When you think about growing your own weed, you first need to figure out how to germinate cannabis seeds. As the most important part of starting your own plants, it might seem more difficult than you’d think. For beginners, here’s a great foolproof way for you to start germinating your cannabis seeds.
Paper Towel Method
By far the most common way for people to germinate seeds, this method requires little to no equipment and gives you the ability to use something you already have around the house. The best part is that you have full control over how the seeds germinate.
What You’ll Need
- Two clean plates
- Paper towels
- Seeds
- Distilled water
The Procedure
- The first thing you’ll need to do is soak your paper towels. Take about four paper towels and soak them in distilled water. When soaking, make sure that they don’t have any excess water; they should simply be thoroughly wet.
- Taking one of your plates and two of your paper towels, place them on top of the plate. You can then take your marijuana seeds and place them on top of the paper towel, spaced at least an inch apart.
- Once you have your seeds placed properly, cover them with the other two paper towels. Roll up any edges of the paper towel that are hanging off of the plate and move onto the next step.
- Next, you’ll have to create a dark and safe space for your seeds to germinate. You can do this by placing the second plate on top of the first one. You’ll then want to put the plate in an area of your home that is warm. The best temperature for germinating seeds is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The most frustrating part of the process is this step, as all you can do is wait. Depending on the type of seeds you have, they might start germinating almost immediately whereas others can take several days to begin the process. You’ll be able to tell that the seeds have fully germinated once they split and sprout.
Starter Plug Method
Another fantastic way to learn how to germinate your marijuana seeds is to consider using the starter plug method. This uses products that are specifically designed to easily germinate your seeds, but it is going to be slightly more expensive than the paper towel method. You can use seedling plugs as well, as they do relatively the same thing.
What You’ll Need
- Starter cubes (optional)
- Seedling plugs (optional)
The Procedure
- You’ll first want to decide whether to use starter cubes or seedling plugs. They are created to do the same thing, so it depends on which is more available to you.
- Place your seeds inside of the pre-made hole in the cubes or plugs and add enough water to where the material is able to be soaked without any excess water.
- Using your fingers, pinch the top of the plug or cube together so that the top is sealed.
- Similar to the paper towel method, all that is left is to wait for the seeds to germinate. Using this method, the germination should begin within a few days. You may prefer to use seedling plugs or starter cubes because they are suitable for all methods of growth ranging from soil to hydroponics.
Immediate Planting
If you’re not interested in germinating the seeds outside of your growing medium, there is also the ability to grow them directly without using plugs or paper towels. In many cases, allowing Mother Nature to do its work can be the more preferable option. Though you may find that immediate planting is more difficult with some mediums than others.
One of the largest benefits of immediate planting is your seeds will be able to adapt to their growing medium straight away. You don’t need to worry about the shock the seedling will experience when transferring it from a paper towel to your soil.
What You’ll Need
- Soil
- Water
- Heating Pad
The Procedure
- Once you have your soil situated, you’ll want to ensure that it is thoroughly wet. With that said, it shouldn’t be oversaturated with water; just moist enough.
- When the soil has achieved the desired moistness, you can then dig a hole that is between half an inch to one-inch deep. This is where you’ll be placing your seeds so that they can begin to germinate and grow.
- Place one seed per hole that you have dug and gently cover the seed with soil.
- Once all of the marijuana seeds have been placed, use a heating pad to keep the soil warm until they start to germinate. You can also opt to use heated lighting, depending on your budget and preferences.
Soaking Overnight
Deciding to germinate your seeds in water is the easiest method that you can think of and in many cases, is the most preferable, especially if you’re on a budget. All you’re going to need to do is put your seeds in a glass of water and allow them to sit overnight. This is the best germination method for old or hard seeds, as it can help to bring them back to life.
What You’ll Need
- Clear glass container
- Timer
- Water
- Seeds
The Procedure
- Prepare your glass container by ensuring it is thoroughly disinfected using boiling water. You can then pour lukewarm water into the container.
- Place the seeds inside of the water and set your timer for 32 hours. It’s important you don’t soak them for more than 32 hours.
- If you’ve noticed the taproot hasn’t sprouted in 32 hours, it’s recommended you try the paper towel method next. However, if it has sprouted, you can follow through with planting the germinated seed.
How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds: Final Thoughts
Many options are open to you when you decide to germinate your own weed seeds. The above methods are highly recommended, as they are trusted, affordable, and easy enough for beginners. Growing your own marijuana is a great way to cut costs and a fun hobby to turn to, as long as you first learn how to germinate cannabis seeds.
Immediately after harvesting, cannabis has to be trimmed of its leaves, dried of Substantially–but not all!–of its plant water body weight, and cured in exactly controlled environmental situations. The easiest way to grow weed calls for vigilant checking of humidity and temperature for more than a length of time to totally unlock the entire value within your harvest.