The journey from a cannabis seed to a mature plant begins with the sprout, a brief stage that bridges germination and vegetative growth. This period, lasting approximately two to three weeks, is when the young plant first emerges from the soil. Observing the sprout confirms successful germination and allows the cultivator to assess the initial health of the developing seedling.
The Initial Emergence
The first sign of life is a small, curved structure pushing through the surface. This curve is the hypocotyl, the embryonic stem anchored by the radicle, or primary root, which drove downward to secure the plant. The hypocotyl is usually pale white or light green, though some strains may display a reddish or purple hue due to anthocyanin pigments.
As the stem straightens, it pulls the two protective seed leaves free from the seed shell and the soil. This process gives the sprout its characteristic “hook” shape upon emergence. The stem is delicate and slender, gradually thickening as the seedling gains strength and begins to absorb light.
The Appearance of Seed Leaves
Once the embryonic stem has straightened, it reveals the cotyledons, or seed leaves. These two leaves are a bright, uniform green, smooth, and have a rounded or oval shape unlike the mature cannabis leaf. They grow in a pair directly opposite each other, representing the first node on the plant’s main stem.
The cotyledons are pre-formed within the seed and act as the young plant’s initial energy source, containing stored nutrients. They immediately begin photosynthesis, capturing light to generate energy until the plant develops its “true” foliage. Their simple design is a universal feature of the cannabis sprout.
Identifying the True Leaves
Shortly after the cotyledons emerge, a tiny, new set of leaves begins to grow from the center, directly above the seed leaves. These are the first set of “true” cannabis leaves, marking the end of the sprout phase. The true leaves look dramatically different from the smooth, oval cotyledons, as their edges are serrated or jagged, showing the first hint of the plant’s mature morphology.
The very first true leaf set typically consists of a single leaflet or, occasionally, three leaflets, which are much smaller than the expansive fan leaves that develop later. Subsequent sets of leaves quickly increase the leaflet count, moving to three, then five, and so on, as the plant matures and moves into the vegetative growth stage.