A Beginner’s Guide for Germinating Cannabis Seeds at Home

So, you have just bought your first ever pack of cannabis seeds, and cannot wait to start your grow. You may be wondering, how exactly do I germinate cannabis seeds? Well, do not worry, as it is one of the easiest things you can do. In this article, I explain everything you will need to know. Covering the various methods, providing a step-by-step guide for each method, environmental settings and top tips to consider.

Table of Contents

• A Step-by-Step Guide for Cannabis Seed Germination
• Method #1 – Using Paper Towels
• Method #2 – A Cup of Water
• Method #3 – Germinating Into Soil
• Environmental Settings for Cannabis Seed Germination
• Top Tips to Consider When Germinating Cannabis Seeds
• Final Thoughts on Cannabis Seed Germination

A Step-by-Step Guide for Cannabis Seed Germination

Cannabis seeds will be either regular sex or feminized, however, both will require the same germination techniques to get you started. There are three different methods when it comes to cannabis seed germination. Below is a step-by-step guide breaking down everything you will need and how to achieve a successful cannabis seed germination.

Method #1 – Using Paper Towels

The first method involves using two dinner plates, thick wet paper towels, and your seeds. Many growers will choose this method to germinate cannabis seeds, and it will take between 24–72 hours before you will see the seeds crack open and a white tap root emerging out the side of the split seed. The paper towels should not be dripping with water and not close to dry.

Step 1: Find two dinner plates the same size.

Step 2: Using thick paper towels, gently wet them until they are moist.

Step 3:  Place one paper towel on one plate and place the seed on top of the paper towel.

Step 4:  Cover the seed with the other paper towel.

Step 5:  Now cover the plates over each other so they line up.

Step 6: Put the sealed plates inside a dark cupboard and leave for 2–3 days.

Step 7: Carefully lift the germinated seed off the paper towel and transplant tail side down.

Method #2 – A Cup of Water

The second method is to use a plastic cup, fresh water, which can be tap or bottled, however, soft water is always best. Bottled water is an excellent way to provide the optimal water source for cannabis seeds during the germination stage.

Step 1: Take a clean plastic cup and fill the cup up with 2 inches of fresh water.

Step 2: Put the seed inside the cup, so the seed floats on top

Step 3: Place the cup into a dark cupboard

Step 4: After 12–24 hours, you can swirl the cup, causing the seed to sink to the bottom.

Step 5: Check the seed every 24 hours until you see the white tap root has popped out.

Step 6: Carefully pour the water out and using tweezers transplant the seed tail down.

Method #3 – Germinating Into Soil

For those who prefer the idea of planting directly into soil, below is a guide on the best way to achieve success. The soil should not be over-saturated but moist, with a warm environment between 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage germination according to M.S.N.L

Step 1: Make sure the soil is moist and has a soft and spongy consistency.

Step 2: Using a match stick, insert and make a 2 cm deep hole

Step 3: Insert the seed with the pointy side facing down to the bottom of the hole.

Step 4: Gently cover over and let the hole fill up with soil and lightly press down.

Step 5: Very lightly spray the top of the soil, keeping it moist.

Step 6: Place the pot under a grow light and check for the seed to sprout.

Environmental Settings for Cannabis Seed Germination

• Cannabis seeds prefer a warm and dark environment.
• Keep them away from direct sunlight and in a dark cupboard space.
• Keep everything clean and sterile during germination.
• Seeds planted directly in the soil should be warm and wet until they sprout.
• The optimal temperature should be between 68–75 degrees Fahrenheit
• Relative humidity should be between 70-90% as advised by R.Q.S.

Top Tips to Consider When Germinating Cannabis Seeds

The more tips and advice you can get as a beginner, the better, so below are four top tips that should be considered when germinating cannabis seeds at home.

Tip # 1 – If you are germinating different strains at once using the plastic cup method, then use sticky labels to label the plastic cups. This will stop you from mixing the seeds up or becoming confused when it comes to transplanting.

Tip #2 – When using the paper towel method, it is best to use kitchen grade tissue towels. Avoid using toilet tissue paper, which can become soggy and difficult to remove the germinating seed.

Tip #3 – If germinating cannabis seeds directly into soil, avoid letting the growing medium become cold. You should keep the grow light close enough so you can feel it is warm. Using a digital hygrometer, aim for a temperature between 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tip #4 – Cannabis seeds should begin to germinate and produce a tap root over a 2–5-day period. If your seeds are not showing any signs of splitting open or a tap root, then you may want to try again, or it may be a sign the seeds are not viable and are no good.

Final Thoughts on Cannabis Seed Germination

Germinating cannabis seeds should be a straight forward process that is easy to do even for a first-time grower with no experience. Cannabis seeds will typically take up to 5 days before the white tap root has appeared. Always be delicate when transplanting the seed tail side down and most importantly be patient. Store your cannabis seeds in the fridge to keep them for as long as possible and best of luck!