What Do Cannabis Seeds Look Like?

One of the most common questions new collectors ask is, "What do cannabis seeds look like?". Whether you’re exploring the world of weed seeds for the first time or expanding your collection, knowing what seeds should look like and understanding how to identify healthy cannabis seeds is a great starting point.

Cannabis seeds are small, oval-shaped, and usually range from light to dark brown, sometimes with mottled or striped patterns. Healthy cannabis seeds are firm and hard-shelled, while immature seeds are pale, soft, or fragile. There’s no way to tell male from female seeds just by looking, which is why many collectors prefer feminised seeds for reliability.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to tell the difference between healthy seeds and immature seeds in detail, why you can’t visually separate male and female seeds at the seed stage, the benefits of feminised seeds, and how to store your seeds for the best chance of keeping them in prime condition.

If you’re ready to get started, you can buy high-quality cannabis seeds from ICE Headshop today. We're a trusted supplier with a proven track record in premium feminised cannabis seeds, autoflowering seeds, and more.

Cannabis seeds are the small, hard-shelled seeds produced by the cannabis plant. They come in many varieties, shapes, and markings, with collectors valuing them for their genetics, appearance, and heritage. Each seed represents a unique piece of cannabis history, with different strains offering distinctive traits that make them popular additions to collections.

Seeds can carry either male or female genetics, which has led to the development of feminised seeds, specially bred to contain only female genetics. These are highly sought after by collectors who prefer reliability, as they give greater confidence in what their seeds represent and remove the uncertainty of a 50/50 genetic split.

Before looking at the differences between male and female seeds and healthy and unhealthy seeds, it helps to understand the main categories of weed seeds available to collectors. Each type has its own distinct characteristics, allowing collectors to build varied collections.

Regular cannabis seeds

• Considered the most natural form of seed.
• Each has a roughly 50/50 chance of carrying male or female genetics.
• Often chosen by collectors who want seeds in their original, unaltered form.

Feminised seeds

• Specially bred to contain only female genetics.
• Highly popular with collectors who prefer predictability in their collections.
• Available across both sativa seeds and indica strains, making them versatile additions.

Autoflowering cannabis seeds

• Bred with unique genetics that allow them to automatically flower, a distinctive trait in the seed world.
• Valued by collectors for their unusual heritage and the role they’ve played in seed development.
• Many modern autoflowering cannabis seeds are also feminised, combining two highly sought-after characteristics.

These categories highlight the diversity within cannabis seeds, from natural forms to specialised genetics. An easy way to explore a varied choice of seeds is through our cannabis seeds bestsellers.

Cannabis seeds are valued for their variety, genetics, and appearance, with different strains offering distinctive looks and traits. Each seed carries the potential blueprint of a plant, but for collectors, the focus is on the seed itself, its form, condition, and origin.

Cannabis seeds are typically oval-shaped, measuring approximately 2–5 millimetres in diameter. They have a hard outer shell that protects the embryo inside. The colour of cannabis seeds can vary depending on maturity:

• Light brown or tan: Often seen in fresh seeds, though lighter colours can also signal immature seeds.
• Dark brown or almost black: A sign of fully developed seeds.
• Striped or mottled patterns: Many marijuana seeds have natural markings, sometimes called “tiger stripes.”
• White seeds or pale green seeds: Typically immature seeds and often not considered quality cannabis seeds.

The outer texture should feel firm and smooth, sometimes with a light waxy coating that helps preserve freshness. If seeds are soft, cracked, or chalky, they’re usually too old or damaged. For collectors, recognising these differences is key to building a high-quality seed collection.

While all cannabis seeds are small and oval-shaped, there are clear signs that separate healthy cannabis seeds from immature seeds. Knowing how to identify healthy seeds is especially important when purchasing seeds online, so you can be confident you’re investing in quality cannabis seeds.

Some collectors refer to the “float test” (placing seeds in water) as a curiosity, although it isn’t always reliable. The most dependable way to ensure you’re getting quality cannabis seeds is to purchase from a trusted supplier with a proven track record.

