How to Choose Cannabis Seeds for Healthy Plants

Knowing how to choose cannabis seeds is an important skill. Maintaining this skill is important too! 

Local vendors can help you determine what is the best cannabis seed to grow in your area. 

Seed banks sell online also. Read on to update your knowledge on how to choose seeds, plus tips, specifics and vendors. This article is an update to “How to Choose Cannabis Seeds for Healthy Plants,” originally posted in March 2020. 

Note: every state varies on how many plants can be grown for personal use, i.e., without a license. Check state-run cannabis control for current information regarding your state. Further, if cannabis, medicinal or recreational, is not legal in your state, you cannot legally buy cannabis seeds online or otherwise.

How to Tell if Cannabis Seeds are Good

Appearance is the main way to determine potential viability. Good weed seeds will be gray to brown in color, have stripes or speckles and feature a glossy/waxy appearance without any cracks. They are typically bigger in size than immature seeds, which usually have a green tone and a soft shell. 

Seeds past their prime will appear very dark in color and dulled. Be sure to compare seeds of the same variety when looking for seeds ready to be planted, because the tips above are moot when reviewing one strain versus another. Generally, however, a good cannabis seed has a teardrop shape. A final check for how to tell if cannabis seeds are good: drop them into a glass of water. If they sink after one to two hours, they are prime for planting!

How to Choose Cannabis Seeds: Things to Consider

1. Gender. The most popular choice for growers are feminized seeds. This is because female-only crops yield buds.
2. Effects. Another factor in considering what is the best cannabis seed to grow are the desired effects from consumption. Indica-dominant strains are typically sedating, while sativa-dominant strains can be stimulating. Hybrids are also an option.
3. Location. Where will the plants be grown? Growing conditions can eliminate some seed choices, as some varieties thrive indoors, where light, climate and nutrients can be carefully controlled. Other variants thrive with natural elements found outdoors.
4. Medicinal Effects. For those using cannabis for medicinal purposes, ensure your selection provides the cannabinoid ratios and effects needed. Loop in your healthcare professional to compare them against regularly taken medications.
5. Inclination. Don’t forget your own personal preferences when choosing seeds. Potency, flavor and aroma all tie to a strain’s terpene and cannabinoid profile.
6. Timeframe. After deciding to grow indoors or outdoors, calculate the estimated time for full maturation. Most plants must grow between seven and nine weeks before harvest. Consideration of time will help with selection.

Preservation Methods

It is of utmost importance to know how to choose seeds. It is also very vital to understand proper storage and preservation. While in an ideal world, a received seed will immediately have a perfect home, the reality is that cannabis seeds sometimes need to be shelved for a bit until planted. When this happens, don’t waste research, time and money. Save seeds in a sealed glass jar in a cool, dark area with low humidity. This means they shouldn’t go in the refrigerator — refrigerators have high humidity levels inside. 

Take measures to overall avoid heat, oxygen, light, humidity and rapid changes in temperature while the seeds are in waiting. Under ideal conditions, cannabis seeds can be stored for up to a year. If uncertain, squeeze a cannabis seed between your fingers to test it, as a young and healthy seed will feel firm and won’t give in to pressure.

Pay Attention to Soil

Soil quality can improve yield and ease the growing process, even for hardy vegetation like cannabis plants. 

“The importance of soil quality when growing cannabis cannot be overstated,” said Tina Ho of Good Plant Care. “High-quality soil provides an optimal environment for root growth, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health.” Natural soils can be clay, sandy, silty or loamy, a mixture of the three. Each has benefits and detractions from cannabis cultivation. Different strains prefer various nutrients, water, pH levels and other factors, all of which are impacted by countless traits in soil. Consider texture, drainage, acidity, water retention and nutrients when choosing seeds. And don’t forget “soilless” options, like hydroponics, aeroponics or coco coir for growing cannabis.

Learn How to Choose Cannabis Seed Vendors at CannaCon

Lastly, it is essential to purchase from reputable sources specializing in fresh, mature seeds. All the best information in the world about how to choose cannabis seeds is worthless if your dealer is dubious. 

Choose a professional breeder and seed bank to ensure the best cannabis seeds. CannaCon recommends vendors such as Seeds Here Now, Vancoast Seeds, Humboldt Seed Company, Crop King Marijuana Seeds, Rocket Seeds and Horror Seeds. Have questions? Looking for information on how to choose hemp seeds? Attend a CannaCon event and ask the experts directly!

This article was originally posted on March 20, 2020 and updated on October 10th, 2024.