Our Recommended Germination MethodUpdated 23 days ago
Germinating seeds can be confusing as there is more than one way to germinate cannabis seeds. We can help guide you through some of our recommended methods for germinating your seeds, so that you get healthy sprouts and plants. If you carefully follow either of the germination methods detailed below, you will have every reason to be on the green path to success. Be patient and always work in a clean and sterile environment by using isopropyl alcohol to sterilize. Use sterile tweezers, clean hands, and clean cupboard space.
Our top tip to guaranteed germination success
One of the best ways to ensure you get a 100% germination rate with long, healthy taproots perfect for transplanting is to combine both methods outlined below. We have found, over the years, that starting your cannabis seeds in distilled water for 48 hours and then transferring them to sheets of damp paper towel for 48 hours before transplanting them to your pots produces the best results! If you have limited time and are looking for a simpler solution, we recommend you use the paper towel method.
Germinating cannabis seeds in a paper towel
Our recommended, and easy-to-follow, method for germinating cannabis seeds is to use paper towels and a plastic tub. Below we explain everything you need to know about how to successfully germinate seeds using the paper towel method.
If you don’t see a taproot poking out of the shell after 72 hours, try moving to the soaking in water method as described below.
What you will need:
Thick paper towel (unbleached)
1 Small plastic tub and lid
1 Spray bottle
1 Sticker labels and pen
Cannabis seeds
Dark cupboard space
Steps to follow for germinating cannabis seeds in paper towel
Step 1 - Take your sticker labels and write the name of the strain and the date. Place the sticker on the outside of the plastic tub as a reference. (if germinating multiple strains, make sure each tub is clearly labeled).
Step 2 - Take a sheet of thick kitchen-grade, unbleached paper towel and spray it until it is quite damp. Fold it in half and place it in the tub.
Step 3 - Carefully place your seeds on the wet paper towel, giving the seeds plenty of space. Now, take another sheet of paper towel, spray it until it is damp, and fold it in half. Now, place the second wet paper towel over the seeds like a blanket.
Step 4 - Now place the lid over the tub, as this will keep the moisture inside while the seeds are germinating and prevent the paper towel from becoming dry.
Step 5 - Place the labeled tub in a dark cupboard or under your oven and check on the seeds every 24 hours. You should be seeing tap roots within 48-72 hours.
Step 6 - Once the seeds have all germinated, remove the top layer of paper towel and, using a pair of tweezers, carefully insert the seeds into your chosen growing medium with the tap root facing down.
What can go wrong when germinating in paper towel?
Paper is too wet: Lightly spray the paper towel until you achieve the right moisture levels. You do not want the paper towel dripping wet. Remember, seeds love oxygen, so avoid overwatering.
The paper is too dry: In some cases, the paper towel can dry out especially if the lid is not fixed onto the tub. Dried paper towel will prevent seeds from germinating.
Cold temperatures: The ideal temperature for seed germination is about 77°F (25°C), but within the range of 70-85° (20-30°C) is good. Aim for a warm and dark environment if possible.
Germinating cannabis seeds using water
Another easy-to-follow method for germinating cannabis seeds is soaking them in water. This method is as natural as it gets and easy to do. If it is your first time germinating seeds in water, below is a checklist to guarantee success.
What you will need
We are just one final step away from you officially becoming a grower, but before that, we need to make sure you have everything you will need to get started.
1 (Plastic or glass) cup
1 Bottle of distilled water
Sticker labels and a pen
Cannabis seeds
Dark cupboard space
6 Steps to follow when germinating in water
Step 1 - Take your sticker labels and write the name of the strain and the date. Place the sticker on the outside of the cup as a reference. (if germinating multiple strains, make sure each cup is clearly labeled).
Step 2 - Make sure the cup is clean, and fill it up with 2 inches of distilled water. It is important that the water is at room temperature and does not become cold.
Step 3 - Now, carefully open your seed packet and drop the seeds in the labeled cup of water. You can also use plastic craft tweezers to handle your cannabis seeds. At first, the seeds will float on the surface, but within 24-48 hours, they will have sunk to the bottom (or at least, most of them.)
Step 4 - Now find a dark place, such as a cupboard, and place the cup inside. You will want the space to be dark, with no sunlight.
Step 5 - Check on the seeds inside the cup every 24 hours, and within 48-72 hours, you will notice the seed shell opening up and a white tail emerging out of the bottom.
Step 6 - Once all the seeds have sunk to the bottom, with white tap roots showing, you can now very carefully drain the water and prepare to transplant the seeds using a pair of tweezers into your chosen growing medium with the tap root facing down.
What can go wrong when germinating seeds in water?
Cold water: Cannabis seeds prefer warm temperatures. The ideal temperature is about 77°F (25°C), but within the range of 70-85° (20-30°C) is good.
Stubborn seeds: In some cases, when the seeds do not sink, or show signs of opening, then you can try a simple scarification technique to encourage germination. Or take those stubborn seeds and apply the paper towel technique (details below) to give them a bit more time to wake up. If the seeds don’t show signs of life after 7 days, contact our customer support for replacement seeds.
Knocking cups over: It is easily done and can set you back big time. Be careful when checking your cups, and do your best to avoid knocking cups over!
My seeds won't germinate
If you are having issues germinating seeds, this video gives you some tips.
If you have any questions about germination or replacing nongerm seeds, please contact our customer success team. They will be happy to help.
From Seed to Bud: Our Germination Methods Make Your Grow Bloom 💚