Germinating Your Cannabis Seeds
If you want to learn how to germinate cannabis seeds, stay tuned. First, I will cover choosing the right seeds for your cannabis garden. Then I will introduce you to the top 3 methods I have used to germinate my seeds.
There are several ways to germinate cannabis seeds, but here are the top 3 methods I use:
- Paper towel method
- Starter cubes or seedling plugs
- Directly in soil or potting mix
Keep the seeds in a warm, dark place while germinating. For the paper towel method once the taproot is about 1/4” long and for the starter cubes/seedling plugs method not placed directly into soil or other grow medium once the sprout emerges; place them in your soil or growing medium if applicable and provide light, water, and nutrients as needed.
The ideal temperature for germination is around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Provide 16-18 hours of light once they have sprouted. Go easy on the nutrients, use only starter/sprout nutrients, and natural/organic is always better.
Choosing the Right Seeds
Before jumping right into the germination process, you should consider choosing the proper seeds. Let’s discuss some of the more important points.
When selecting cannabis seeds, there are several important factors to consider. One of the most important is the strain’s genetics, which can greatly impact the plant’s growth and yield. You’ll want to consider whether you want a sativa, indica, or hybrid strain. And whether you want THC, CBD content, or a combination.
Sativa strains tend to have an uplifting, energetic effect and can grow quite tall, while indica strains tend to have a more relaxing, sedative effect and grow shorter and bushier. Hybrid strains are a mix of sativa and indica and can offer a balance of both effects.
THC strains will give you the psychotropic high most old-school users are looking for. CBD strains will purportedly give you more of a medicinal effect of pain relief among other supposed benefits of CBD.
A mixture of CBD and THC will give you the benefits of both worlds. Just know that in general the higher the CBD level, the lower the THC level, and vice-versa. This way you can control your level of high vs medicinal effect.
Another important factor to consider is the seed bank or breeder you are purchasing from. Make sure to do your research and select a reputable, trusted seed bank that offers high-quality seeds. You’ll also want to consider the overall yield potential of the strain, as well as its resistance to pests and disease.
Now, let’s take a look at some popular strains that are ideal for beginner growers:
- Northern Lights – This indica-dominant strain is a classic favorite among cannabis growers for its ease of growth and high yield potential. It’s also known for its relaxing and calming effects.
- Blue Dream – This hybrid strain is another popular choice for beginners, with a balanced mix of sativa and indica genetics. It offers a smooth and uplifting effect, as well as a high yield potential.
- Sour Diesel – This sativa-dominant strain is known for its energizing and uplifting effects, as well as its high THC content. It can be a bit more challenging to grow than some other strains, but with proper care, it can produce a high yield.
- White Widow – This hybrid strain is a favorite among beginner growers for its high yield potential and resistance to pests and diseases. It offers a balanced mix of sativa and indica effects, with a smooth and euphoric high.
- Auto-flowering strains – Auto-flowering strains are a great option for beginners because they don’t require a specific light cycle to flower. They also tend to have a shorter grow time and can produce a high yield. Popular auto-flowering strains include Northern Lights Auto, Blueberry Auto, and Amnesia Haze Auto.
Remember, selecting the proper seeds is just the first step in your cannabis cultivation journey. With proper care and attention, any strain can produce a successful and rewarding harvest.
Now let’s take a look at our top 3 germination methods.
Germinating Cannabis Seeds in a Paper Towel
Of the different ways we’ve used to germinate cannabis seeds the most reliable and straightforward way is the paper towel method. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by gathering your cannabis seeds and paper towels. You’ll also need to create a terrarium-type atmosphere. You can either purchase one or use your creativity to make one. Two plates work fine or a suitably sized container with a lid to trap the moisture.
- Wet the paper towel until it’s damp but not soaking wet. Place it in your terrarium.
- Place your cannabis seeds onto the damp paper towel, making sure to provide enough space between them. More than 1/2” apart.
- Cover the seeds with another damp paper towel, gently pressing down to make sure they are in contact with the moisture.
- Seal your terrarium. This will create a warm and humid environment, perfect for germination.
- Put your terrarium in a warm, dark place like a closet or cupboard. Check on it daily and make sure the paper towel remains damp. You should start to see tiny sprouts emerging from the seeds within 2-5 days.
- Once the sprouts have emerged and are about 1/4 inch long, carefully transfer them to a small pot filled with soil or a starter cube, and keep the soil moist but not over-watered.
