How To Germinate Cannabis Seeds

Cannabis is a versatile plant that can be grown for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The process of growing cannabis begins with the germination of seeds, which is the process of starting a new plant from a seed. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in the germination of cannabis seeds.

Germinating Cannabis Seeds

Many beginner´s assume that the vegetative and flowering stages of cannabis growth are the most critical parts of the plant's life cycle. But remind, planning when it comes to germination can let your next grow be a success or a disaster. Giving your cannabis seeds the best possible start on their journey is an important step to encourage a healthy and robust plant.

Using clean water for those very first moments of its life is crucial, as the seedling is extremely fragile and sensitive. In desperate need of a helping hand, there are several ways you can germinate your cannabis seeds. It is important to note that even with advanced growing expertise and the best equipment, you may still end up with a few seeds that do not germinate. On one side it is a natural part of dealing with a living organism but it is also very important to look for the best quality genetics. At Phenomenon Genetics we always aim for the best selection to create our cannabis seeds.

It All Begins With The Seed Quality

Regardless of the breeder where you get your seeds from, always give them a slight and delicate inspection before planting. Poor-quality seeds will produce a weaker plant, but unfortunately, that is something you will not find out until into the vegetative and flowering stages.

To avoid disappointment, seeds with a darker colouration stand a better chance of germinating, while pale green or white seeds are likely to fail. White seeds often have a soft shell and will smash without force between your fingers. Even if dark seeds look slightly damaged, you should try to plant them anyway. There is a good chance they will still germinate.

The Importance Of The Germination Temperature

There are a couple of golden rules you should take a look on before starting with the germination methods. Of all factors to consider, temperature is one of the most critical. Cannabis seeds will always even use the smallest amount of moisture, but the temperature is theur sign that the need to do so.


    - The ideal temperature for cannabis seeds is between 22° and 25°C    
      (71–77°F)
    - Your growing environment should be damp/moist, but never wet
    - Relative humidity range should be between 70% and 90%
    - Minimise the amount of seed handling you do and use gloves
    - In hydroponic/rockwool plugs, the ideal PH value is 5.8–6.2


Three fundamental parts will segure the best way to trigger the appearance of the first taproot: warmth, moisture, and darkness. With moisture from clean water (look in your country for the water quality), a single root will grow before slowly developing into the cannabis plant you want to gain. In the right conditions, seeds will begin to develop within 12–36 hours of moisture being introduced to them. The time can vary, as it all depends on the quality of your germination environment  

A very good option for the germination of your seeds is the contribution of natural auxins. Auxins have a diverse effect on the overall development of higher plant species in complex interaction with other phytohormones. Read more here!

Choosing Your Germination Method
 

Glass Of Water

Simple but possibly one of the least effective methods is the use of a glass of water. Fill a glass or bowl with water that is approximately 22°C (71°F) and let your seeds swim in it.

After around 12 hours the seeds should be moved to a wet kitchen towel as a longer time period can create a fungus that will dehydrate the trunk in the center when it is germinated Using gloves is recommended as acids and bacterias from your hand could harm the grow process. When the white root tips reach around 5mm it is time to move it into the soil.

Prepare soil pots with roughly 10mm deep holes for the newly germinated seeds to be placed into. Close the hole loosely without any pressure. Now you will want to place the seeds under a fluorescent light with a distance around 13-15cm (5-6 inches) to encourage the growth. Use a plant mister to make sure you don´t risk to overwater your seeds in this early stage.


Wet Kitchen Towel

Probably one of the most common methods of germination is the use of a wet kitchen towel. Some growers use  instead cotton wool pads or absorbent pieces of paper but we will be using kitchen towel as it is easy available and holds moisture relatively well.

Simply place one sheet of damp kitchen towel on a flat surface like a plate. Give your seeds a few centimetres of space for the germination process before placing the second piece of kitchen towel over the top. You need to ensure both pieces are damp and not wet (Remind to use water with a good quality). Once again, when the white root tips reach around 5mm, move the seeds very carefully to your prepared soil.

Same as in the "Glass Of Water Method" prepare the soil pots with roughly 10mm deep holes for the newly germinated seeds to be placed into. Close the hole softly without any pressure. Now you will want to place the seeds under a fluorescent light with a distance around 13-15cm (5-6 inches) to encourage the growth. Use a plant mister to make sure you don´t risk to overwater your seeds in this early stage.


