A seed contains all the genetic characteristics of a plant. Seeds are the result of sexual propagation and contain genes from each parent, male and female. Some plants, known as hermaphrodites, bear both male and female flowers on the same plant. The genes within a seed dictate a plant's size; disease and pest resistance; root, stem, leaf, and flower production; cannabinoid levels; and many other traits. The genetic makeup of a seed is the single most important factor dictating how well a plant will grow under artificial light or natural sunlight and the levels of cannabinoids it will produce.
Weak plants are the result of weak seeds and poor growing conditions. Strong, healthy parents and proper care yield strong seeds that germinate well. Strong seeds produce healthy plants and heavy harvests. Seeds stored too long will germinate slowly and have a high rate of failure. Vigorous seeds initiate growth within seven days or sooner. Seeds that take longer than a month to germinate could always be slow and produce less.
People grow seeds rather than clones because of"hybrid vigor," a phenomenon that causes Fl seeds that are the product of two true-breeding parents to grow about 25 percent stronger and bigger.
Typically, a grower who acquires 5-15 quality seeds from a reputable seed company germinates them all at once. Once germinated, the seeds are carefully planted and grown to adulthood. Normally some of the seeds will be male, some will grow slowly, and two or three seeds will grow into strong "super" females. Of these super females, one will be more robust and potent. Select this super female to be the clone mother. Mature seeds that are hard, beige to dark brown, and spotted or mottled have the highest germination rate. Soft, pale, or green seeds are usually immature and should be avoided. Immature seeds germinate poorly and often produce sickly plants. Fresh, dry, mature seeds less than a year old sprout quickly and grow robust plants.
Germinating and Planting Seeds
To germinate, seeds need moisture, warmth, and air (oxygen).
Moisture
Soaking seeds in water allows moisture to penetrate the protective seed shell within minutes. Moisture continues to wick in to activate the dormant hormones. In 24-72 hours, hormones activate and send signals to produce a small white rootlet (radicle).
Moisture is critical now. There must be a constant stream of moisture to transport nutrients, hormones, and water in order to carryon life processes. For best results use distilled water. Letting germinated seeds suffer moisture stress now will stunt seedling growth.
Warmth
Cannabis seeds grow best at 78°F (2SoC). Low temperatures (below 70°F [21°C]) delay germination. High temperatures (above 90°F [32°C]) cause poor germination. Once germinated, move seedlings to a slightly cooler growing area and increase light levels. Avoid high temperatures and low light levels, which cause lanky growth.
Air (oxygen)
Seeds need air to germinate. Moist, soggy growing mediums will cut off oxygen supplies and the seed will literally drown. Planting seeds too deeply also causes poor germination. Seedlings do not have enough stored energy to force through too much soil before sprouting. Plant seeds twice as deep as the width
of the seed. For example, plant a 0.12S-inch (0.3 mm) seed 0.2S-inch (6mm) deep.
• Seeds not rooted by day 30 will probably grow slowly
• Once seeds are rooted, cell growth accelerates; stem, foliage,
and roots develop quickly
• Seedlings develop into full vegetative growth within four to
six weeks of germination