- Place the pot under a grow light or in a sunny spot, and wait for your cannabis plants to grow!
Remember to handle the delicate sprouts with care, and avoid touching the roots or damaging them during the transfer. With the paper towel method, you should have a high germination rate and healthy seedlings in no time!
Germinating Cannabis Seeds Directly in Soil or Other Medium
Germinating cannabis seeds directly in soil or another medium such as coconut coir is a simple and effective method that requires minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a suitable container: Use a small pot or a seedling tray with good drainage holes at the bottom. Fill the container with good quality, light and airy potting soil or another medium.
- Moisturize the soil: Water the medium until it is evenly moist but not soggy. The medium should be moist enough to hold together when squeezed, but not so wet that water runs out the bottom of the container.
- Plant the seeds: Make a small hole about 1/2 inch deep in the medium. Drop the seed into the hole with the pointy end facing down if possible. You can use tweezers or hemostats to insert it if you are careful. Cover the seed and gently press down on the medium to make good contact with the seed.
- Keep the medium moist: Cover the container with plastic wrap or a dome to create a humid environment. Check the medium daily and water as needed to keep it evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Provide warmth and light: You can place the container in a warm, dark place but it isn’t necessary since they are fully enclosed within the medium. Or place them directly under a grow light and keep them moist by misting them with water as needed. Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the cover and provide bright light for 16-18 hours per day.
- Transplant the seedlings: Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground if outdoor growing is planned.
Remember to be patient, as germination can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more depending on the strain and environmental conditions. Good luck!
Germinating Cannabis Seeds in Starter Cubes or Seedling Plugs
Germinating cannabis seeds using starter cubes or seedling plugs is an easy and effective method that can provide a good head start for your seedlings. Here’s how to do it:
- Wetting your starter cubes or seedling plugs: Start by soaking the starter cubes or seedling plugs in water for a few minutes until they are completely saturated.
- Remove excess moisture: Once the cubes or plugs are soaked, gently squeeze out the excess water until they are moist but not dripping wet.
- Create an opening: If you aren’t using cubes or plugs that come with a ready-made hole, use a toothpick or a pencil to make a small hole about 1/4 inch deep in the top of each cube or plug.
- Plant your seeds: Carefully place the seed into the hole with the pointy end facing down. You can use tweezers or hemostats to insert it if you are careful. Cover the seed with a little bit of the starter cube or plug to hold it in place.
- You can place your germinating seeds in a warm, dark place but it isn’t necessary since they are fully enclosed within the cubes or plugs. Or place them directly under a grow light and keep them moist by misting them with water as needed.
- Germination can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the strain and environmental conditions.
- Once the seedlings have emerged and grown a few sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground if outdoor growing is planned.
Starter cubes or seedling plugs are a convenient and effective way to germinate cannabis seeds, especially for beginner growers who want to ensure high germination rates. Good luck with your cannabis seed germinating adventure!
Wrap It Up
In summary, germinating cannabis seeds is an essential part of the cultivation process, and it can make or break your success in growing healthy and potent plants. Proper germination ensures that the seeds have a strong start and are more likely to grow into robust plants that produce abundant yields.
There are several different methods for germinating cannabis seeds, including paper towel germination, soil germination, and the starting cube/seedling plugs method described here. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the one that works best for your specific needs and preferences.
Regardless of the germination method you choose, there are several best practices that you should follow to ensure success. These include selecting high-quality seeds, using the right type of water with the proper pH level, maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level, and providing the seeds with adequate light or darkness.
Another critical aspect of germinating cannabis seeds is patience. It can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more for the seeds to germinate, so it’s important to be patient and resist the urge to disturb the seeds during this time.
Once your seeds have successfully germinated, you can transplant them into your chosen growing medium if applicable, and begin the next phase of the cultivation process. Remember to keep a close eye on your plants, providing them with proper nutrition, water, and light, and monitoring them for any signs of pests or disease.
In conclusion, germinating cannabis seeds is a critical step towards a successful and fruitful cultivation journey. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of achieving healthy and robust plants that produce high-quality yields. Remember to be patient, attentive, and consistent throughout the germination process, and you’ll be well on your way to cultivating the cannabis garden of your dreams.
Happy growing!
L&C Staff
Authors:
Professor Carlos Bartholomew D’acunto &
Professor Thomas Horatio Cabbage