Got seeds lying randomly nearby, and you think it’s cannabis seeds? It may or may not. Well, you should know about cannabis seeds appearance. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, identifying cannabis seeds is vital for harvesting. Knowing how healthy cannabis seeds are helps you get a bountiful harvest every time.
With the right environment and proper care, you can grow your cannabis garden at home. For that, start with purchasing high-quality hemp seeds and to know how to check if it’s top quality, we will tell you the traits.
How do you Identify Cannabis Seeds appearance?
What is the appearance of cannabis seeds? It is the most common query among cannabis growers. Well, cannabis seeds come in a variety depending on strain and genetics. Some may be small or big, round or oval. From light beige to dark brown, and some may have markings.
Cannabis seeds from the same plant or even the same flower may look a bit different. Just like two siblings having different genetic differences. Even if they differ, they are of high quality.
Cannabis seeds appearance are small, brown, and have a teardrop shape with a radicle and a micropyle. The outer shell is usually covered with numerous tiny lines or wrinkles, giving them a rough texture. High-quality cannabis seeds will also feel firm, not soft or brittle. Additionally, some strains may exhibit unique color patterns, such as speckles or stripes on the surface of the seed.
Also, Refer to Beginner’s Guide to Growing Cannabis at Home in Canada
What do Viable Cannabis Seeds look like? Â
Viable cannabis seeds should appear dark brown, grey, or black, often with tiger stripes or spots. They should feel firm when gently squeezed between your fingers but not overly brittle. A healthy seed should also have a smooth, waxy coating and an intact micropyle, where the plant embryo emerges during germination.
Visual inspection may help determine if a seed appears viable. There’s no foolproof way to know for sure without attempting to germinate. Some seemingly viable seeds may still fail to sprout due to genetics, age, or other factors beyond visual identification. Therefore, sourcing seeds from reputable breeders and growers who offer germination guarantees is recommended. These are the visual traits of cannabis seeds to clear your doubt further:
1. Cannabis seeds size
It is common for customers to bring small cannabis seeds and consider them poor because they are poly hybrid cannabis seeds whose shape and size vary due to genetics. However, in reality, the natural size of cannabis is small, and this has nothing to do with quality. If the seed is too large, it contains fewer macronutrients. Thus, cannabis seeds with a larger size indicate nutrient deficiency but germination and harvesting aren’t affected, so you could say that big or small seeds are just a difference of appearance.
2. Cannabis Seeds Shape
Normally, you buy an oval-shaped cannabis seeds. It is due to a slight morphological change. It may be round or oval doesn’t matter. In some cases, they are linear or more pointy. But it is just a visual difference nothing else. Usually, they are 2 to 5mm long and 2 to 3 mm thick.
3. Cannabis Seeds Color
Cannabis seeds come in varied colors like reddish brown, black, beige, dark brown, or gray. Good quality seeds have wax coating in them for protection. The dark color indicates that the seed is ripe and ready to germinate. Seeds harvested early can be gray, white, or yellow. However, green color seeds indicate immature seeds and that the seed is not fully developed and will not produce a good yield. So, if you have greenish seeds, contact your seller and replace them immediately.
4. Cannabis Tiger Stripes
What do ripe cannabis seeds look like? These tiger stripes in cannabis seeds look brown, a sign of ripeness and a quality indicator. These are not visible but ensure mature quality seeds. These turtle shell patterns also indicate THC potency or CBD levels. Many factors govern these stripes, like humidity, lighting, genes, age, storage, etc. So, it is always good to purchase seeds from a certified seed bank for healthy and mature cannabis seeds purchase.
5. Cannabis Seeds Shell and Texture
A hard shell signifies a well-ripened seed that has completed its journey and is ready for germination. A healthy cannabis seed will have a hard shell and smooth texture with no cracks. To know more about the peel hardness of cannabis seeds, take a seed and gently press it, it will not break. Only immature seeds will crack open quickly.
Also Read: Why Are My Cannabis Leaves Turning Yellow?
What do Immature Cannabis Seeds look like compared to Mature ones?
To identify mature and immature cannabis seeds, look for the following characteristics:
Mature Cannabis Seeds are dark brown, gray, or black. They are firm to the touch with a smooth, shiny coat of uniform size and shape with no cracks or blemishes on the surface. It has a distinct point at one end called the micropyle.
