What Do Weed Seeds Look Like?

Cannabis seeds are the starting point of any successful grow, but not all seeds are the same. Understanding what healthy, viable weed seeds look like is crucial for growers looking to achieve high germination rates and strong, productive plants.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cultivator, being able to identify fresh, high-quality seeds (and actually be able to spot those that may struggle to germinate) will improve your growing success.

We're going to break down the appearance of cannabis seeds, the characteristics of viable versus non-viable seeds and the factors that affect seed quality and germination potential.

The Appearance of Healthy Weed Seeds

A good-quality cannabis seed typically has a hard, protective shell that shields the delicate embryo inside. While weed seeds can come in a variety of colours and patterns, certain visual characteristics indicate whether a seed is fresh and likely to sprout.

1. Colour and Pattern

Healthy cannabis seeds tend to be dark brown, grey, or black and often feature a unique brindle pattern - a marbled or tiger-stripe-like effect. Some seeds may have lighter speckles or mottling, which is completely normal. This pattern results from the seed's outer protective layer which is known as the testa.

2. Size and Shape

The size of cannabis seeds can vary depending on the strain, but viable seeds are usually round or oval in shape with a symmetrical form. Seeds that are misshapen or overly small migh be immature or underdeveloped, reducing their chances of germination.

3. Texture and Hardness

A healthy cannabis seed has a firm, slightly waxy outer shell. When you apply a little bit of pressure between your fingers, it shouldn't crack or break easily. Soft, fragile or brittle seeds are often old or damaged and less likely to sprout.

4. The "Sheen" Test

Fresh, high-quality seeds have a slight gloss or sheen when held under light. Seeds that look dull, overly dry or faded may be too old or improperly stored, reducing their germination potential.

How to Identify Bad or Unripe Seeds

Not all seeds are created equal. Some may be too young, old or damaged, making them unsuitable for germination.

So, when questioning what do weed seeds look like, here are some tips to help you identify bad or unripe seeds.

1. Pale or Green Colour

Seeds that are light green, white or pale beige are usually immature and have a low chance of germination. These seeds haven't fully developed their protective coating and internal nutrients needed for strong growth.

2. Cracks and Damage

If a seed has visible cracks or chips, it's highly likely that it's damaged and incapable of sprouting. Even minor cracks can expose the delicate embryo inside, leading to failed germination.

3. Excessively Dry or Wrinkled Appearance

Seeds that look shrivelled, overly dry, or wrinkled may be too old. Cannabis seeds can last for years if stored properly, but prolonged exposure to heat, humidity and oxygen can cause them to degrade.

4. The "Squeeze" Test

A simple way to check seed viability is to gently squeeze it between your fingers. A healthy seed will remain firm, while a weak or dead seed will crack or crumble under pressure.

Factors That Affect Seed Quality

Even if a seed looks healthy, external factors can impact its viability and ability to germinate. Understanding these influences can help you make better decisions when selecting and storing your seeds.

1. Genetics and Breeding

The genetics of a cannabis seed play a major role in its quality. Well-bred seeds from reputable sources, like Oaseeds, are carefully selected for strength, stability and high germination rates. Poorly bred seeds, on the other hand, might have lower resilience and inconsistent traits.

2. Storage Conditions

If seeds aren't stored correctly, they can age prematurely. Seeds should be kept in a cool, dark and dry environment - preferably an airtight container. At Oaseeds, all our seeds are stored in a fridge at the optimal temperature to maintain freshness and ensure high germination success.

3. Age of the Seed

While cannabis seeds can last for several years, their germination rate gradually declines over time. Fresh seeds (under a year old) have the highest success rates, whereas older seeds (3+ years) may require additional germination techniques to sprout.

4. Handling and Packaging

Seeds that have been roughly handled, exposed to moisture or stored in poor packaging may lose viability. Buying from trusted suppliers ensures that your seeds have been properly stored and protected from damage.

How to Test if a Cannabis Seed is Viable

If you're unsure whether a cannabis seed is still viable, you can try the float test:

1. Fill a glass with lukewarm water.
2. Drop the seed in and wait for 1-2 hours.
3. Observe the results:
   Seeds that sink are more likely to be viable.
   Seeds that float are often old, hollow, or non-viable.

Bear in mind that this test should be used as a last resort, because exposing seeds to water without immediate planting can reduce germination success.

Purple or Unusual-Coloured Seeds: Are They Normal?

While most viable cannabis seeds are brown with a brindle pattern, some strains naturally produce purple or darker-coloured seeds - it's nothing to be concerned about. This is due to genetic variation and environmental factors. As long as the seed has a hard shell, symmetrical shape and a slight sheen, its colour does not affect its ability to germinate.

FAQs On What Do Weed Seeds Look Like?

1. Can you tell the strain of a cannabis seed just by looking at it?

No, the appearance of a seed doesn't reveal its strain. The only way to know the genetics is to buy from a trusted seed bank like Oaseeds, where each seed is labelled and sourced from reputable breeders.

2. Are bigger cannabis seeds better than smaller ones?

No, not necessarily. Seed size varies by strain, and both small and large seeds can be equally viable. What matters most is firmness, colour, and shell integrity.

3. Why do some seeds have a shiny surface while others are dull?

Fresh seeds often have a slight sheen, while older or improperly stored seeds may appear dull or faded. But, as long as the seed is hard and undamaged, it can still germinate.

4. How long do cannabis seeds remain viable?

With proper storage, cannabis seeds can last more than five years. However, fresh seeds (under 1-2 years old) have the highest germination rates. Keeping seeds in a refrigerator helps extend their lifespan.

5. Can white or pale cannabis seeds still germinate?

While some pale seeds may sprout, white or green seeds are usually immature and have a low success rate. It's best to choose seeds that are dark brown with a brindle pattern.

Closing Thoughts On What Weed Seeds Look Like

Understanding what weed seeds look like helps growers identify the best-quality seeds and avoid wasting time on weak or non-viable ones. Healthy seeds should be dark brown, hard and symmetrical, with a brindle pattern and slight sheen. Avoid pale, cracked or brittle seeds, as these are often immature or too old to germinate.

At Oaseeds, all our seeds are carefully stored in a refrigerated environment to ensure maximum freshness and high germination rates. Choosing high-quality seeds from a trusted supplier is the best way to start your grow successfully.