What is Germination?
Germination is the biological process that activates a dormant cannabis seed, signalling it to grow into a seedling. When exposed to the right conditions (moisture, warmth, darkness, and oxygen), the seed absorbs water, swells, softens and eventually cracks open. This allows the taproot (the plant’s first root) to emerge and anchor itself into the growing medium.
Step-by-Step Guide to Germinating Cannabis Seeds
Step 1: Select High-Quality Seeds
When you order cannabis seeds online from TB Seeds. You get healthy, mature brown, firm, and uncracked seeds that set you up for the best germination success. Cannabis seeds that are soft, pale or damaged may not germinate.
Step 2: Choose Your Germination Method & Prepare Materials
The next step is to choose a germination method that suits your setup and experience level.
Germination Methods:
- Paper Towel Method (Most common & effective)
- Direct-to-Soil Method (Preferred by organic growers)
- Water Glass Method (Quick pre-soak for tough seeds)
- Rockwool or Jiffy Pellets (Great for hydroponic grows)
Step 3: Gather the supplies
See below the list of everything you’ll need, no matter your chosen method.
- Paper towels (for paper towel method)
- Distilled or pH-balanced water
- Tweezers (to handle seeds carefully)
- Small plate or container
- Rockwool cubes or Jiffy pellets (for hydroponic methods)
- Seedling heat mat (optional, but helpful in maintaining warmth)
Step 4: Germinate
Paper Towel Method (Common)
For this example, we will use the most effective and standard method of germinating cannabis seeds, the paper towel method.
- Place seeds between two damp paper towels (not dripping wet).
- Lay them on a plate, cover them with another plate, or place them in a sealed plastic bag to maintain humidity.
- Keep in a warm (20-25°C), dark place like a cupboard or drawer.
- Check daily. The seeds should sprout within 2-5 days.
Soil Method (Natural & Beginner-Friendly)
This one is the easiest one to perform.
- Plant the seed directly into lightly moist soil, about 1cm (½ inch) deep.
- Cover the hole loosely with soil—don’t compact it too much.
- Keep the soil moist but not soaked, and maintain a warm temperature (20-25°C).
- Expect sprouting within 4-7 days.
Water Glass Method (Pre-Soak for Tougher Seeds)
Here is another method requiring the taproot to be transplanted once the cannabis seed has germinated.
- Fill a clean glass with lukewarm, distilled water.
- Drop the seed inside—if it floats, gently tap it down.
- Allow the seed to soak for 12-24 hours, but no longer to avoid drowning.
- Once the seed sinks or cracks open, transfer it to soil or the paper towel method.
Rockwool/Jiffy Pellets (Best for Hydroponic Grows)
Using Rockwool or Jiffy Pellets might appeal to you if you grow hydroponic.
- Pre-soak rockwool cubes or Jiffy pellets in pH-balanced water (5.5-6.0).
- Place the seed inside the medium in a warm, humid environment.
- Ensure consistent moisture and warmth for the best results.
Step 5: Transplanting Sprouted Seeds
This next step requires the grower to be gentle, and it is where the tweezers come in handy.
- Once the taproot reaches 1-2 cm (½-1 inch), it’s time to transplant.
- Handle seeds with tweezers, not fingers, to avoid contaminating or damaging the taproot.
- Place the seed taproot in its final medium (soil, coco, or hydro).
- Cover gently and keep conditions warm and slightly humid.
Step 6: Don't make these common germination mistakes
Germination is simply, but it can go wrong. Avoid these common germination mistakes to ensure your crop gets off to the best start.
- Overwatering – Too much moisture can lead to seed rot. Keep paper towels damp, not soaked.
- Wrong Temperature – Too cold (<20°C) or too hot (>28°C) can slow or prevent germination.
- Touching the Taproot – Always use tweezers; oils from your fingers can damage delicate roots.
- Planting Too Deep – 1cm is ideal; planting deeper may cause slow or weak growth.
Step 7: Germination After Care
The job is not done just because the seed is sprouting. There are extra steps you can take to look after baby seedlings.
- Provide gentle light (CFL or LED) 18-24 hours daily to prevent stretching.
- Keep humidity at 65-70% to promote healthy early growth.
- Water sparingly. Overwatering can cause damping off (a fungal disease that kills seedlings).
- Avoid nutrients in the first 1-2 weeks. The seedling has all the nutrients it needs from the seed shell.
