Yes, you can grow the seeds you discover inside cannabis flowers, commonly known as “bag seed.” These seeds are the result of the plant’s natural reproductive cycle and represent a complete genetic package ready for cultivation. While they can successfully germinate and develop into a mature plant, it is important to temper expectations regarding the quality and stability of the resulting genetics compared to seeds from professional breeders. Their history introduces certain risks that should be understood before planting.
Why Seeds Are Present in Cannabis Buds
The presence of seeds in harvested female cannabis flowers is always the result of pollination, which occurs when pollen makes contact with the female pistils. Cannabis is typically a dioecious plant, meaning individuals are either male or female. Most seedy cannabis comes from two distinct scenarios: accidental pollination by a nearby male plant or self-pollination by a hermaphroditic female.
Accidental external pollination happens when a nearby male plant releases pollen, which travels on air currents to fertilize a female crop. This results in standard, cross-bred seeds that carry a mix of the male and female parent genetics. The resulting plants have an approximately 50/50 chance of being male or female.
Self-pollination is the more common source for seeds in modern flowers, occurring when a genetically female plant develops male reproductive organs. This phenomenon, known as hermaphroditism, is a survival mechanism triggered by environmental stress. Stressors include light leaks during the dark cycle, nutrient imbalances, or temperature extremes. The plant attempts to self-pollinate as a last resort to ensure the continuation of its genetics.
During self-pollination, the female plant produces pollen sacs that release pollen onto its own flowers, generating feminized seeds. These seeds are genetically programmed to be female since the pollen contributor was a female plant. However, the seeds carry the genetic predisposition to exhibit the same unstable, hermaphroditic trait that caused the original plant to produce them.
Identifying and Preparing Viable Seeds
Before planting, select seeds that have a high likelihood of successful germination, as not all seeds found in buds are mature. A mature, viable cannabis seed is firm to the touch and displays a dark brown or tan color. It often features distinct mottled patterns or “tiger stripes” on its shell, indicating the seed was fully developed and hardened before harvest.
Conversely, seeds that are pale green, white, or soft and easily crushed are immature and non-viable. They lack the necessary internal resources to sustain a seedling and should be discarded if the shell cracks or crumbles when gently squeezed.
To confirm viability, a simple float test can be performed by dropping the selected seeds into a glass of room-temperature water for up to 12 hours. Viable seeds, which are denser, will typically sink to the bottom within a few hours as they absorb moisture. Seeds that remain floating on the surface are often hollow or immature and should be viewed with skepticism.
If you are not ready to plant immediately, proper storage is necessary to preserve the seed’s viability. Cannabis seeds remain dormant best when stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment to prevent premature activation. Placing the seeds in an airtight container with a desiccant packet, and storing them in a refrigerator, can keep them viable for several years by reducing metabolic activity.
Understanding the Genetics of Unplanned Seeds
The genetic history of a bag seed is the primary factor influencing the outcome of the resulting plant, which is why commercial growers avoid these seeds. A seed from a self-pollinated plant inherits the genetic tendency to become hermaphroditic if exposed to similar environmental pressures. This means the resulting plant is highly likely to produce male pollen sacs during its flowering cycle, potentially ruining the harvest by pollinating surrounding female plants.
Even if the seed came from accidental cross-pollination with a male plant, the genetic lineage is unknown, making the resulting plant’s characteristics unpredictable. The seed may not “breed true,” meaning the quality, potency, and growth structure can be significantly different from the mother plant. Since growers of seedy flowers are often less concerned with genetic stability, the resulting bag seed may carry a higher predisposition to undesirable traits.
Seeds produced from a hermaphrodite are technically feminized because both sets of chromosomes came from a female parent, guaranteeing a female plant. However, this does not mean the plant will be stable or produce a high-quality, seedless flower, as the underlying genetic flaw remains present. The use of unstable bag seed introduces a significant risk of a seedy, lower-quality yield.
Steps for Successful Germination and Planting
Once viable seeds have been selected, the next step is to initiate germination by providing moisture, warmth, and oxygen. The paper towel technique is a common and effective method. It involves placing seeds between two layers of moist (not soaking wet) paper towels. This setup is then placed between two plates or in a sealed plastic bag and kept in a warm, dark location, ideally between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Within two to five days, a small white root, called the radicle, should emerge from the seed’s shell. As soon as the taproot is visible and approximately a quarter to a half-inch long, the germinated seed is ready for planting. The seed should be gently transplanted into a small container of light, well-draining starting soil or a specialized growing medium.
When planting, the seed is placed shallowly in the soil, about a quarter-inch deep, with the emerging radicle pointing downward to encourage natural root growth. The soil should be kept lightly moist, using a spray bottle to avoid overwatering, which can suffocate the delicate new root. Once the seedling pushes through the soil and the first pair of round leaves appear, it requires moderate light exposure to begin photosynthesis, marking the start of the vegetative growth stage.