How to Germinate Marijuana Seeds

Whether you are growing pot for personal use or for income, it is crucial to give your plants the best start in life possible. Just as with animals and children, healthy beginnings will encourage rapid, strong growth. You have two basic options for growing your own cannabis: start with seeds or use clones.

If you choose the seed route, you will want to know the best way to germinate marijuana seeds. Experimenting with marijuana germination is your best bet for determining what’s right for you, since even seasoned growers often argue about the best methods for germinating marijuana seeds.

And maybe you have been using trial and error but ended up thinking, “Why won’t my marijuana seeds germinate?”” Truth is, you’ve likely been making some mistakes without knowing it. You can increase your results, although some seeds inevitably will be duds. No one can attain 100% germination, but there is room for improvement regardless.

DripWorks is happy to provide this primer on how to germinate marijuana seeds fast. These methods can get you and your seeds off to a good start.

Select the Right Seeds

Germination simply means getting a seed to sprout a taproot, which will serve as its main root into the soil as it grows. For the best results, start with the best seeds you can afford to buy online or get from friends.

Choose between indica and sativa according to your preferences for cannabis effects or the market’s demand. You will also have dozens of strains to choose from.

If possible, get feminized seeds. Because female pot plants produce the bodacious bud that cannabis connoisseurs crave, starting with feminized seeds will produce more buds when the plants mature. Feminized seeds won’t provide 100% female plants, but they will greatly increase your odds from the 50-50 chances of a standard seed selection.

Germination

How long does it take to germinate marijuana seeds? Typically, it will take anywhere from a couple of days to up to a week to see your seeds start to turn into plants.

There are five basic germination methods that are popular. With any of these methods, remember that seeds will need adequate warmth, moisture, and air to germinate properly. Generally, cannabis seeds like a temperature of 70° F to 90° F for sprouting.

Paper Towels

The paper towel method is a favorite for many home growers. Simply take two pieces of paper towel. Moisten them with water. Then place your pot seeds in between the two layers of moist paper towels.

Put a plate or other object under the bottom towel to prevent moisture damage and another over the top towel to keep the seeds in a dark space. When you see the white taproot emerge from your seeds, they will be ready to transplant. Make sure to plant them taproot down.

Water Soaking

Lots of folks like this simple, direct method. Simply soak your seeds overnight in a glass of lukewarm water. The next day, plant them directly in the ground, containers or wherever you plan to grow them.

Direct Planting

This is an even more natural method than water soaking. Just plant your seeds 1/2 inch to one inch deep in soil or another medium that has been moistened. A key benefit of this technique is that your seedlings won’t be subject to transplant shock. Because they have grown up in their surroundings, they will have acclimated to them.

Jiffy Pots

Some folks like to germinate their seeds in Jiffy Pots. You can buy these at nurseries and other places as little round disks.

When you are ready to plant, just add water. They will expand into little individual soil pots you can use as a growing medium.

Plant a seed or two in each pot, making sure to keep the pots moist. Once the plants sprout, you can transplant them in their Jiffy Pot to a container or to a raised bed or garden plot.

Germination Station

Also known as seed starters, germination stations are like mini greenhouses. They include a tray filled with soil and a heat pad underneath to keep the soil warm.

A clear plastic cover on the top keeps the warmth in. You can make one of these at home or purchase one inexpensively at your local nursery or online.

Simply plant your pot seeds in the growing medium and let them grow. When they are big enough, transplant them to a place where they will grow to maturity and harvest. To keep your crop growing well, check out other guides from our cannabis blog.