Weed Seed Buyer’s Guide: Ten Things to Know Before You Buy

Before you buy weed seeds, ask the seller about germination guarantees, grow advice, flowering times, cannabinoid content, lineage, shipping, payment and local laws. The answers tell you whether you are dealing with a knowledgeable, trustworthy seed bank. Kind Seed Co lays out ten questions to ask so you can buy with confidence.

Buying seeds is always a leap of faith. You cannot tell by looking whether a seed will grow, or whether it is the strain the seller says it is. Do some research, ask questions and read reviews from past customers before you order.

1. Do you guarantee a germination rate?

A good seller tests each batch for viability before selling it. Many will guarantee a certain germination rate, such as 80%, and offer replacement seeds or a refund if the seeds fall short. That is about all a seller can honestly promise: that the seeds are viable when shipped and will germinate, putting out a root after soaking. What happens next depends on your growing conditions. If a seller promises a certain yield of flowers or a set number of mature plants, look elsewhere.

2. Do you offer advice for growing each strain?

A seller who knows their strains can give specific tips, such as which ones struggle outdoors, which need lots of water and which like afternoon shade. If all you get is vague, generic advice about autoflowers and photoperiods, the seller may simply be passing along seeds from someone else without knowing much about them.

3. What are the flowering time and yield for each strain?

A seller should know roughly when autoflowers start to flower after germination, when photoperiod strains start flowering outdoors, how long each strain takes to mature and what an average yield looks like. This matters most if you plan to grow photoperiod plants outside. In a short growing season, a strain that matures slowly may not finish in time. Our guide to growing cannabis in different climates can help you plan.

4. Can you share cannabinoid and terpene data?

A reputable seller should be able to give rough percentages of the main cannabinoids and terpenes for each strain. Growing conditions shift these numbers a little, but genetics are the main driver. With this information, you can pick the THC to CBD ratio you want or find a strain rich in the terpenes you like.

5. Where do your strains come from?

Ask about each strain’s history: where it came from, which traits were selected for and whether it was hybridized. Many buyers are not interested in the details, but ask anyway. A seller who cannot answer may be using strain names they cannot back up.

6. How do you ship seeds?

Seeds do not need special shipping and can travel by regular mail. Many buyers prefer discreet packaging that does not reveal what is inside, and experienced sellers know to use plain packaging.

7. What payment methods do you accept?

Most sellers accept a range of standard payment methods. Many also use a nondescript name on billing and card statements to protect customer privacy.

8. Do you keep up with local laws?

Rules on growing at home change often. It is up to you to make sure you follow the rules where you live. Still, it is reassuring when a seller keeps up with changes and lets you know if germinating seeds may not be legal where you are, or if you need to register with your state first.

9. Do you reward repeat buyers?

Saving money is always nice. A seller with a loyalty program likely has lots of repeat business, which usually points to happy customers.

10. Do you sell anything besides seeds?

One stop shopping saves time. If you can order fertilizer, storage containers and other supplies along with your seeds, you will not have to hunt for them elsewhere.

Buy with confidence

If you ask these questions and like the answers, you have likely found a reputable seller and set yourself up for a good grow. New to growing? Start with our grow guide for autoflowering cannabis plants, then browse our feminized cannabis seeds and autoflower seeds.