Can a seed be judged by its appearance?

Content

• What can you tell from the shape and color
• Cracks and damage

What can you tell from the shape and color

When we look at cannabis seeds, it is important to consider that their appearance can provide useful information about the type of plant as well as its potential characteristics. However, it should be remembered that appearance is not a completely accurate indicator, and many seeds can look similar despite differences in genetics. Nevertheless, in general, we can identify a few basic aspects that will help to determine the type of seed.

Seed shape and size

• Sativa seeds: usually larger and more elongated. They may be slightly more angular and often have a smooth surface. Sativa generally grows tall, and such seeds produce plants with long stems and narrow leaves. This is because the seeds need to be quite strong and large in order to maintain this structure. In addition, sativa often takes longer to grow, which also affects the size of the seed.
• Indica seeds: tend to have a more compact shape, rounded and slightly flattened. They tend to be smaller in size compared to sativa seeds, due to the more compact shape of the plant itself. Indica has shorter and thicker stems, and its leaves are usually broader. These features are due to the fact that indica is adapted to colder climates, where the plants do not grow too tall and have a denser structure.

Seed color

The color of the seed can be a good indicator of its maturity and overall condition. Cannabis seeds come in different colors, depending on the variety and the conditions under which they were produced.

• Sativa seeds: tend to be lighter in color, often with shades of brown, gold and even light green. This is due to the fact that sativa in its native environment grows in hotter and sunnier regions, which requires the plant to be somewhat resilient and capable of rapid growth. Sativa seeds may be covered with light-colored spots or streaks, indicating the presence of a hard shell that protects them from the outside environment.
• Indica seeds: are most often a darker, rich brown color, often with dark spots or streaks. The darker color may indicate a higher concentration of certain substances, such as chlorophyll, which helps the plant survive in low light conditions. These seeds often look denser and stronger, indicating their ability to develop in less-than-ideal conditions.

Feminised and autoflowering seeds

Feminised and autoflowering cannabis seeds may look similar, but there are a few differences.

• Feminised seeds: these seeds ensure that they produce only female plants that produce crops. Externally, feminised seeds often have a smooth, uniform surface and a fairly uniform shape. This is because such seeds undergo special treatment to exclude males. They may be slightly more dense and heavy compared to regular seeds.
• Autoflowering seeds: these seeds tend to be smaller in size and may be less uniform in color. This is because autoflowering varieties have unique genetics that allow them to start blooming after a certain amount of time, regardless of the light cycle. Externally, these seeds may look less dense and their color may vary from light brown to darker, with less pronounced spots.

Cracks and damage

Cracks and damage on cannabis seeds are important signs that may indicate poor quality seed or improper storage and transportation conditions. These damages can significantly reduce the likelihood of the seed germinating and the successful growth of the plant.

Improper storage

• High humidity: Cannabis seeds are sensitive to storage conditions. If the seeds are kept in too humid an environment, the seed coat can become soft and prone to cracking. Humidity can also lead to the development of mold or fungus, which further degrades their quality.
• Temperature fluctuations: temperature fluctuations can also have a negative impact. When seeds are stored in places with high temperatures or sudden temperature fluctuations, their protective shells become less strong and may crack. Seeds in such conditions become more vulnerable to external damage.
• Incorrect packaging: Seeds stored in unprotected packages or packages that do not protect against moisture can be damaged by accidental shocks or squeezing. This is especially true for packages that are not airtight or not suitable for long-term storage.

Physical impact

• Mechanical damage: Seeds can crack due to external force. This can occur during improper transportation, e.g. if the seeds are not protected from compression or impact. Minor shell damage, such as cracks or chips, can occur if the seeds are subjected to heavy pressure or dropped.
• Improper collection process: seeds collected under inappropriate conditions (e.g. too early or too late) can be damaged already at the collection stage. Careless handling of the plant at the time of harvesting can also cause cracks and breaks in the seed coat.

How damage affects the ability of seeds to germinate

Cannabis seeds have a tough shell that protects them from external influences, including changes in temperature, humidity and mechanical damage. Cracks and other damage to the shell significantly weaken the protection of the seed, which can lead to its drying out or the entry of pathogens such as mold or bacteria.

Cracked seeds are less likely to germinate successfully. Shell damage can prevent the normal exchange of water and oxygen needed for germination. Even if the seed germinates, the damage can result in poor root or stem development, eventually affecting the growth of the plant.

Damaged seeds become more susceptible to various diseases and fungal infections. Cracks can serve as channels for pathogens to enter, which can cause the seed to rot before it even begins to germinate. In addition, damaged seeds cannot be stored for long and their chances of successful grovelling are greatly reduced.

Related articles:

• Germination of hemp seeds
• How to test marijuana seeds for germination?
• What is it feminised seeds?
• How to properly store cannabis seeds?

Attention! Errors Seeds does not encourage you to grow cannabis and does not promote it in any way. Cultivation is prohibited by the legislation of Ukraine. The article is of scientific and introductory interest only.