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Male and female gametophytes will then produce eggs and sperm and undergo fertilization to form juvenile sporophytes, which should become visible under the microscope around week three. Amazingly, these tiny, little structures are just miniature versions of the long, beautiful kelp blades that will be growing on the farm in a few months! 

By week four or five, the sporophytes should become visible to the naked eye. At first, the spool will appear slightly discolored and then very quickly turn to a light golden-brown and take on a fuzzy appearance.