Germination is the process in which a seed sprouts its taproot and begins to grow into a new plant. Commonly referred to as “popping,” germination is the very first step in starting your cannabis garden.
Cannabis seeds require three things to germinate: water, heat, and air. There are many methods to germinate seeds, this is the method I use and find the simplest. To get started you will need:
1 clean plate (small enough to fit in a ziplock bag)
1 ziplock bag (big enough to hold the plate)
2 paper towels
Seeds
Warm water
Germinating Cannabis Seeds
Step 1
Take two sheets of paper towel and soak them with warm water. I find that you do not have to PH the water for germination, tap water works fine, but if you are connected to city water you may want to bubble it for 24 hours to clear out any chlorine commonly found in city water. The paper towels should be soaked but not dripping.
Step 2
Take one of the paper towels and fold it in half and place it on the plate. Then, place your cannabis seeds at least an inch apart from each other on the paper towel. Now cover them with the remaining water-soaked paper towel, pressing it around the seeds to remove any air pockets.
Step 3
To create a warm, humid space, take the plate and slide it into the ziplock bag, then blow a little air into the bag and seal it shut. This should create a pillow like space for your seeds to begin life. I place my "seed pillow" on top of my fridge between the upper cupboards and the fridge itself. This is a nice dark and warm space for my seeds to germinate.
Step 4
Now we wait. I prefer to leave my seeds in their warm dark and humid environment for 2 days before I even look at them. It's hard I know but they need at least that to break out of their shell. On day two, open the ziplock, slide the plate out and carefully peal back the top paper towel. Hopefully you will see a few of your seeds have split open and their taproot is starting to grow. THERE IS LIFE!!!!! The magic has begun.
Any seeds that are split or have their taproot growing out are ready to be planted. If there are still some seeds that are not ready that is ok, just tuck them back into the seed pillow making sure there is still enough moister and place them back on the fridge to be checked tomorrow. Some seeds will germinate quickly, and others just need more time. But generally, seeds should germinate in 3-10 days, so if it’s been two weeks and a seed hasn’t sprouted, it’s probably a dud and won’t sprout.
Step 5
Once you see the taproot, it’s time to transplant your germinated seed into its growing medium, I prefer to use soil. I like to go into a twelve-ounce plastic cup.
First, I cut two slits in the bottom of the cup to allow for proper drainage. Fill the cup with loose soil and water it with warm PH adjusted water (not too warm, just warmer than your hand). Poke a hole in the soil with your marker or pencil, I usually go about half of an inch deep. Now, place the seed into the hole, trying to keep the taproot pointed down. Don't stress if your seed gets flipped around in the hole, nature is smart, your cannabis plant will figure out which way to grow to find the light. Now cover with soil and add a little fresh water to be sure your seed is moist. Do not pack your soil to tight at this stage, remember your sprout is very fragile, it's just a newborn baby after all.
Within a week or so you will see your seedling push its way through the soil and you are off and running. At this seedling stage of growing, you must be careful and gentil with your baby, it's easy to over water and stress your plant in this early stage. Be sure to keep her close to the light (about 12-18 inches from a T5 or LED), so she doesn't stretch, with a small amount of wind osculating around the room to promote strength. Keep an eye on her while she is young, and you are sure to be rewarded with a beautiful and strong cannabis plant.
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