Whether you grow cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, quality seed is the key to a healthy and successful harvest. It’s important to know how to recognize top-quality seeds, so you can start your grows with the best possible genetic potential.
Regular cannabis seeds require a male plant to fertilize them to produce female plants that will produce buds. They contain the entire genetic blueprint for the marijuana plant.
Size
The size of a cannabis seed can vary quite a bit, but it’s not an accurate indicator of the seed’s viability. Seeds can range from jet-black to light tan or grey and everything in between.
They are ovular in shape with one side that is rounded and the other that has a ridge running longitudinally. The ridge opens up during the germination process.
Seeds can either be male or female, but most growers prefer to cultivate only the female seeds. This is because the female plants will produce buds. Male seeds can be used to pollinate the female plants, but they will not produce buds themselves. The sex of the plant can also be determined by the color of the seed. Darker colored seeds are usually more mature.
Shape
Just like sunflower, chia seeds, and pumpkin seeds, shelled hemp seeds (also called “hemp hearts”) are becoming increasingly popular as a snack, especially among athletes and fitness professionals. These crunchy, nutty, high-protein snacks are packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as the rare gamma-linoleic acid.
Interestingly, the shape of a cannabis seed can also vary; one end may be rounded while the other pointy. However, the varying shapes of cannabis seeds do not indicate any differences in germination or plant quality.
Seed color can range from light to dark brown, with some seeds having black lines that look like tiger stripes. But again, this is a superficial physical attribute that does not say anything about the quality of the future plants that will grow from those seeds.
Embryos
Unlike most seeds, cannabis seed embryos are not protected by an outer shell. They are vulnerable to heat and cold, so it’s best to keep them in a fridge where the temperature is stable and they are sheltered from light.
The embryo contains the genetic code of your new plant and the four immature cotyledon leaves that sprout when the seed germinates. Healthy, viable seeds are dark in color and firm to the touch.
They are used for breeding, where pollen from a male and female plant produce offspring with the traits of both parents. This is the basis of the many strain varieties that we enjoy today. The other use for regular seeds is to grow clones, tiny replicas of the mother plants that can be replanted again and again to produce more crops of uniform cannabis.
Cotyledons
When a cannabis seed sprouts, it will grow rounded cotyledon leaves in pairs. These leaves allow the plant to begin photosynthesis, which provides the energy needed for growth. The cotyledons will eventually shed and fan leaves will appear.
Hemp seeds contain healthy fats, protein and minerals, which are essential for the body. They are also rich in magnesium, which helps relax the muscles and reduce stress levels. They are also a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6, which help improve the functioning of the brain and prevent depression.
Hemp seeds are also known to relieve PMS symptoms. They contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease cramps and nausea. They can also be used to reduce the effects of insomnia and anxiety. They are also a good source of nutrients that can boost the immune system.
Radicle
Typically, healthy cannabis seeds have a tear-drop shape. Seeds that stray from this consistent shape may be defective, causing problems during germination or growing.
Unlike feminized seeds, regular seeds can be used for breeding. Selective crossings between two cultivars can produce new plants with a wide range of desirable characteristics. Breeding is best done with plants that have their full set of chromosomes, which regular seeds provide.
Aside from breeding, consuming regular cannabis seeds can have a number of health benefits. For example, arginine present in cannabis seeds can help alleviate depression and anxiety by relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow. These seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart diseases. They can also be eaten raw, as a snack called “hemp hearts.” These are crunchy and flavorful.