Planting Directly Into Soil

This method prevents having to move seeds when they are at their most fragile. That first root tip is covered with microscopic filaments that are easily damaged. Both a cup full of water and moist paper towels are more prone to temperature fluctuations from their environment means planting in soil is a much safer option for beginners.

Beginn by filling your pots with a premium-quality soil that has been moisted in water. Some growers also choose to lace the water with a root stimulator. The addition of active biologicals also helps to establish the root microbiome with beneficial organisms that fend off pathogens and assist in nutrient uptake and organic matter breakdown. You can also use soil plugs that often contain key micronutrients that seedlings require for optimal growth and development. Make a hole roughly 10–15mm deep that will be your seed’s new home. Now you can place your cannabis seeds into the pre-dug holes. Loosely cover the seeds without pressure. The root will struggle to penetrate solid soil if you compress the soil above the seed too much which is slowing the plant growth. Spray the top of where you placed the seed with a plant mister so that your growing medium stays moist and not wet.

Place your growing pots in a damp climate that is within the temperature range between 22° and 25°C (71–77°F). After 4–10 days, you should see a young seedling sprout, while the roots will have begun to develop underneath the soil. The entire plant and its soil can now be transferred carefully (don´t damage the roots) to a larger pot, where normal growing routines should start.

Using Stone Wool Blocks

Maintaining the ideal temperature (between 22–25°C/71–77°F) and moisture for germination is a kind of tricky. Leaving seeds out in the open environment or on a windowsill is far from ideal; A warming mat is perfect for maintaining a constant temperature, but it doesn't tackle the issue of moisture. For the first 10-15 days the seed incoporates its own nutrients but after this time you need to be careful that the seedling do not suffer from deficiencies. Stone Wool Blocks should be handed with experience.

Soak the stone wool blocks in the same way you would do with a soil medium. The wool will retain the moisture and prevent the need to water during the early stages of the seed. After the wool blocks are soaked, stick them in a plastic tray with a lid.

The dome of the plastic tray will create a mini tropical climate for your seeds. Then place all the components in a temperature-controlled cupboard and you will have created a self-perpetuating supply of moisture. You will not need to touch the seeds again until they are ready to be transferred to your final growing medium as a young seedling. Through the stone wool block method, your seeds should germinate in one to two days.

Two or three weeks after germination, the seedlings will be ready for their new home. Now you have two options; transplanting them into soil pots, or taking on the challenge of hydroponics. You’ll know when the seedlings are ready to be moved because the root system should start to poke out of the bottom of the wool blocks. As long as the roots haven’t begun to engulf the bottom half of the wool block, they will seek out water and nutrients in their new surroundings and continue to grow downwards.

Giving Your Seeds The Best Possible Start In Life

In most cases, germination will go off without a any problems. However, there are a few topics that can make it easier.

Lighting

Your seed will only need fluorescent or CFL grow lights, at least to begin with. While plants need light to thrive, too much of a good thing will damage cannabis in its first few weeks as the seedlings are still fragile.

Position your lights about 15cm from seeds. Once your seedling has developed its first proper leaves with jagged edges, you can move the lights as close as 5cm. If you are concerned about damaging your seedling, place your hand between the leaves and your lights. If you cannot hold your hand in place for ten seconds without it being too hot, adjust the light until you are comfortable with the temperature.

Seedlings grow quite quickly, means you will need to keep adjusting lights to get the best results. After two weeks under fluorescent lights, you will be able to switch to high-powered grow lights.


Upside-down Seeds

Don’t panic. The roots will always grow downwards. It is not necessary to try and reposition the seed yourself. Disturbing the seed at this crucial time can do harm the seedling. If you are ever unsure, always wait a few days for the first leaves (cotyledons) to appear. As long as a seed’s requirements have been met, the seedling should sort itself out. The best approach is not to panic; follow the guideline and your seedling will be ready to transfer to a larger pot in no time.


When Do You Start Feeding?

It will depend on the growing medium you are using, but in most cases, you will not need to supply any nutrients for the first 2–3 weeks. There will be of plenty of nutrients available in the soil, and even coco will only need nutrients added after a week. If you do opt for coco or hydroponics, nutrients should be added at max 0.25x their regular strength. For beginners, we would always recommend using a soil medium. It allows you to get to know the subtleties of growing cannabis more efficiently, and harms the seed at least if you make mistakes. An easy way to spot if more nutrients are needed is to observe the leaves.