The Best Ways to Germinate Cannabis Seeds

Marijuana seeds germination depends on many factors, both internal and external. The most important external factors include water, oxygen, temperature, light, and proper soil. Sativas require from a few up to 5 degrees higher temperatures because they come from a much hotter climate than indicas.

During germination, the marijuana seed awakens from its inactivity. Breaking seed dormancy happens by contact with water and room temperature. Water is essential here, for as soon as the seed has absorbed a sufficient amount of water, the seedling begins to form its root system. Oxygen is also required for successful germination, so do not drown your seeds, allow contact with air. Next seeds break through their shell.

Once the seed coat is cracked, the germinating seedling requires oxygen for its metabolism. If the soil is waterlogged, it might cut off the necessary oxygen supply and prevent the seed from germinating as it prevents aerobic respiration, which is the main source for the seedling’s energy until it starts to photosynthesize. At this time light and soil have to be provided to maintain a healthy germination process.
There are various simple methods of germinating cannabis seeds:

Presoaking

Put some moist tissues on a plate. Put the seeds on top of them and then put a layer of moist tissues on the seeds. Cover the plate with another upturned plate, so that the seeds are in darkness and the environment remains moist. Put the covered cannabis seeds in a warm place (21°C). Check the seeds every day, sprinkle the tissues if necessary to keep them moist but not wet, and carefully transplant the seeds when they open and the tip of the root becomes visible. Put the seed in a growth medium (soil or rock-wool), approximately the size of the seed under the surface (about 5 mm) with the pointed tip up (the tip where the root comes out).

Germinate Cannabis Seeds in growing medium

Place your marijuana seeds under the surface in the growing medium at approximately the size of the seed. Regularly sprinkle the growth medium with water, but make sure that the soil or the rock-wool does not become too wet. The seedling uses the spare food present in the seed for growing. Air is very important for its metabolism. So make sure that the soil remains sufficiently airy.

One of the characteristics of Rockwool is that it retains much air. Make sure that the Rockwool is not standing in water and that the excess water is able to drain away properly. Rockwool has a fine germination climate for the seeds. Remove the cover as soon as the seedlings reach above the medium.

Outside growing

Although it is possible to have your marijuana seeds germinate immediately outdoors, they are way too expensive for such a risky try, besides the germination percentage will be considerably higher if you first germinate indoors. From April to May the ground temperature is not yet ideal and you may lose too many seeds. Regularly put the emerged seedlings in a place where they can get used to outdoor conditions.

Young cannabis seedlings
The young plants are still very delicate. Therefore you should not place them in direct sunlight or just below a 400 Watt lamp. This might cause burning. Provide young plants with nutrient water and add Boost to strengthen the root system.

Beginner’s germination safety
Germinate your cannabis seeds in small batches of 2 seeds, this way if you make a mistake in your germination procedure you will lose only a few of your cannabis seeds. Further, you will be able to learn from your mistakes and still have a few seeds for the next, hopefully, successful attempt to germinate seeds. This method is called newbie germination risk management and works very well