Cannabis seeds are rich in essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. They are also a great source of plant-based protein and can boost your weight loss efforts.
Many beginner growers ask if you can tell the sex of a seed by its appearance. Sadly, this is not true.
How do they work?
Cannabis seeds are extremely nutritious and can be incorporated into many different diets. They contain a ton of protein, minerals, and healthy fats. They are popular with athletes and bodybuilders because of their high nutritional value and ease to digest. They are also a great source of Omegas 3 and 6 which help boost cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
After germinating, seedlings will enter the vegetative stage of growth where the plant will focus on leaf production and not produce flowers. The vegetative phase can last up to 16 weeks. The plant will need plenty of water and the nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and magnesium to grow well.
At this point, the plants will be ready to enter the flowering phase. The plant will be triggered to begin producing flowers by lowering the hours of light it receives each day. If growing outdoors, this is done naturally by the change in seasons, but when growing indoors, this can be triggered at any time.
How long do they last?
Cannabis seeds remain viable for a long time, even decades, if they are stored in dry, dark, and cool conditions. They can also be preserved by freezing or airing out. Viable seeds are firm, have an external dark coloring and a waxy coating, and they should not crumble when gently squeezed.
Seeds should never be exposed to direct sunlight as the sun’s UV rays will cause them to dry out and spoil. They are best kept in a dark container, such as a cupboard or drawer.
Cannabis seeds can also be stored in a peat pellet that will help them germinate and grow. When the seed sprouts, it will grow right out of the peat pellet, and you can then directly transfer it into a pot. Never take the size or shape of a seed into consideration as a sign of its quality. Even the same strain will produce seeds of different sizes and shapes.
How do they germinate?
Cannabis seeds require water, heat, and air to break dormancy and germinate. Strong, viable seeds typically sprout within 2 to 7 days. During germination, the seed’s outer shell splits and a white sprout (the radicle) pops out. The radicle grows a stem and tiny leaves, known as cotyledons.
The cotyledons are the seed’s first attempt at growing roots and foliage, and they are incredibly fragile during this stage of growth. Disturbing them or trying to reposition them can damage them and slow down the plant’s development.
To germinate your seeds, place them on or between a paper towel that’s moistened with water. Ensure the soaked paper towel doesn’t dry out, and keep it at room temperature. Then, a few times a day, mist the paper towel with water to keep it evenly moist. Over-watering can suffocate the delicate sprout and delay growth. Do not use hydrogen peroxide for this purpose as it can kill the seed.
How do they grow?
Cannabis seeds require the perfect environmental conditions to germinate. Storing them properly, keeping them wet and exposing them to the right light is the key to success.
They are ovular in shape and have a ridge on one side, which opens up during germination. A seed’s color is usually light to dark brown and can be shiny or matte.
Seeds contain a high percentage of magnesium which aids in muscle relaxation and widening the blood vessels to allow easy flow. They are also rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids which reduce the risk of heart diseases.
If you’re growing from seed, it’s important to get feminized seeds because only female plants produce buds. You’ll need male plants to pollinate them and this can be tricky. Feminized seeds will ensure that you’re getting all-female plants and avoid waste of resources like fertilizers and space. This is why most growers opt to buy feminized marijuana seeds instead of regular ones.
