CNBNews

You’ve waited days for that discreet little package to arrive. Finally, it’s here. But as you open it up, questions creep in. Are these seeds any good? Will they sprout strong or sit in soil like duds? Ordering from a seed bank is easy—knowing whether what you got is worth your time and effort is another story entirely. Whether you’re growing for the first time or just tired of second-rate batches, understanding how to spot quality from the start saves time, money, and frustration down the road.

First Glance Matters: What Healthy Cannabis Seeds Should Look Like

Visual cues won’t tell you everything, but they’re your first signal. Seeds that look off often are off. Before you even plant them, a quick inspection under the right light can give you a pretty good idea of what you’re working with.

Look at the Shell

• Healthy seeds usually have a hard, waxy outer shell with a slight sheen
  
  
• Colors range from dark brown to gray, sometimes with a marbled pattern
  
  
• Soft, green, or pale seeds tend to be immature and are unlikely to germinate
  
  

Feel the Texture

• A quick pinch test can reveal a lot—good seeds feel firm, not fragile
  
  
• Press gently between your fingers; if it crushes easily, toss it
  
  
• Quality seeds should have a solid, almost glassy resistance
  
  

Check for Cracks or Gaps

• Tiny hairline fractures can mean the seed dried out or was damaged in transit
  
  
• Seeds with visible splits are rarely viable
  
  
• Even if the seed looks okay, internal damage can prevent germination
  
  

Germination Test: The Real Proof Is in the Sprout

Looks can lie. That’s why a simple germination test is one of the best ways to tell if your seed bank sent you something legit. A viable seed will show signs of life fast. A bad one just sits there.

Use the Paper Towel Method

• Wet two paper towels and place the seeds between them, then tuck them in a plastic container or sandwich bag
  
  
• Keep them warm and dark—think top of the fridge or inside a cupboard
  
  
• Within 24 to 72 hours, a tiny white taproot should emerge from viable seeds
  
  

Pay Attention to Timing

• Strong seeds germinate quickly, usually within the first 48 hours
  
  
• If nothing happens after five days, it’s probably a dud
  
  
• Slow starters might sprout eventually but often lead to weaker plants
  
  

Count Your Success Rate

• If you plant ten and only four sprout, your batch quality is questionable
  
  
• A reputable seed bank should deliver at least 80% germination—ideally more
  
  
• If most of your seeds fail to germinate, it’s worth contacting the supplier
  
  

What Happens After Germination: Early Growth Says a Lot

Even if seeds germinate, how they grow in their first couple of weeks speaks volumes about their quality. Sturdy stems, strong color, and consistent growth are all signs of solid genetics.

Watch the Seedling’s Posture

• Healthy seedlings stand upright and reach for the light
  
  
• If they flop over or stretch too much, the genetics might be weak—or they weren’t stored properly before arriving
  
  

Examine Leaf Development

• First leaves (cotyledons) should open wide and stay green
  
  
• Yellowing or curling in the early stages can point to bad stock
  
  
• Uniformity across multiple seedlings means the strain is genetically stable
  
  

Keep Notes on Growth Rate

• Quality genetics show reliable growth patterns
  
  
• If one plant races ahead while the others stall, that inconsistency can be traced back to the seeds
  
  
• Good seed banks test and stabilize their strains before selling them—bad ones just package and ship whatever’s available
  
  

Final Thought

When you buy cannabis seeds, you’re not buying a plant—you’re buying potential. And not every seed holds the same promise. 

Spotting quality means knowing what to look for early—before you invest weeks into a growth that goes nowhere. Trust your eyes, test your batch, and watch the early signs. If your seed bank can’t deliver consistency, it’s time to find one that does. Because in the grow room, shortcuts show—and weak seeds always tell on themselves. Finally, if you are looking for personal experience from users, see the discussion on seed banks over here!