Germinating cannabis seeds is the first and most delicate step in growing marijuana. If the germination process isn’t done correctly, the resulting seed won’t reach its full genetic potential.
The Seed
The cannabis seed must be of good quality; ideally from certified seed banks that offer guarantees in case the seed or seeds don’t germinate.
A good seed is essential for optimal germination. You should NEVER use the seeds found in the buds you buy, as they probably won’t germinate, and if they do, they’ll most likely be hermaphrodite or even male. These seeds aren’t intended for cultivation; they appear in the buds as a response to stress experienced by the plant. As a protective mechanism, the plant self-pollinates and begins to produce seeds to, in a sense, protect itself.
Temperature
Temperature plays a very important role. The optimal temperature for seed development ranges between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
If the seed is left in a medium with lower temperatures, the seed’s development slows and is delayed, potentially leading to its death. Even if it does manage to germinate, its development will be impaired. Conversely, if the temperature exceeds 25°C (77°F), the seed can literally «cook,» becoming more susceptible to mold, and the amount of oxygen in the medium is minimal.
Water
For perfect germination, water quality is vital. It needs to have a stable pH between 5.5 and 6.5 with a very low EC (electrical conductivity) or nutrient content, if not zero.
Use bottled water, as tap water may contain components that are harmful to the seeds.
Materials for Germinating Marijuana Seeds
There are several germination techniques, but here I’ll detail the one I use:
- 2 paper towels
- 2 ceramic plates
- Marijuana seeds
- Quality water, preferably bottled
You should never use plastic containers as they can cause mold to grow.
To check if a seed is good, squeeze it. If it doesn’t break, it’s good and has a high chance of germinating. If it breaks, the seed is bad and useless.
Step 1 is to place the first paper towel on the plate, spray it with water until it’s damp but not soaking wet, then add the seeds and cover them with the second paper towel. Spray them with water again and cover them with the second plate.
Step 2, and the most important, is to leave the plates upright so that the radicle grows straight and downwards. The photo below will make this clear:
Leaving the plates in this way will allow the rootlets to grow much better.
Otherwise if the plate is left lying down, the rootlets grow in any direction, and that is precisely what we don’t want; the photos below will illustrate the difference.
Once the seed(s) have germinated, you can transfer them to a small pot first, ideally!
