Cannabis Basics & Plant Anatomy
Seed
A seed is the starting point of a cannabis plant, containing the genetics and stored energy needed to grow a new plant. When given the right conditions, it sprouts and begins the cannabis life cycle.
What a Cannabis Seed Contains
A cannabis seed is the reproductive structure of the cannabis plant that contains an embryo (the undeveloped plant), a food reserve, and a protective outer shell called the seed coat. Together, these parts allow the plant to survive dormancy and begin growth once environmental conditions such as moisture, warmth, and oxygen are present. In simple terms, the seed is both the plant’s instruction manual and its packed lunch for early life.
How Cannabis Seeds Are Created
Cannabis seeds form when a female cannabis plant is pollinated by a male plant. The resulting seeds carry genetic traits from both parents, including growth pattern, potency, aroma, resistance to stress, and flowering time. Because cannabis is naturally a dioecious species (male and female plants are separate), traditional or “regular” seeds can grow into either sex. Modern breeding techniques have led to feminized seeds, which are bred to produce female plants almost exclusively, making them popular for flower production. Auto-flowering seeds contain genetics from Cannabis ruderalis (a hardy cannabis variety) and flower based on age rather than light cycle.
A Brief History of Cannabis Seeds
Historically, cannabis seeds have been used for thousands of years not only for cultivation but also as food. Archaeological evidence shows their use in ancient China and Central Asia, where they were valued for nutrition and medicine. In modern cannabis cultivation, seeds became especially important in the late 20th century as breeders began stabilizing strains with specific cannabinoid levels, terpene profiles, and growth traits.
From Seed to Seedling
In practical cultivation, the seed stage marks the beginning of the plant’s life cycle. Germination occurs when the seed absorbs water, causing it to split and send out a taproot (the main root that anchors the plant and absorbs water). Soon after, a seedling emerges with cotyledons (the first small leaves that provide early energy). Proper temperature, gentle moisture, and clean conditions are critical at this stage, as young plants are fragile.
Common Seed Problems and Storage
Common challenges with cannabis seeds include poor germination due to old age, improper storage, or damaged genetics. Seeds store best in cool, dark, and dry environments. Understanding seeds and their genetic role allows growers to choose the right starting material, setting the foundation for healthy plants, consistent growth, and successful harvests.
Related terms:
Germination, Seedling, Feminized Seeds, Auto-flowering Seeds, Genetics, Life Cycle
Stay informed as the site grows.
If you’d like to be notified when new glossary terms or educational resources are added, you can join the mailing list below.
We send emails occasionally and only when there’s something genuinely useful to share.