How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds: A Step by Step Guide

Learn how to germinate cannabis seeds with a step by step guide tried and proven through countless grows. Step up your germination game and join us on The HighWay.

Different Germination Methods

When it comes to germinating cannabis seeds, growers have a variety of methods at their green fingertips. Probably the most popular technique is the classic paper towel method, where seeds are placed between damp paper towels and kept in a warm, dark environment until they sprout tiny taproots.

Another approach is direct planting, where the cannabis seeds are placed directly into the chosen medium (living soil, coco coir, etc.) and covered with a thin layer of substrate. This method is often the most simple, but be warned as the germination rate may be lower, and waiting for the seedlings to pop above the substrate feels like it takes eternity!

Some growers swear by the water glass method, in which seeds are submerged in a glass of water until they sink to the bottom, indicating they’re ready to be planted. Whether you prefer the traditional paper towel method or want to experiment with newer techniques, the key is to find what works best for you and your budding garden.

In this article, we will be mixing it up a little and taking you step by step through a germination method that we personally have found effective here at The HighWay. It combines two of the beloved methods mentioned just above, the water glass method and the classic paper towel method. Now let’s get to germinating!

Gather Your Supplies

The first and arguably the most crucial step to successfully germinating cannabis seeds is to source reliable genetics from reputable breeders. Let’s face it, not all breeders are the same. Finding good and consistent breeders with good germination rates can sometimes be difficult. We recommend doing your own research and finding what is best for you personally. Try growing strains from many different breeders to compare germination rates and more importantly, the flower, to find what you prefer. 

Need help? Check out our list of Best Cannabis Breeders. 

Here is the full list of supplies needed for germination:

• Cannabis seeds (obviously)
• Distilled water (tap water will work, but preferably filtered and/or dechlorinated)
• Shot glass or larger
• Paper towels
• Plates or Tupperware
• Tweezers
• A warm, dark, and cozy spot

Soaking the Seeds

The next step in the germination journey is to soak the seeds. Here at The HighWay, we use shot glasses (because who doesn’t like a party?), but of course you can use any size glass or cup you desire. We fill the glasses with filtered tap water and drop the seeds right in. If you plan on growing more than a single strain, we recommend separating the seeds while they soak and labeling them to avoid any mix ups. No one wants to forget which strain is which!

After all the seeds are floating in water, place them in a dark place overnight. A cupboard or pantry will do just fine! Once the seeds have had their beauty sleep, come back the next morning after about 12-14 hours. You may see that some seeds have sunk to the bottom of the glass. Don’t worry, that’s supposed to happen! If they’re still floating, gently tap them and they will likely sink. If not, give them a few more hours and try again. The seeds sinking to the bottom is not necessary, but does generally indicate that they’re ready for the next step.

Now is when you transition over to the paper towel method. Two plates or Tupperware with a lid will both work perfectly for this process. Simply place the paper towel onto the plate, pour the water with the seeds onto the paper towel, then cover seeds with another paper towel. Be sure not to drown the seeds! All that is needed is for the paper towels to be moist, but not completely soaked. Cover the plate with another plate (you don’t want any pressure on the seeds) so it stays dark in there. Alternatively if you’re using Tupperware, just put the top on. Now place the seeds in a warm, dark, and cozy spot where they will sit for a day or two until a tap root is showing.

Planting into Soil

Once you see a tap root coming out of the shell about a ¼ inch or longer, the seed can safely be planted into soil. Always remember when germinating cannabis seeds, not every seed will be successful, so be prepared for nothing to happen and for a seed or two to not germinate. Many growers often germinate extra seeds in preparation of this happening, and if they all germinate, then the more the merrier!

Your choice of medium is solely up to you. There are many different options, and we recommend trying out multiple to find what you like. Whether that be living soil, coco coir, or hydroponic, there are pros and cons to them all. Maybe you’ll enjoy sourcing your own ingredients and mixing up your very own special soil! The possibilities are ultimately endless.

Now is the time to plant these seeds into their homes! Be sure to pre-moisten your medium by watering it beforehand. This will allow for the roots to expand further in search of water and prevent forcing the seed too far into the pot if the grower were to water after the seed was just planted. Dig a tiny hole in the soil a little bigger than the tap root, then gently pick up your seed with some tweezers and drop it into the hole with the tap root facing downwards. Cover the seed lightly with some soil and you’re done! Now you just sit back and relax until the seedling pops above the soil.

Sprouting Seedlings

Now for the most exciting part! Seeing the baby seedlings above the soil on that first day is always so amazing. It marks the start of a new grow, and (hopefully) a successful harvest when it comes to the end. There really isn’t too much to do the first week or so after germination. Just keep the tent or grow room clean, warm, and relatively moist. The young cannabis plants in the vegetative stage love it in the 75-80℉ range, as well as a relative humidity around 65-75%.

Don’t forget to water the seedlings (not too much) and provide them with enough light! Keep these parameters and you should be able to just sit back and relax for the first week. Many people think that growing cannabis is super difficult, but it is a weed after all! These plants can be very resilient and will bounce back from much worse than you would ever think. Don’t be afraid to test out new techniques and new ways of growing. There’s never too much to learn. 

Germinating cannabis seeds can be a rewarding and even sometimes stressful process. If you have the patience to nurture these seed into big and bountiful plants, then you will for sure reap the rewards.

The HighWay team wishes you the best of luck with your garden, and we hope to see you again soon.

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