It isn’t possible to have a good cannabis harvest without quality seeds. Growers must start the grow with top-shelf genetics to have the highest odds of success. Knowing what to look for when purchasing seeds is essential to avoid low-quality ones that won’t provide the desired results and yields.
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Appearance
Cannabis isn’t a stable crop. Breeders haven’t used vigorous techniques to create many of the strains offered today, and the same strain of seeds can produce drastically different results. When buying seeds for growing cannabis, it is essential to focus on the color of the seed and how it feels. The outer shell should be hard, anywhere from light gray to almost black. Some strains have stripes on them, but not all do. Press on the seed to see if it changes in any way. The seed should remain firm. Immature seeds are typically green, and the shell is soft and easily breaks.
Environmental conditions during the packaging and storage process can also affect the seeds. Temperature, humidity, and light exposure can change the seeds’ color but won’t impact the quality. Each strain has unique characteristics, so don’t assume all seeds look alike. They don’t.
F1 Hybrid Seeds
F1 hybrid seeds have a unique appearance. They may be smaller than conventional seeds or cracked. These seeds are inbred and undergo multiple generations of self-pollination. They often show signs of inbreeding depression. However, they germinate at excellent rates and produce robust plants that thrive.
Cannabis Seed Sex
Growers cannot tell a seed’s sex from its appearance. Many internet sites claim female seeds have a perfectly round depression at the bottom. This depression shows where the seed and plant were attached. This claim is false. Growers must wait until the seed flowers to determine its sex.
Bag Seed
Bag seed isn’t for growing. It is a sign that male plants pollinated female plants, and the flowers no longer produce the resin containing THC. The plant is now focused on producing seeds rather than marijuana. In addition, bag seed means the grower is getting less weed for the price. However, some growers try growing the bag seed to see what they get.
Sourcing Seeds
Purchase seeds from a reputable seed bank to reduce the risk of problems. These seed banks ensure customers receive what they purchase as their reputation depends on it. Buying seeds from a hobbyist is risky because the plants may not have superior genetics.
The Float Test
Growers may also want to use the float test to see if their seeds are good. Fill a glass with spring or distilled water and place the seeds on the water’s surface. Let them sit for an hour or two so the seeds can absorb water. Seeds that float on the water are usually bad and should be discarded. Don’t waste time and resources on seeds that may never germinate. Healthy seeds sink to the bottom, and these seeds are ideal for germinating. Conduct this test immediately before germinating the seeds because they take in water, which is a sign that they should begin germinating.
Seed quality directly impacts harvest quality. Use the information to test the quality of the seeds being purchased. Doing so will save you time, money, and frustration while increasing the odds of a successful crop. Soon, you will have an abundance of cannabis to use as you please.