After looking at what makes healthy cannabis seeds stand out, another common question for collectors is whether it’s possible to tell the difference between male and female seeds. This is an area surrounded by myths, and it often causes confusion for those new to collecting.

In reality, the seeds are visually identical - the difference lies in their genetics, not their appearance. Some myths suggest that male seeds are lighter, smaller, or carry distinct markings, but this isn’t true. As it’s impossible to separate male from female seeds visually at the seed stage, many collectors choose feminised cannabis seeds. These are bred to contain only female genetics, offering greater confidence and predictability in a collection.

However, whether seeds carry male or female genetics, proper storage is what really determines how well they maintain their condition over time.

Even the highest-quality cannabis seeds require proper care to remain in good condition over time. Collectors who want to preserve the appearance and genetics of their seeds can follow a few simple steps to keep their collection at its best:

• Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
• Use a dark container, such as an airtight jar or vial.
• Add a silica pack to help reduce moisture.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, high humidity, or high temperatures.

When stored properly, cannabis seeds can remain in excellent condition for years, making them a reliable and long-lasting addition to any collection. You can also see our complete guide on 'How To Properly Preserve Cannabis Seeds' for more details.

Even with a clear understanding of how to spot healthy cannabis seeds and how to store them correctly, many misconceptions still circulate about seed appearance and quality. These myths can be confusing for new collectors and are worth clearing up.

Some of the most common include:

• “Female seeds have stripes”: False. Stripes or mottling can appear on any seed.
• “Seed size determines quality”: Not always true, as size often varies between strains.
• “White seeds are fine”: Usually false; white seeds are typically immature and less desirable.
• “Most seeds are viable if you try hard enough”: Not accurate. Old or immature seeds are generally not valued by collectors.

Once these myths are set aside, it’s easier for collectors to concentrate on the qualities that genuinely matter: appearance, maturity, and trusted sourcing.

When it comes to building a seed collection, not all cannabis seeds are created equal. Collectors often look for specific visual traits as well as confidence in a reliable supplier. By combining both, you can ensure your collection is built on high-quality seeds with genuine genetics.

Check the seeds themselves

Look for seeds that are firm, oval-shaped, and typically dark brown or mottled in colour. A hard, smooth shell with a light sheen is a good indicator of maturity. Avoid white seeds or those that feel soft, fragile, or cracked, as these are usually immature seeds.

Choose a reliable source

Equally important is where you buy from. Always choose trusted seed banks or established retailers with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. This way, you can be confident you’re adding authentic genetics and fresh seeds to your collection.

At ICE Headshop, we only sell quality cannabis seeds from respected brands, meaning you can collect with confidence.

What do cannabis seeds look like? They are small, oval-shaped, and usually range from light to dark brown, sometimes with mottled or striped patterns. Healthy cannabis seeds are firm and hard-shelled, while immature seeds tend to be pale, soft, or fragile.

You cannot tell male seeds from female seeds by appearance alone, which is why feminised seeds are popular, as they remove the uncertainty of a 50/50 genetic split and give collectors greater confidence in what their seeds represent. The main seed categories - regular, feminised, and autoflowering - highlight the diversity within cannabis seeds, each with its own appeal for collectors.

By learning to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy seeds, understanding common myths, and storing seeds correctly, collectors can build well-rounded, long-lasting collections that reflect both variety and quality.

At ICE Headshop, we stock cannabis seeds from some of the world’s most respected seed banks, including Sensi Seeds and other breeders known for quality. Our range features a wide variety of regular, feminised, and autoflowering seeds, providing collectors with access to trusted genetics across different strains.

We pride ourselves on offering only the highest-quality cannabis seeds for collectors, with discreet shipping. Whether you’re building your first collection or adding to an existing one, you can browse our full range and buy with confidence from ICE Headshop.

If you have any questions about our range of cannabis seeds, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to help.