Cannabis seed is a great source of plant-based protein and contains many nutrients. It is high in Vitamin E and a variety of minerals.
Seeds also contain soluble and insoluble fibers that boost digestion and help prevent constipation. They also contain essential fatty acids that promote healthy skin.
Size
The size of a cannabis seed is not critical to the plant’s success. The plant can grow in any shape or size it needs, but its final harvest will be determined by genetics and other factors.
Generally speaking, seeds of the same strain should be similar in size. However, some strains can produce seeds of differing sizes.
Some seeds can be quite small and pale, whilst others have a more dark appearance. These differences are not a factor in how the seeds grow or germinate, but they can help you choose a seed that will suit your particular situation.
To encourage germination, place the seeds in moist (but not soaked) soil. This will help the seeds pop quickly and easily, while also avoiding a fungal infection. Once sprouted, it is necessary to carefully move them into a starter kit with soil or soilless growing medium. Keep an eye on the temperature and moisture level of the soil and water as required.
Shape
Cannabis seeds can differ in size and shape, from one seed to the next. Depending on the type of strain they’re coming from, some seeds will have a round shape with a pointed end while others will be more rectangular.
It’s important to keep in mind that the shape of a cannabis seed is not necessarily an indicator of its quality. A good quality seed will have a tear-drop shape with a round end on one side and a tapered end on the other.
However, seeds can also vary in color, ranging from a light brown to a dark shade. Some may have multiple shades and tiger stripe patterns, while others will have a more uniform appearance.
Genetics
Seeds of plants can carry variant forms of genes that code for different traits. This genetic variation is referred to as alleles and can be passed on from one generation of seed to the next.
Plant breeders use genetics to develop stable cannabis cultivars that produce seeds with uniform phenotypes (the way a plant looks) and grows. This is done through breeding techniques such as crossbreeding, where the male and female genes of two plants are crossed.
Stabilising genetics can be a challenging task for cannabis breeders because of the large number of genes present in cannabis. However, there are a number of tools and technologies that can help cultivators and breeders stabilize their seed lineage and increase their yields and quality.
A genomic library is one tool that can be used to identify a strain’s genetic diversity. Using the data from a genomic library can help cannabis breeders identify traits that may be useful for their growing operations. This could also help breeders create high-demand stable seeds that can be patented and sold for a profit.
Germination
Germination occurs when a seed combines the heat of spring with the moisture needed to break through its shell. The combination causes the little white root to begin sprouting and burrowing through the shell.
The resulting sprout, or taproot, becomes the main stem of the plant. Once the germinated seed has emerged, it should be placed in a growing medium such as soil.
Generally, seeds will sprout within 3-10 days, but this can vary from one seed to the next. If the seed does not sprout, it is likely a dud and you should discard it.
Germinating cannabis seeds is not as difficult as it may seem. To get started, you’ll need two plates or a Tupperware with a lid, a few paper tissues and some water.
