High-quality seeds are the secret to healthy plants and great yields. A proper watering schedule and lighting quality are obviously important to the yield and health that your crops can produce, beginning an indoor plant with the best genetics is equally, if perhaps more essential. But how can you distinguish high-quality cannabis seeds from other seeds? We’ll teach you precisely how to identify the top cannabis seeds of the industry, stay clear of bad seeds, and begin your cannabis journey right.
Appearance and Feel – Examining the Color, Size and Shape of Your Seeds
Contrary to other agricultural crops (like fruits, vegetables or grain) cannabis isn’t subjected to the rigorous breeding methods which ensure a steady yield. This means that you may plant a seed pack technically identified with the exact “strain,” but may result in distinct looking plants. This also means that individual seeds you purchase from a seed store can differ in appearance.
The possibility that cannabis seeds could appear different has been a reason for some growers to believe that the shape, size or color of a plant determines its quality.
We don’t recommend using the shape or size of seeds as a determinant of its quality. Some varieties simply have less seeds than other varieties and in some cases, the same plant may produce seeds of various dimensions and shapes. Don’t throw away a seed simply because it’s smaller or has the same shape as another.
The appearance and color of a seed in turn can reveal some more information about its maturation and the potential to germinate into an enlightened seedling.
The mature cannabis seeds typically contain a hard outer shell which can range in hue from dark (or nearly black) to a light grey. They may also sport the appearance of tiger stripes. It is recommended to hold these seeds with your fingertips without harming the seeds.
Cannabis seeds that are still in their embryos however tend to be green, and they have an outer shell that snaps when any type or pressure applied.
Remember that the procedure of packaging and storing cannabis seeds can affect their appearance. Rapid fluctuations in temperature, humidity or light exposure may make certain seeds appear lighter or darker than others, however they do not affect their quality.
Be aware that, like animal life and many other creatures cannabis seeds are biologically distinct from each other (even when they’re technically the same variety) and, consequently, will have distinct physical traits. Don’t let these variations make you believe that a bigger, more round more dark seed (for instance) is more valuable than a smaller, lighter and more oval-shaped seed.
Can You Identify the sexuality of Cannabis Seeds based on their appearance?
We get this question over and over from our clients and novice cultivators, and the answer is an unquestionable no. There is no way to discern the gender of a cannabis seed simply by taking a look.
A quick search on the internet will yield a variety of myths regarding how to differentiate male cannabis seeds for females from male seeds. Some of the more well-known ones is from an illustration of five different seeds , which claim female seeds possess “a perfectly round volcano-like depression in the bottom (from the point at which the seed was connected with the cannabis plant).”
The opposite is not the case. As we have explained previously, cannabis seeds appear different. No single physical feature of a plant will tell you if that seeds have the genetics of the male or female plants. One way you can distinguish whether a female cannabis plant is the male one is by looking at its blooms when it starts to sex. Don’t fall for the trap of dispersing perfectly healthy seeds because an internet chart that is popular said so.
Growing Seeds from a Bag (Bagseed)
Certain smokers may be happy to find cannabis seedlings in their bags and may consider themselves lucky. However, the seeds that are found in a bag can be a problem due to various reasons. One reason is that the grower is in error and let their female plants be pollinated by a male invading. After flowers are pollinated they stop producing resin containing THC and focus their energy towards making seeds. In addition, the seeds be added to the volume of your bag that means you get less weed per your money.
In this regard it’s possible to be lucky if the type of strain they were cultivating is really top-quality. In this instance it’s worthwhile to conduct the next test to determine whether you can germinate it.
The Germination of All Seeds No Matter What
The only method that is reliable to assess its genetic capacity of plant is to place it in the soil. It will not take long to observe the results. This is the best option for the amateur home gardener with time and space for a risky endeavor. Growers who cultivate cannabis for commercial use probably do not have the time to invest in.
Get Your Seeds Sourced Well
An effective method to acquire excellent seeds is to locate a reliable seed bank. They are proud on their breeding abilities and make sure the customers get exactly what is promised. They have a reputation to serve, and delivering anything less will damage their reputation.
Another option is to purchase seeds from an amateur. That’s not to suggest that hobby growers don’t make amazing genetics, however, If you don’t have any knowledge of them or their expertise it’s impossible to be sure that your seeds will succeed.
Conducting the Float Test
If you’re still not sure regarding the quality of your seeds after looking at their appearance and hardness then it’s time to put on your lab coat on and put on your goggles. Well, not quite. The test is very simple and offers only two possibilities of results. Fill a drinking glass, glass bottle or even a glass vase by adding the water (preferably spring or distillate) and then place the seeds on top.
This cost-effective and simple method is an excellent way to differentiate the beneficial genes from those that are bad they can sink or swim literally. Seeds that stay floundering at the top are likely to be of poor quality and should be eliminated. Seeds that sink down to the bottom, like a cannonball from a plant are probably healthy and must be germinated.
But, a little patience is required during the test of floats, since results will not be apparent immediately. You’ll need to wait about a couple of hours before you can confirm the results. Certain seeds of high-quality will require sufficient time to absorb water to allow the seeds to sink. Take this time to take a bath and water your garden, and also make sure you get the necessary pruning completed. When you return the seeds left in the soil are likely to be unsustainable and won’t make a difference in time and effort.
It’s crucial to only run this test if planning to germinate your seeds right away. The seeds that are viable and sink into at the base of your glass have taken up water, and will have crossed their membrane, signaling that it’s time to bring the seed back to life by activating the process of germination.
Cannabis Seed Quality The Bottom Line
Quality of the seeds you purchase can have an impact directly upon the overall quality the harvest. In this regard it is important to follow these tips to determine the quality of the seeds you purchase. However but, make sure to keep in mind that every cannabis plant is unique and therefore is likely to yield somewhat different seeds.
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