To achieve a bountiful harvest of high-quality cannabis buds, it is crucial to prioritize the various stages of cannabis growth that come before it. Without successfully germinating your cannabis seeds, you cannot expect to have a plant to harvest. To ensure that your seeds have the best start in life, we recommend reading our comprehensive guide to germination.
Our guide covers the following topics:
The art of germinating cannabis seeds
What to look for when choosing cannabis seeds
The crucial role of germination temperature
Expected germination time
Choosing the right germination method
Tips for giving your seeds the best start in life
Germination and beyond
Despite the common assumption that the vegetative and flowering stages are the most critical, the germination stage should not be overlooked. Poor planning during germination can lead to failure and negatively impact your next grow. By providing your cannabis seeds with the best possible start, you can encourage healthy and robust plant growth.
Although there are several ways to germinate cannabis seeds, each method has its own degree of success, along with advantages and disadvantages. It's worth noting that even with advanced growing expertise and top-of-the-line equipment, a few failed seeds are natural when dealing with living organisms. At 5 Seeds, we provide a wide range of high-quality regular and feminized cannabis seeds, clearly labeled with their genetics, so you don't have to worry about any unwanted surprises.
What To Look Out For In Cannabis Seeds-
When it comes to cannabis seeds, it's essential to inspect them carefully before planting, regardless of their source. Poor-quality seeds can produce weaker plants, which may not become apparent until the vegetative and flowering stages. To avoid disappointment, look for seeds with a darker coloration, as they have a better chance of germinating, while pale green or white seeds are more likely to fail. Even slightly damaged dark seeds should still be planted, as they may still germinate.
Temperature plays a crucial role in the germination process, so it's important to follow some golden rules for the best results, no matter which method you choose. Seeds need moisture, but they use temperature as a cue to seek it out. The ideal temperature for germination is between 71–77°F. Your growing environment should be damp but never wet, with a relative humidity range of 70% to 90%. Seeds prefer fluorescent lighting with a Cool White code 33, and it's best to minimize seed handling. In hydroponic/rockwool plugs, the ideal pH value is 5.8–6.2.
What Is An Expected Germination Time-
Germination is triggered by three fundamental principles: warmth, moisture, and darkness. With moisture, a single root will take shape and slowly develop into the cannabis plant we know and love. In ideal conditions, seeds can begin to develop within 12-36 hours of being introduced to moisture.
However, timescales can vary depending on the quality of the germination environment. Following the golden rules outlined above can help create the ideal conditions for faster germination. Even if the conditions are not ideal, any grower can make a seed germinate, but it may take a few weeks and increase the risk of a weaker plant.
Choosing Your Germination Method-
Glass Of Water Approach
While it is considered one of the least effective methods, germinating seeds in a glass of water is still a viable option for beginner growers due to its simplicity. To begin, half-fill a glass or bowl with water that is around 71°F.
After 3-5 days, the seeds will start to open, and tiny white tips will appear. Once these roots reach 2-3mm in length, use extreme care to transfer them from the water to pre-prepared soil pots. The soil pots should have small holes (roughly 10-15mm deep) for the newly germinated seeds to be placed into.
To encourage growth, place a fluorescent light 5-6 inches away from the seeds. It is important to avoid overwatering at this early stage. Use a plant mister to keep the seeds damp, but not soaking wet.
Wet Kitchen Towel Method
The kitchen towel method is one of the most widely used germination techniques. There are various versions of this method, including cotton wool pads or absorbent paper. However, in this guide, we will use kitchen towel because it is easy to find and can hold moisture well.
To begin, place a sheet of damp kitchen towel on a flat surface. Make sure to space out the seeds a few centimeters apart before placing another sheet of kitchen towel on top. It is essential to ensure both pieces are damp, not soaking wet. Once the tiny white root tips reach 2-3mm, you can move the seeds to the soil pots carefully. Refer to the planting techniques mentioned above for guidance.
Planting Directly Into Soil
To avoid damaging the delicate root tip, planting cannabis seeds directly into your chosen growing medium is the safest method. Unlike water or paper towels, soil is more stable and less susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Begin by filling your pots with high-quality soil that has been soaked in water, possibly with a root stimulator added. Create a hole about 10-15mm deep for each seed to be placed in, gently cover them with soil, taking care not to compress it too much. Lightly mist the soil to keep it moist, but not waterlogged.
If you prefer not to pre-soak your soil, moisten the holes with a spray bottle before planting each seed. Place the pots in a location that is within the temperature and humidity ranges specified in the golden rules. Within 4-10 days, a young seedling should emerge from the soil, with roots developing underneath. You can then transplant the whole plant and soil into a larger pot, and begin your normal growing routine.
Using Stone Wool Blocks
Maintaining the ideal temperature between 71–77°F and moisture for germination can be challenging. Leaving seeds exposed to the environment or on a windowsill is far from ideal. Instead, a DIY climate-controlled cupboard can provide the necessary environment. While a warming mat is perfect for maintaining a constant temperature, it does not address the issue of moisture. Investing in some specialized equipment can make all the difference. Using stone wool blocks, you can create a perfect environment for germinating cannabis seeds. Soak the stone wool blocks in the same way you would a soil medium. The wool retains moisture and eliminates the need to water during the early stages of germination. After soaking, place the wool blocks in a plastic tray with a lid. Large cake tubs work well. The dome of the plastic container creates a mini tropical climate for your seeds. By placing all the components in a temperature-controlled cupboard, you create a self-perpetuating supply of moisture, so there's no need to touch the seeds again until they're ready to be transferred as young seedlings to your final growing medium. Using the stone wool block method, your seeds should germinate in one to two days. After two or three weeks, your young seedlings should be ready for their new home. At this point, 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 engulfed the bottom half of the wool block, they will seek water and nutrients in their new surroundings and continue to grow downward. 5 Seeds Germination Kit There is, of course, a far simpler way to germinate seeds. Ideal for beginners, the germination kit by 5 Seeds has everything you need to kick-start your next cannabis project. The 5 Seeds Germination Kit contains: 1 Seed Starter Kit with 12 Cells 1 LED Grow Light 1 USB Connector 12 Plant Tags. 12 "Rapid Rooters" with root accelerator applied
