How do cannabis seeds function? Although it may not seem significant, understanding how seeds function can help you make critical decisions about how to store them and the germination process. Technically, cannabis seeds are small, oval-shaped, dried fruit that measure 1.5–2 mm in width and 3–4 mm in length. They are protected and covered by a very thin membrane, and beneath that layer lies the largest system of the embryo, which is much harder.
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Albumen, a substance found inside seeds, serves as both the seed’s first source of energy when it starts to germinate and a nutritional reserve that maintains the embryo’s health until germination.
Now let’s talk about the seed’s center, which is where the priceless embryo that will eventually become your new plant grows. Together with the genetic code of the plant, it also includes information about the radicle, hypocotyl, cotyledons, and gemmules. The portion of the seed where roots originate is called the radicle, or embryonic root. The cotyledons are responsible for the initial set of leaves that emerge from the seed after germination; the hypocotyl is referred to as the embryonic stage.
Like many other plant seeds, cannabis seeds are produced in pollinated flowers on female plants. Since seeds only contain the genetic code of the plant and lack any of its active ingredients, smoking them will not produce any kind of medicinal or psychoactive effects. Nonetheless, they can be consumed because they offer a wealth of healthy proteins, such as Omega 3, 6, and 9. If you’ve ever smoked a joint with a random seed in it, you know exactly what I mean when I say that the aroma released by the burning seeds isn’t pleasant at all; they taste like some kind of burnt barbecue and ruin even the strongest, best-tasting cannabis available.
Correct seed germination is dependent on several factors, the most important of which is the seed’s maturity. Some seeds of this size will germinate perfectly, depending on the strain; however, seeds that appear too white, green, or whose skin appears to be peeling off or absent altogether usually indicate that the seed is still too young. Some of the whitest seeds available are from strains like Somango or its hybrids, and Haze; sativa seeds are typically much smaller than indica seeds, just as Thai seeds are typically smaller than Afghan seeds. Size is completely irrelevant in this situation; just because a seed is smaller than another doesn’t mean it will germinate more easily or produce smaller plants. Although smaller seeds are easier to germinate, they typically offer less protection. Depending on various factors like temperature, humidity, substrate composition, etc., seeds can take anywhere from three to eighteen days to germinate. The likelihood of seeds germinating decreases with increasing seedling time. If the seed hasn’t germinated after a while, you can sometimes gently squeeze it to break the outer shell. If you do this correctly, this will help the root emerge from the shell; if you do it incorrectly, you’ll end up squishing the seed completely and eliminating any chance of germination.
For the seed to have the best chance of germinating, a number of things must happen while it is maturing. It is not the same to keep your seed in a fresh, dry area as it is in a hot and humid one. Seeds have a germination period of three years, which is the average time estimated that seeds can be kept in good conditions. Humid environments harm seeds by increasing their metabolism without promoting germination, which may even completely destroy the seed. The water potential difference between the seed and its surroundings is what causes water absorption. All of the seed’s layers allow water to enter the embryo, which triggers the radicle’s development. Because seeds require more oxygen than water during this process, overwatering them could actually cause the seeds to “drown.” Because of this, we strongly advise against germination in glasses of water, as the oxygen-to-water ratio is far from ideal for germination.
You can extend the life of your seed by up to 20 years by reducing the oxygen content and the storage temperature. Another method of storing seeds is to dehydrate them by 2 to 5 percent; any more than that is not advised as it may alter the seeds’ internal makeup. Temperature controls the activity of the enzymes during germination and controls the metabolism of the embryos during storage, making it a crucial factor in both processes.
Natural oxygen concentrations range from about 21% to 21%. Most seeds prefer to germinate in environments with between 20 and 21% oxygen, and very few seeds can do so at lower concentrations. The only plants that can truly do that are marine plants and algae, which require 8% oxygen.
Knowing how cannabis seeds function now allows you to store your offspring for as long as 20 years, providing the ideal environment for the radicle to take over and grow the roots by opening up their shells. Happy expanding!