If you’re new to growing your own cannabis plants, you might be wondering if growing cannabis from seeds is hard. At first glance, the process might seem a little overwhelming and science-y- getting lost in all of the terminology and methods involved is easy. You might be tempted to simply go out and grab yourself a clone rather than start with seeds, but we encourage you to give it a try sometime!
In reality, with a little bit of knowledge and patience, anyone can germinate cannabis seeds successfully. Read on as we break down the basics of germinating cannabis seeds so that you can get your plants started off the right way!
Is Growing Cannabis Seeds Difficult?
When you want to try your hand at growing your own greens from scratch, the first step is to germinate your cannabis seeds. Though the steps involved with germinating cannabis seeds are relatively simple, it can be a delicate process that requires your attention. That’s why following the right steps is important to ensure successful sprouting.
As with other plants, cannabis requires the right conditions to grow and thrive. This includes everything from making sure the plants get enough light, to maintaining ideal temperature & humidity levels and making sure the plant has plenty of nutrients.
With the right knowledge and equipment, growing cannabis can be a fun and fulfilling hobby. There are many resources available to help new growers get started, and with practice and patience, you can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to produce high-quality cannabis plants.
What Is Germination?
Germinating a cannabis seed refers to the process of initiating the growth of a cannabis plant from a seed. Germination involves exposing the seed to the right conditions, such as warmth, moisture, and air, to activate the growth process
Germination is crucial in cultivating cannabis plants as it ensures that the plant will grow properly and reach its full potential. Proper germination can increase the chances of a successful harvest, so it’s essential to understand the right techniques for germinating cannabis seeds. There are several methods for germinating cannabis seeds, including soil germination, water germination, and paper towel germination.
How Long Do Cannabis Seeds Take To Germinate?
The time it takes for cannabis seeds to germinate depends on several factors, including the strain, the growing conditions, and the germination method. Generally, cannabis seeds take between 1 to 7 days to germinate, with some strains taking up to two weeks. Factors impacting germination time include temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
Growers should monitor the germination process closely to ensure that the seeds are healthy and that the growing conditions are optimal. Proper germination can increase the chances of a successful harvest, so it’s crucial to be patient and give the seeds time to sprout.
How To Choose The Right Seeds For Germinating Cannabis Seeds
When it comes to getting started with the germination process, not all types of cannabis seeds are created equal. In addition to yielding different types of cannabis strains, certain seeds will be easier to grow for beginners than others. You must consider all of these factors before choosing your seeds to ensure the best possibility for success.
Let’s take a look at the different types of cannabis seeds you will encounter.
Auto-flowering Seeds vs. Photoperiod Seeds
Auto-flowering seeds are a great choice for beginners, as they require less attention and are generally easier to grow. These seeds will flower automatically after a certain period, regardless of the light they receive.
On the other hand, photoperiod seeds require a specific light schedule to trigger flowering and are more commonly used by experienced growers. Photoperiod plants typically have higher yields and more potent buds, but require more attention and care.
What Are Feminized Cannabis Seeds?
In addition to choosing between auto-flowering and photoperiod seeds, you may also consider specifically germinating feminized seeds. Feminized seeds have been genetically altered to produce only female plants, which are the ones that produce buds. Ultimately, this means you won’t have to weed out male plants or worry about accidental pollination.
Feminized seeds are a great choice if you have limited space to germinate and grow your seeds, as they will ensure that all of your plants produce buds.
How To Germinate Cannabis Seeds
There are several different methods you can use to germinate your cannabis seeds, depending on your setup and space. Below we took at the three most commonly used methods for germinating cannabis seeds that you can try out for yourself!
Germination In Soil
Germinating cannabis seeds in soil is one of the most straightforward and reliable methods for growing your seeds. The process replicates the natural way a seed would grow in the wild.
To germinate cannabis seeds in soil, start by filling a small container with nutrient-rich loamy soil that has been moistened with water. Next, create a small hole in the center of the soil, about a quarter-inch deep, and place the seed inside the hole.
Cover the seed with soil and lightly water the container, as needed, to keep the soil moist. You will want to keep the container in a warm, dark area, like a closet or cupboard. These kinds of environments will provide ideal conditions for soil germination.
Check the container daily to ensure the soil remains moist but not soaked. After a few days, the seed should start to sprout, and you can then transfer it to a larger container or planting site.
Germination In Water
Germinating cannabis seeds in water is another popular way to germinate cannabis seeds, and it is easy to do at home.
To germinate cannabis seeds in water, start by filling a glass or jar with room-temperature water (approximately 22°C / 71°F). Next, add the seeds to the water and cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Place the container in a dark, warm place, as you would when germinating your seeds in soil, and allow the seeds to soak for around 3-5 days.
Check on the seeds periodically and replace the water if it becomes cloudy or discolored. Eventually, tiny white tips will begin to start sprouting out of your seeds. Once these roots grow to around 2-3mm long, you will need to carefully transfer the seeds to the location where you will plant them in soil for the next stages of growth.
Wet Paper Towel Germination
Germinating cannabis seeds using the wet paper towel method is another simple and effective way to start growth.
To use this method, start by soaking a paper towel in water and wringing out any excess. Next, place the seeds onto the damp paper towel and fold it over to cover the seeds. Place the paper towel with the seeds inside a plastic bag or container, and leave it in, you guessed it, a warm, dark place.
Check the seeds daily and moisten the paper towel with water if it starts to dry out. Within about 3-10 days, you should start to see the seeds sprout. Once they have sprouted, you can transfer them to soil or a growing medium to continue the growth process.
What Is The Next Step For Growing Cannabis Seeds After Germination
Once you have successfully germinated your cannabis seeds, it’s time to move on to the next step.
As mentioned above, once your seeds have sprouted, you will need to carefully transfer them to the grow site where you will permanently plant the seeds.
Cannabis plants require a lot of light to grow. You will definitely want to invest in high-quality grow lights or take advantage of natural sunlight if you’re lucky enough to live in an area where you can grow outdoors. It is a good idea to monitor your plant’s growth progress regularly to ensure you are providing them with nutrients, water, and proper ventilation to ensure a successful harvest.
Remember, the key to successfully germinating cannabis seeds is to be patient and ensure you provide the plants with all the basic conditions they require to grow. With a bit of time and practice, your plants will explode with buds come harvest time!
To learn more about growing cannabis plants, check out our blog on when to harvest cannabis to ensure you are packing the finest buds around!
