It's relatively easy to get your hands on high quality seeds these days. But what's next? Most seeds are not cheap, ranging from $5-15 a piece, so making sure we give our cannabis seeds the best chance of success in early life is important, but it need not be stressful! I'll walkthrough 3 common methods to germinate cannabis seeds and start growing your own marijuana!
What is germination?
Germination is the natural process that 'wakes' a nocturnal seed and begins the process to start growing the initial root, known as a tap root, and first leaf set known as the cotyledon.
How to germinate cannabis?
Method 1 - float it /cup of water
This method has grown wildly popular recently because it's easy and gives easy visibility to progress. My personal experience says it takes a bit longer than #2, but that's anecdotal.
Let a cup of water comes to room temperature and chlorine evaporate (1 day) or use RO water.
Gently place seed on water, don't let it sink, it needs oxygen!
Put the glass somewhere dark.
You should see a tap root within 2 days.
Once tap root is about a centimeter go ahead and place it under a half centimeter of soil, you'll see a sprout in a couple of days.
Method 2 - paper towel
This method is a dependable staple preferred for consistent results, though you'll need to peak more to know when they're ready.
Soak a couple paper towels well, then squeeze out water until very damp but not dripping at all.
Fold seed into a bed of the napkins making sure both sides are getting covered. Place on a place in a plastic bag. You should see tap root within a day or 2. Follow same method to put it in soil.
Method 3 - 'el natural' / in soil
This is the natural method and works fine most of the time. Place the seed under half centimeter of soil, moisten well until it sprouts in about a week.
It's harder to control humidity and easy to lose that seed in soil. I do not recommend this method, it's anxious and risky.
If you use soil make sure they're under 1/4-1/2 inch of soil (dark and wet) and give them plenty of time to push up.
Lights and Soil
You can give your sprout light as soon as it is in soil. Keep it mild and a bit higher off for the first 10 days.
Keep soil moist, but not dripping. Think spring!
Get Started
The most important thing to keep in mind is that these are seeds, from a plant, and nature knows how to do her thing, so just take a breath, and know that a little darkness and moisture is all they need.
What is your go to method for germination? Any tips to share?