If you’ve ever held a handful of pot seeds, you know they each tell their own little story. These tiny powerhouses carry everything needed to grow a full cannabis plant, and their look can say a lot about their quality. Healthy seeds usually show off a firm, dark shell with speckles or stripes that look like tiny tiger marks. They feel solid between your fingers and have a natural sheen when light hits them.
Recognizing healthy seeds is key for anyone starting a grow. Spotting differences in color, texture, and shape helps you avoid duds before you ever plant them. Whether you’re sorting through new cultivars or checking a fresh batch from a seed bank, knowing what real, healthy cannabis seeds look like is the first step toward a successful grow.
Physical Characteristics of Pot Seeds
Pot seeds are small, round to slightly oval, and usually sit between 2 and 5 millimeters wide. Think about the size of a peppercorn, but with a smooth shell and subtle texture.
Healthy cannabis seeds often range in color from light brown to deep gray, sometimes showing a mix of both. Many have unique mottled or striped markings that look a bit like tiny tiger stripes. These patterns are common in mature seeds and are a good sign that the genetics inside are solid.
The outer shell should feel hard and smooth to the touch. When you apply gentle pressure, a healthy seed stays firm instead of cracking. Seeds that feel soft or look pale green are usually immature and not ready for germination.
Identifying Healthy vs. Unhealthy Seeds
A healthy pot seed stands out right away once you know what to look for. Strong, viable seeds have a hard, glossy shell that reflects light slightly. They often show darker shades of brown or gray with natural speckles or stripes. When rolled between your fingers, they feel firm and dense instead of hollow.
Unhealthy or immature seeds tell a different story. These are usually pale, soft, or cracked. Some might look white or light green, showing they weren’t fully developed when harvested. Seeds that crumble easily or show signs of mold aren’t worth planting.
Good seeds should look alive, with that slight sheen and solid shape that signals healthy genetics inside. Picking strong seeds from the start saves time and frustration down the line.
Cannabis Seed Types by Strain
Not all pot seeds look exactly the same. Their shape, color, and size can vary depending on the genetics of the cultivar.
Indica seeds tend to be rounder and darker, often showing thicker shells and deeper markings. Their compact size reflects the shorter, bushier plants they produce.
Sativa seeds are usually a bit longer and lighter in color. They can look smoother with fewer visible stripes, and they often come from plants that grow taller and leaner.
Hybrid seeds mix features from both sides. They might have the darker hue of an indica seed but the elongated shape of a sativa. Their appearance depends on the genetic balance of their parent plants.
Each seed type carries hints of what’s to come in the grow room, making it easier to match your preferences with the right cultivars.
How to Perform a Visual Viability Test
Checking seed quality doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple steps can help you figure out which pot seeds are worth planting.
The Look and Feel Test
Start by holding the seed between your fingers. It should feel solid and smooth, not soft or brittle. Give it a gentle squeeze—healthy seeds stay firm. Then check for the classic mottled or striped pattern. If it’s glossy with deep coloring and a hard shell, it’s usually viable.
The Float Test
Fill a small glass with lukewarm water and drop your seeds in. Let them sit for a few hours. Viable seeds tend to sink once they absorb a little water, while immature or damaged ones float. This method isn’t perfect, but it’s a quick way to separate the likely growers from the duds.
