following guidelines to store your seeds and prepare them for the next planting season.
Glass containers with sealed rims work wonderfully.
Cannabis seeds come with their fair share of small – and sometimes large – issues. Here are common problems and what you can do about them:
To prevent fungal growth, ensure proper handling and storage. Remove moisture in the containers with rice and desiccants, and regularly check up on your seed bank.
Cannabis has only recently become legal in many states, and the laws are still gray in some regions. Cannabis seeds fall under this umbrella, so it’s important to check the legality of cannabis seeds before you get in trouble.
Cannabis is completely legal to own in most states. However, some states have stipulations on what is considered a legal amount of cannabis, in seed form or otherwise.
To stay on the right side of the law, check your state government website. Check for any stipulations or limitations on cannabis seed and storage.
The cannabis industry is vast and massively profitable. More and more people are growing crops for both personal and commercial use. To grow your marijuana crop and ensure a good yield, you must know how cannabis seeds work and which will produce the best results.
To choose the right option for you, use this comprehensive guide to study cannabis anatomy, seed types, and the pros of each option.
The above checklist will also help you choose the best seed bank and seed type for your grow operation. Finally, troubleshoot common issues and store your seeds safely for up to a decade.
To grow the best marijuana, you need to experience the best marijuana. Visit your nearest Embarc location for high-quality cannabis, community, and culture.
