There are several ways to germinate your cannabis seeds. We explain a few of them below. Try a few different ways and see which one works best for you.

Paper towel germination (Our favourite method)

Simply place a couple seeds on moist/wet paper towel, then place them in a ziplock bag and put in a dark place at room temperature ideally 20-25 celcius for 2 days.

Cheap paper towels work best (the cloth like ones could make your seed roots grow into them). This method works best by soaking two sheets of paper towels (wet but not with water still running off). Place your seeds in between the two wet sheets, around an inch apart. You can store the seeds in between two plates or underneath a bowl, so they are kept dark. The temperature must be kept at around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

They should germinate in approx 2 days.   On the 3rd day we plant in a small pot with 70% coco coir / 30% perlite.  Make sure that any green leaf is at the top just under the surface or slightly exposed, while the tap root (white bit) is pointing down inside the growing medium.   Then water with hydroponic nutrien at an EC of 1.0 for the first few days increasing to 2.0 after a week then transplanted into largeer pots. 

Soaking seeds in water

This can be an effective method to germinate seeds, especially those with very hard shells. Simply place the seeds in a glass of water and allow to soak overnight. This can help the shell to expand, allowing the taproot to come through. Some seeds can take a while to sprout but leaving them in the water for too long can also drown the seeds. It is best to leave seeds in the water for 24 to 48 hours, before moving them to soil (or other growing medium) to finish germinating.

A simple water glass will do, start by filling this up with warmish water (around 18 degrees Celsius) and drop in two or three seeds. Remember once your cannabis seeds develop the white taproot, you must be extremely careful when moving it into a pot, as it can be delicate. Causing the seed too much stress can kill it, so handle with care.

Starter cubes and plugs

This is one of the easiest ways to start your cannabis seed. Each starter cube or seedling plug has a small hole, in which you place your seed. Then you simply add the required amount of water and close the hole, covering the seed. This is a simple and helpful way of giving your seeds the best conditions to start the growth cycle.

Place seeds directly into soil or growing medium

This is the most natural way and one of the most common methods for beginners but does not have a high success rate due to the many variables associated with soil.   

The soil should be in a small pot, moist but not soaking. A mild fertilized potting soil with a pH level of around 6 will work well but be sure not to add further nutrients during this stage as it can be too much for the seed to handle.

To place the seed, push down into the soil and make a small hole with your finger, around 1.5cm to 2.5cm deep. Then place just one seed and cover it back over with loose soil. If the seed has developed a small, white taproot be sure it is facing downward into the soil. Using a sprayer, wet the soil and use a heat lamp if needed to keep the temperate to around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Keep checking regularly, making sure the temperature is correct and that your seed remains moist, and withing 5 to 10 days you will see a little seedling come through. Once this reaches 5-10cm, move the seedling into a larger pot (placing it further down into the soil than before).