How to germinate cannabis seeds? 2020 Updated

If you want to start growing your own marijuana, it’s important that you understand how to germinate weed seeds at home.

Germination is the process of a new plant developing from a seed. While you can purchase many types of seeds from numerous sources, starting marijuana seeds will always be the first step in starting a marijuana garden. You can purchase seeds from an array of online seed banks, but look for seeds that will produce sprouts of optimal quality and genetic diversity.

WHAT IS GERMINATION, EXACTLY?
But first, before we delve into these methods, let’s take a brief look at the biology of germination to better understand the process. Every seed is effectively a small package of genetic material that is the product of plant reproduction. These small vessels are designed to be dispersed by various means, such as wind and animal ingestion/excretion. If lucky, a seed will be transported to an environment that triggers the process of germination. Such vital environmental factors include temperature, water, and how deep seeds become buried in the soil. Of course, these factors can be simulated and optimized by modern growers to maximize the chances of germination.

When subject to these ideal settings, water exposure catalyzes enzymatic processes within the seed that initiates growth. Beneficial bacteria within the soil also encourage germination, plant growth, and photosynthesis. First, a taproot emerges from the shell of the seed and begins to descend into the soil in search of water. Shortly afterwards, a shoot emerges from the seed and heads in the opposite direction, above the soil, to begin photosynthesizing.

How To Germinate Marijuana Seeds?

Pre Soaking

One of the most common methods when it comes to germinating marijuana seeds is that of pre-soaking them. Pre-soaking a seed means having it soaked in warm water till they sink to the bottom. Pre-soaking is a procedure which helps the process of germination — as it allows the seeds to sprout roots faster. It basically ensures that your seed is fully wet and moist before you plant it. Pre-soaking softens the outer shell which is usually hard.

Different people prefer pre-soaking in different ways — you can either have your seeds soaked for up to seven days or till the root begins to appear. However, when it comes to pre-soaking, sometimes it can damage the seeds too. Pre-soaking, if done in excess, can cause the seeds to rot and mould even before they begin growing.

The best practice here is to have your seeds soak for 24 to 48 hours — and not more than that because that might result in rot. This is particularly useful when it comes to older seeds (which are over a year old). Once the marijuana seeds begin growing a root, you can then transport them to the soil.

Transplanting germinated cannabis seeds

Once you see the tap root, it’s time to transfer your germinated seed into its growing medium. Small 3 gal fabric grow pot is a good place to start. Fill the pots with loose, airy potting soil and poke a hole in the middle about a quarter-inch down using a pen or pencil.

To transfer the seed, use a pair of tweezers to gently pick it up, then drop the seed in the hole with the tap root facing down and lightly cover it with soil.

Next, you’ll need to water the soil. Initially, use a spray bottle to provide moisture without over-saturating the soil. You want to give the seed water, but over-watering can suffocate and kill the delicate sprout.

Pay attention to the temperature and the moisture level of the soil to keep the seed happy, and within a week or so you should see a seedling begin to grow from the soil.

Paper Towel Method

One way to germinate seeds is to wet a paper towel and then fold your seeds in it, then leave the paper towel in a warm place.

Use cheap paper towels! For some reason, the really cheap paper towels work best because they’re so non-porous. Seeds and their roots lay on top without getting stuck to anything. This is important! The more expensive “cloth-like” paper towels (like Viva brand) aren’t good for germination because the roots actually grow into them instead of laying on top.

If you germinate your seeds in a paper towel, there is the risk of hurting the tap root (the little white root that grows out of your seeds) when moving the sprouted seeds so make sure you are careful when you’re checking to see if the seeds sprouted.

There is also the possibility of having the towel dry out which will kill your new seeds so I recommend putting your paper towel under an upside down bowl or between two paper (or regular) plates.

ROCKWOOL

Germinating in rockwool is, in principle, a good way to get your seeds started, although it is more involved than other methods. You place your seeds in a rockwool cube, then put the moistened cubes in a tray or propagator while you wait for your seeds to sprout.

We do like that, unlike other methods, the rockwool protects the young seedlings so you can transplant them safely to larger pots. On the other hand, rockwool requires being soaked in water with a low pH before seeds can be added. Furthermore, rockwool cubes can dry out very fast, which is why we suggest this method for experienced cultivators only.

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Summary

Now that you’ve followed this guide on how to germinate cannabis seeds, your journey through the world of cannabis has officially begun. Germinating cannabis seeds is a critical skill to know when growing marijuana because this is method brings a new cannabis plant into the world.

As your marijuana plants grow from seedlings to large bushes bearing an abundant harvest, you’ll be in awe that it all started from a small seed.

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