Germinating cannabis seeds made easy

Germinating cannabis seeds made easy: step-by-step instructions

To germinate cannabis seeds, there are a few tried and true methods and preferences. Here are 4 ways to succeed and also a few mistakes to avoid.

The water glass method:

Fill a glass with water that is not too cold (~20-25°C) and put in the seeds.
Place the jar in a dark, equally warm place. Good fresh seeds should sink in the jar.
If no root tip is visible after 24-48 hours, the water should be changed. This ensures fresh oxygen in the water. Depending on the seed, the process can take a few days. The germinated seeds can be planted carefully, not too deep (~5 mm) into the wider substrate.

The paper towel method:

Place the seeds on a dampened paper wipe and cover with another damp wipe.
Place the wipes in a plastic bag, plastic or glass jar and keep them dark and warm (~20-25°C). 
Check the humidity daily and air the container to prevent rot and mold growth.
The germinated seeds can be planted carefully, not too deep (~5 mm), in the wider substrate.

The "Jiffy" method:

Since the development of the Jiffy pots in the 1950s, "Jiffy" has stood for many types of swelling pots. Originally, these consisted of pressed peat and were covered with a net. In the 1990s, other variants made of coconut or compost appeared. B. JoPlug or Eazy Plug on the market.
You will also find a selection of the best products from Romberg, Jiffy's former sales partner, in our online shop. 
Pressed swelling tabs are placed in water to swell, other blocks can be bought ready-made in the tray.
The sprouting pots already have a hole at the top. The seeds should be sunk into a not too deep hole (~ 5 mm). Cover the top of the hole gently with the substrate and put it in a warm place (~25°C).
The seeds are protected from light (dark germs) and can therefore already be illuminated as a heat source. As soon as seedlings are visible, the light intensity should be increased gently but quickly to avoid stretched growth ("asparagus").

The hydromedium method:

Seedlings can be planted in hydroponics. Many growers ditch fine organic medium and instead germinate their cannabis seeds in an airy hydro substrate. This avoids the risk of later water logging at the root neck.
For such applications, e.g. B. Perlite, Seramis, fine hydrogranulate or as airy as possible stone wool cubes (rock wool cubes) can be used. The basic rule for germination substrate also applies here: warm and moist, but not too wet.

To prepare you for your upcoming germination in the best possible way, here are a few more tricks:

For older or difficult-to-germinate seeds, some growers use sandpaper. This is used to roughen the surface of the seeds and encourage the seed coat to absorb moisture. (Called scarification or scarification).
To do this, form a small tube with very fine sandpaper that is rolled into the inside and close the ends. 
Then put the seeds in and gently shake it.

The temperature should never fall below ~20°C during the entire germination phase. You can use heating mats, heating cables and thermostats to achieve the desired warmth. We have a large selection of these in our online shop.

If daily humidity control is not possible, a small greenhouse is recommended. This increases the humidity and delays evaporation. Make sure that this is not completely closed or that it is occasionally aired.

Also the addition of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) can increase the oxygen content in the water. This can also increase the germination of the cannabis seeds.

Never place the radicles of germinated water or paper seeds vertically in the wider substrate. The radicle must be able to pry the seedling out of the ground.

Which water should be used?

Hemp seeds and hemp plants (seedlings) like a slightly acidic environment with low nutrient content. A PH value around 6.0 (5.5 - 6.5) would be optimal. Tap water often has a too high PH value between 7.0 - 8.5.

If you're going to grow cannabis, it's better to buy a PH meter sooner rather than later. Then the PH value can be lowered in a controlled manner.

If you don't already have a pH meter, distilled water is sometimes recommended as well. Distilled water has a neutral pH (7.0). However, this is very unstable and can quickly drop when it comes into contact with air (CO2).

Mixing it with tap water adds a few microorganisms and stabilizes the PH value. By adding a little mineral fertilizer, the PH value can be slightly lowered and stabilized. e.g. with 1/5 of the fertilizer dosage recommended for larger plants.

Coconut water is also sometimes recommended for "problem seeds" because it contains a gentle dose of valuable nutrients. However, the PH value of bottled products varies in retail. The PH value should be at least below 7 and the coconut water should be changed more often, if not daily.

Which mistakes should be avoided?

As already mentioned, the most common mistakes are a too low temperature, as well as water logging and a lack of oxygen.

Here are the most important guidelines for germinating your cannabis seeds: 
use fresh, well-stored seeds use a warm, airy, not too moist medium pay attention to optimal seeding depth (approx. 5 mm)

After germination, the cannabis seeds should be in a suitable light spectrum be illuminated. The sprouts should not be sprayed heavily. This can burn the cotyledons if drops form on the leaves.

Enjoy your healthy plants!