Immature Cannabis Seeds are light green, white, yellow, or tan and are soft or spongy to the touch. It has an irregular shape or lumpy texture with cracked or damaged surfaces without a well-defined micropyle.
Mature seeds are often more viable due to their weight and density, which reflect a fully developed embryo inside, critical for successful germination. In contrast, immature seeds are lighter and may have an underdeveloped embryo, significantly reducing their chances of sprouting. For gardeners, choosing mature seeds is crucial for cultivating robust plants, as they promise a better start and a higher germination rate.
What are the easy ways to spot bad Cannabis Seeds before planting?
Here is how you can describe poor cannabis seeds:
- Mold or mildew: Mold and mildew can cause damage to cannabis seeds and seedlings. Inspect seeds for any signs of mold or mildew. For that, crack it open, if you spot whitish powder, discard it.
- Soft or mushy seeds: Soft or mushy weed seeds may be overripe or damaged. Squeeze the seeds, if it cracks open easily, it’s not viable.
- Discoloration or uneven seeds: Discolored seeds may be moldy or have other problems. Similarly, shriveled seeds indicate immature seeds. Usually, they are green or white.
- Deformed seeds: Seeds that are deformed or have an unusual shape may be immature or unhealthy. Opt for seeds with a uniform, plump appearance.
Also Refer to: What Tools and Equipment Do You Need To Grow Cannabis?
How to know Cannabis Seeds are of high quality?
There are several ways to test the quality of cannabis seeds:
1. Visual Inspection
The seeds should be plump, round, and uniform in size and color. Avoid seeds that are cracked, or pale in color. Dark-colored seeds are mature, whereas light-colored seeds haven’t fully developed. If the seed has molds or cracks, it will not germinate.
2. Float Test
Take a container filled with distilled water. Drop the seeds, if the seeds sink within two hours are likely viable, while those that float indicate poor quality or immature seeds. (Note- It is not 100% correct. Just an indication)
3. Germination Test
A simple paper towel may help you know the credibility of the seeds. Keep 10-20 seeds moist in soil or paper towels, and monitor them closely. You can also place it in a zip-lock bag to create a greenhouse effect. Most healthy seeds should sprout within 3 days, indicating they are viable, and most will germinate within the same timeframe.
Related: Germination Guide
4. Age Check
In general, fresh seeds have a higher viability rate than older ones. If possible, try to obtain seeds harvested within the past year, as older seeds may still be viable, but their germination rate will decrease over time.
5. Source Reputation
Purchase seeds from reputable breeders and growers who have positive reviews and offer germination guarantees. It can increase the likelihood of obtaining high-quality seeds.
6. Genetic Testing
Advanced methods such as DNA sequencing can analyze the genetic makeup of the seeds to ensure purity and verify strain identity. This technique needs specialized equipment and knowledge.
To be noted- Remember that even with thorough testing, there’s always a risk of failure or variability in germination rates. It’s best to start with more seeds than needed to account for potential losses.
How to identify Feminized vs. Autoflowering vs. Regular vs. high CBD seeds vs. Regular?
Unfortunately, it is tough to discriminate between feminized, autoflowering, high CBD, and regular cannabis seeds, but here are the differences:
1. Feminized Seeds
It is a misconception that you can tell the gender of cannabis seeds by visual appearance because they all look the same. Feminized seeds are created using various techniques to force pollen sac development on female plants ensuring the offspring inherit female chromosomes. One thing is that you should always sow female plants away from males to avoid pollination. It is a bit costly in terms of plantations and care but produces full-capacity cannabis flowers.
2. Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflowering seeds contain ruderalis genetics, allowing them to flower automatically after reaching maturity regardless of light cycle changes. It is best for indoor growing and is beginner-friendly. You can only recognize its autoflowering plant during the flowering stage. The first flowering happens in 2-4 weeks. It’s ready to harvest in 8 weeks.
3. High CBD Seeds
High CBD seeds are bred to yield plants with elevated levels of CBD content, sometimes accompanied by reduced THC content. Analytical lab results may also support claims of increased CBD concentrations. These are used for medical and recreational purposes. To know, rely on labeling provided by the seed bank or breeder.
4. Regular Seeds
Regular seeds consist of male and female seeds found naturally in cannabis plants. Males generally develop faster than females and display fewer leaves. However, sex determination in cannabis seeds cannot occur until the vegetative stage, so relying on initial growth patterns isn’t entirely accurate.
