The 3 Ways to Germinate Cannabis Seeds
Germinating cannabis seeds will be the first step of your journey as a cannabis grower. Cannabis seeds are delicate and require specific conditions to germinate successfully and develop into healthy seedlings. In this article, I explain the three different ways to germinate seeds, breaking down what you need, what to expect over a three-day time frame and the common mistakes a beginner grower should avoid when getting started.
How Long Do Cannabis Seeds Take to Sprout?
Not all cannabis seeds are the same, and some may germinate faster than others. This does not mean that seeds that last longer are of lower quality or not good seeds. Typically, cannabis seeds take between 36 and 72 hours to produce a tail and sprout, ready for transplantation. Below is an explanation of each cannabis seed germination technique, along with a description of how each differs.
- The Wet Tissue Paper Method
The first method for germinating your cannabis seeds will be the wet tissue paper method. The method works by creating a moist blanket for the seeds to sit on and then covering them with two dinner plates to create a cool, dark environment. You will want to use a kitchen roll, as it is a thicker type of tissue paper, and spray the tissue with a water bottle to make it wet and moist.
You will then evenly space the seeds on the tissue paper to allow them plenty of room to germinate without becoming entangled. Once the seeds are on the wet tissue, cover them with a second layer of damp tissue paper and lightly press down. Providing the seeds with plenty of air is the key to germinating cannabis seeds this way.
What You Need
- 2 round dinner plates
- Kitchen roll
- Spray bottle
- Cannabis seeds
- Dark cupboard space
After 24 Hours
The seeds will appear the same; however, upon closer inspection, you will notice that the side of the shell has cracked open. This is the first sign your seeds are starting to germinate.
After 48 Hours
When checking on the seeds by lifting the top layer of tissue paper 48 hours later, most of the time, you will notice a small white tail emerging from the shell. The tail will typically be 2-5 millimetres in length; however, it is not yet ready to germinate.
After 72 Hours
After three days, you will notice that the tails have expanded in size and may range from 1 to 2 cm in length. The tail of the seed may be growing straight or have a curly characteristic.
2. The Glass of Water Method
The second cannabis seed germination method involves using a plastic cup or glass of water and simply dropping the seeds into the water. You can use tap water, but I recommend using bottled water and filling the cup or glass with 2 inches of water. Once the seeds are inside the glass, you can then place them inside a cupboard or drawer that will provide a dark environment to encourage the cannabis seeds to sprout.
When germinating cannabis seeds using this method, you have the freedom to put a high number of seeds inside. This makes this method highly practical and ideal for growers who want to plant 10-30 seeds in one sitting.
What You Need
- Glass or plastic cup
- Tap water or bottled water
- Sticky labels for labelling
- Tweezers to take the seeds out later
- Dark cupboard space
- Cannabis seeds
After 24 Hours
The seeds will usually float on the surface of the water for the first 24 hours and will begin to sink to the bottom on their own. A great way to encourage the seeds to fall to the bottom of the glass is to gently swirl the glass.
After 48 Hours
When checking the seeds after 48 hours, they should all be at the bottom of the glass and will be opening slightly. You may not be able to see the tiny slit opening. However, good, viable seeds will have no issues.
After 72 Hours
By the third day, the seeds will be displaying a white tail. The tail will usually be around 3-5 millimetres in length. They can be transplanted using a pair of clean and sterile tweezers. To do this, pour the water out and pick up the seed with the tweezers. You should be extra careful to not damage the tap root in the process.
3) The Planting Directly Into Soil Method
Old-school growers will often choose this method of growing, which involves planting the seed pointy side up 1 cm deep directly into your chosen growing medium. This may be a Jiffy plug, rock wool cube, or a pot of soil. When performing the third germination technique, ensure the growing medium is moist, contains sufficient water for the seed to use, and provides a wet and warm environment.
When starting seeds off this way, using a propagator and compact fluorescent or low-powered LED grow light works best. The temperature should be between 20 °C and 24°C, and the grow room humidity levels should be close to 75% for optimal results. When germinating cannabis seeds using this method, be prepared to wait 3-5 days before you notice the seeds sprouting at the top of the growing medium.
What You Need
- Jiffy plugs, Rockwool cubes or soil
- Propagator
- Cannabis seeds
After 24 Hours
The seed will still be in the growing medium, and even though there is no activity at the surface level, the seed will be slowly opening and preparing itself for germination.
After 48 Hours
By the second day, there is a good possibility that the seeds have not yet grown upwards. However, do not be discouraged and have patience. The seed shell will slowly open, and a small tail will emerge.
After 72-120 Hours
When checking on the progress of your seeds, you can expect the seedlings to have sprouted out of the top of the growing medium. Some seeds produce a green shoot, whilst others may have the seed shell attached to the seed. You can gently remove the shell if this happens and allow the seedlings to grow upwards. I always give the seeds a light spray using a spray bottle to keep them saturated and moist.
My Conclusion for Germinating Cannabis Seeds
Germinating cannabis seeds is an easy, straightforward, forward and inexpensive way to kick-start growing cannabis at home. Not every seed will germinate, regardless of the three methods shown above, and this can be due to waterlogged tissue paper, contaminated soil containing pathogens, cold temperatures, and old or non-viable cannabis seeds.
As long as you are working with recently bought seeds that have a strong brown shell, then you should have no issues. When planting directly into a growing medium, do not dig inside to locate the seed; instead, wait and be patient. Good luck finding the cannabis seed germination method that works best for you!
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Soft Secrets
