The outcome of a cannabis crop relies heavily on the initial planting and the seed quality. The success of a plant’s healthy growth process is largely dependent on the seed. If a grower has the misfortune of receiving a bad batch, this can create issues down the road with the potential for stalled germination.

That means wasted effort and expense, a frustration, to say the least. In order to avoid the potential for low-quality seeds, it’s critical to use trustworthy, well-established resources for cannabis seeds. Check OG Seeds MJ site for a prime example of a reputable source in the industry.

How can you tell if seeds are of high quality or less than favorable, especially if you’re a novice grower? Consider the suggestions as we move forward.

What Are Good Cannabis Seeds Compared To Bad

It’s indicated that a bad cannabis seed is one that will eventually create a problem within a crop. A seed referenced as a “dud” won’t sprout. These don’t necessarily cause damage, but the harvest will be less plentiful, which wastes time and can be costly.

One seed considered bad is the male cannabis plant. The chance with standard seeds as to whether one will be male is roughly 50 percent. The males are less than desired because they will pollinate the mature female plant, destroying the female’s THC levels.

No one wants to have male variants due to the destruction they can cause in the crop. A way to avoid that potential is to purchase a “feminized” batch. Theoretically, these will all be female seeds unless the grower is dishonest. 

Unfortunately, simply by looking, you can’t discern whether a seed is male or female. Let’s look at how you can differentiate between the “duds” and the potent bunches.

How Can you Determine A Good Cannabis Seed From A Bad One

You can test the cannabis seeds that you purchase to determine whether these are of a more potent quality or whether there’s a likelihood of duds. Usually, you can find out before the point of germination, avoiding the potential for wasted time and expenses. Go to https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Cannabis-Seeds-Indoors/  for guidance on the planting process, and then consider these ideas.

• Checking viability by viewing the seeds

The cannabis seed is a relatively stunning piece. The shade is a sort of “freckled” brown, varying the shades between light and dark with the alternate tiger stripe for accentuation. 

You’ll notice their exceptional sheen when looking at them relatively close up. There are cases when looking at the seed can discern health as follows:

1. Coloring: A healthy seed offers an all-over deep color with grayish or black “freckling.” In contrast, green or white colors will be indicative of an immature option that will likely not germinate. Pale-colored seeds usually will be aged and not productive.
2. Coating: A healthy seed’s coating will consist of a brilliant sheen and waxy coat. Without this, it can be considered a “dud.”
3. Cracking: You don’t want any cracking in the seeds you purchase. The ones that are cracked should be tossed out.
4. Shape: A seed will be prone to sprout if it’s rotund and fat. There seems to be some concern when bunches offer a thick outer shell with a large size. This shell breaks away when water is added.
5. Mildew: As someone looking for quality in your investment, it’s essential to take a close-up look, even using a magnifying glass. If you see a powder, it’s a red flag on “powdery mildew.” That means the batch has developed a fungus making it a waste to plant these.

If you don’t get an indication from these suggestions, sometimes it’s beneficial to crack the shell. A blackened inside or one that’s oily with a foul smell means the item has gone bad or is fermenting and won’t germinate.  

• Checking the seeds using the touch test

Another excellent indication is through feeling the seeds. You can test the integrity by holding it between the forefinger and the thumb with light pressure. If the product cracks under this slight amount of stress, it’s not a productive seed. Often these have sat on the shelf too long. Go here for guidance on distinguishing good cannabis seeds from the subpar.

• Using water to do a floating test is another ideal option for checking the integrity

This test is not restricted to cannabis seeds. This is a good indicator of healthy seed testing for many plant varieties. The problem with this test is you need to be ready to germinate immediately following the test, so wait to perform until you’re prepared for that process. 

Water can potentially damage seeds and ruin what would have been healthy plants if you let them dry out after it’s been watered. In this test, growers will need a container of warm water; you can use a glass, mug, bowl, or any container. 

The water should be exceptionally warm but not stinging hot, with distilled or spring water preferred. The seeds should be placed in the water standing for roughly 2 hours. Any that float to the surface is a “dud,” with little chance for growth. The ones that sink to the bottom are good. 

This test is affordable, accessible, and directly indicates seed health. The only downside is you’ll need to germinate straight away with those identified as healthy. These have absorbed water, potentially damaging the seed if it’s not germinated.

Final Test

You can plant the seeds when everything else fails to see what transpires. When the seed goes into the ground, it will either sprout or not. If a healthy “female” plant grows, you’re in business.