How to Identify Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Cannabis Seeds?
Identifying cannabis seeds can be a challenging but rewarding task for beginner breeders. To accurately identify different cannabis seed varieties, consider the following key features:
Indica
Indica seeds are large, reaching 2-3 inches, or more. It is a brown to dark brown seed coat with a smooth or rough texture and a rounded seed shape with a slight point at one end. It has short, dense trichomes that cover the entire seed. It has high cannabinol content for relaxing, sedative effects.
Sativa
Sativa seeds are small, usually under 2 inches long. It is a light brown to golden seed coat with a smooth or rough texture. It is a slim and elongated seed shape, sometimes curved with long, thin trichomes that are sparse and often coated with sticky resin. It has low cannabinol content for uplifting, energizing effects.
Hybrid
Hybrid seeds are variable, falling between indica and sativa. The seed coat color can vary depending on the parents, a blend of brown and light brown. Also, the seed shape and trichome structure vary. Cannabinol content varies depending on the parents but is generally higher than sativa and lower than indica.
Here is a Chart Representing the Difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Cannabis Seeds:
| Variety | Size | Color | Shape | Trichome Structure | Cannabinol Content | Typical Effects |
| Indica | Large | Brown to dark brown | Rounded with point | Short, dense | High | Relaxing, sedative |
| Sativa | Small | Light brown to golden | Slim and elongated | Long, thin | Low | Uplifting, energetic |
| Hybrid | Variable | A mix of short and long | Combination of rounded and elongated | Mix of short and long | Varies | Balance of uplifting and relaxing |
FAQS
Here are the frequently asked questions on cannabis seeds’ appearance:
1. What are the physical signs of a healthy Cannabis Seed?
A healthy cannabis seed should have a smooth, glossy seed coat and a firm, heavy texture. It should also have a pleasant aroma. The seeds are immature or damaged if cracked, discolored, or soft.
2. Does the color of a Cannabis Seed affect its growth?
The color of a cannabis seed does not necessarily affect its growth. However, it can give you an idea of the strain genetics. For example, indica seeds have darker brown or black seeds, while sativa seeds have light brown or golden seeds.
3. Does the environment determine Cannabis sex?
No, the environment does not definitively determine cannabis sex. However, environmental factors can influence the sex ratio of plants. For example, female plants thrive in cooler temperatures and low light, while male plants flourish in warm and high light.
4. Can a Female seed turn male?
Under certain circumstances, a female seed can turn male. It is known as feminization, and it can occur when a plant has stress, such as high temperatures, low light levels, or nutrient deficiency.
5. What can you tell from a Cannabis Seed?
You can tell a few things from a cannabis seed, including its strain, gender, and maturity. You can also use the seed coat and structure to identify potential problems.
6. Can you tell the strain from the seed?
While you cannot definitively identify a strain from just one seed, you can get a general idea of its genetics based on the seed’s size, color, and shape. For example, indica seeds tend to have a round shape and dark brown color, while sativa seeds tend to have a slender shape and light brown color.
7. Can you tell if a seed is Feminized or Regular from the look of the seed?
No, you cannot tell if a seed is feminized or regular from its appearance. However, you can use other factors, such as the seed coat and structure, to make an educated guess.
8. When does a Cannabis Plant produce seeds?
Cannabis plants produce seeds when they are mature. The timing of seed production varies depending on the strain and environmental conditions. However, most plants produce seeds in late summer or early fall.
9. Can you do sex determination of Cannabis Seeds?
No, you cannot definitively determine the sex of a cannabis seed from its appearance. However, some clues can help you guess, like Male Seeds are small, light brown or golden seed coats, thin, curved pollen tubes with no noticeable trichomes, and may have a sweet or pungent odor. Female Seeds are large, dark brown or black, with straight or curvy stigmas and visible trichomes, and may have a sweet or earthy odor.
Conclusion
A healthy cannabis seed means a healthy cannabis plant.
A good quality cannabis seed has tiger stripes with a brown and smooth texture. You can do various tests mentioned above to know the quality of cannabis seeds. Also, remember the appearance of hemp seeds depends on genetics and type of strain. So, if you get a light brown seed, that doesn’t mean it is substandard. But always get them from reputable brands like FarmKing Seeds Canada.
We offer a range of cannabis seeds in various categories and provide a 100% germination guarantee. So, what are you waiting for? Get your first cannabis crop cultivating!
