Cultivation Archives

Cannabis cultivation starts with what appears to be a simple seed, a small but mighty component that holds the potential for a thriving plant. For those new to growing cannabis or seasoned cultivators expanding their knowledge, understanding what cannabis seeds look like and how to differentiate between various types is crucial.

Join us as we walk through common cannabis seed traits, while taking a deeper dive into what sets apart autoflower, photoperiod, and feminized cannabis seeds from each other.

Basic characteristics of cannabis seeds

What does a cannabis seed look like, exactly? From seed size and shape to color and pattern – there are a handful of characteristics that set them apart. Here is what you should look out for when determining if a seed is cannabis or another type of plant.

Cannabis seed size
Cannabis seeds are generally small, measuring about 2 to 5 millimeters in length. Despite their petite stature, they hold the blueprint for a full-grown cannabis plant and are packed with critical genetic material. The size may vary slightly depending on the strain and type, but generally, all cannabis seeds will normally fall within this size range.

Cannabis seed shape
The shape of cannabis seeds is typically ovular, somewhat resembling a tiny teardrop. This means that the seed tapers at one end and is rounder at the other, which is where the radicle (the embryonic root) will eventually emerge during germination. This shape makes it easier to identify, as most seeds you’ll encounter don’t share this exact form. Although the shape is mostly consistent, minor variations can and will occur between different varieties or types of cannabis seeds.

Cannabis seed color
Cannabis seeds exhibit a range of colors, from light brown to almost black. A healthy, mature seed typically has a dark, mottled appearance with a glossy finish. This coloration is due to the outer layer of the seed, known as the testa, which serves to protect the delicate interior. Immature cannabis seeds are often lighter, sometimes even green, and lack the robustness of fully developed seeds. The darker the seed, the more mature and viable it is likely to be, which can be helpful when selecting seeds ahead of germination.

Cannabis seed pattern
One of the most distinguishing features of cannabis seeds is the pattern on their surface. Mature seeds often have a mottled or striped pattern that appears in varying shades of brown and black. These patterns can range from tiger-like stripes to more subtle speckling. This patterning is a key visual cue that can help differentiate cannabis seeds from other types of seeds, which typically lack such intricate surface markings.

Identifying specific types of cannabis seeds

From nuanced variations in size, color, and more – here is how you can go a step further to differentiate between major types of cannabis seeds.

Autoflower cannabis seeds

Autoflower cannabis seeds are a popular choice among growers for their ease of cultivation and quick turnaround. These seeds are bred to flower automatically after a certain period, regardless of the light cycle. This means that regardless of whether the plant receives 12 hours of light or 18, it will flower between 8-10 weeks like clockwork.

This trait makes them ideal for beginners or those looking for a more simple and streamlined harvest with high impact.

Photoperiod cannabis seeds

Photoperiod cannabis seeds are the traditional choice for many growers. The key characteristic of photoperiod seeds is their dependency on light cycles. These seeds will only flower when they receive a specific light regimen, typically 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness.

Due to their reliance on the light cycle to trigger the flowering stage, they can be more challenging to grow but often yield more potent and larger plants.

Feminized cannabis seeds

Feminized cannabis seeds are specially bred to produce female plants, which are the ones that yield the cannabinoid-rich flowers growers are after. These seeds eliminate the need to identify and remove male plants from your grow, which simplifies the overall cultivation process and has made them a popular choice with cannabis cultivators.

Feminized seeds are produced by stressing female plants into producing pollen, which is then used to fertilize another female plant. This process ensures that the resulting seeds carry only female chromosomes, leading to the production of exclusively female plants.

Feminized seed appearance
The color, shape, and patterning of feminized cannabis seeds are consistent with the general characteristics of most cannabis seeds, which can make them incredibly difficult to identify. The only potential comparison that can be made between feminized seeds and others is comparing them to male seeds, in which they may be slightly larger or have a more robust appearance when compared to males.

Though you may try to compare male vs. female cannabis seeds, sexing cannabis seeds by visual comparison is impossible. However, there are services where you can send plant material by mail and then receive an emailed report confirming the gender.

Common misconceptions about cannabis seeds

Does cannabis seed color indicate quality?
One common misconception is that the color of the seed is a direct indicator of its quality. While darker seeds are typically more mature and viable, color alone is not a foolproof measure of quality. Factors such as strain, storage conditions, and genetic health play a more significant role in determining the seed’s potential.

Does cannabis seed size determine potency?
Another myth is that larger seeds will produce more potent plants. The size of the seed does not correlate with the potency of the resulting plant. Potency is determined by genetics and growing conditions, not the size of the seed itself.

Do all cannabis seeds look the same?
It’s easy to assume that all cannabis seeds look alike, but there are subtle differences between them as mentioned above, especially when comparing different types such as autoflower and photoperiod cannabis seeds.

Get growing with Happy Valley Genetics

Our talented team at Happy Valley Genetics ensures our ability to deliver top-quality genetics to growers all over. Whether purchasing photoperiod or autoflower seeds, cultivators can trust in the consistency and excellence of Happy Valley Genetics seeds. With Happy Valley Genetics, growers can embark on their cultivation journey with confidence from germination to harvest and everything in between.

Explore Feminized Autoflower

and Photoperiod Seeds

 by Happy Valley Genetics today!