Tips To Successfully Germinate Cannabis Seeds

Best Way To Grow Marijuana - Germinate Your Seeds from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

Growing marijuana is a breeze with our germinating tips and tricks!

For newbies and beginners, growing your own marijuana can be a little tricky. The first thing you need to do, obviously, is germinate the seeds. You don’t want to waste seeds since these can be expensive and ordering them can be a bitch, so the less error you make in the beginning, the more you can maximize your marijuana investment.

You’ll know when your seeds have germinated once you see small white tendrils pop out - these are the marijuana plant’s very first root known as the taproot. But just because your seed has sprouted doesn’t mean that the plant will already grow fully. When your seed has sprouted it still requires your careful love and affection because all the other roots of the plant will come fromthis very taproot.

The taproot will continue to grow longer and eventually push the seed up and causing the shell to break apart. Soon, the first leaves will emerge from the seed. The next set of leaves that will grow are the real marijuana leaves, and will have a serrated edge.

Basic Germination Instructions

What you’ll need:

Clean glass

Drinking water

Cannabis seeds

Flat plate

Tissue paper

1. Fill the glass with water and drop the your best cannabis seeds in.

2. Soak it in a cool dark place with a temperature between 67 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. After 10 minutes check the seeds; use your hands to gently tap down the ones that are floating but if they continue to float just leave them alone.

4. After 10 to 12 hours, transfer the seeds onto a clean, dry plate. Sandwich them between two layers of damp toilet paper or cotton. Leave the germination plate in a dark place, such as a closed drawer so no air can come in.

5. Keep the toilet paper or cotton moist by dipping it in drinking water every 6 to 12 hours. Avoid soaking them - it’s just important to keep them damp.

6. After around 48 to 72 hours, the shells will swell and split up. They can take up to a week to germinate so just be patient. Once the taproot appears, you are ready to plant the marijuana seeds.

WATER FOR SEEDS

WATER AND MOISTURE

Moisture is critical to stimulate the necessary hormonal changes in the seed that result in germination. Make sure to only use high quality soil when planting your seeds and ensure that the soil is already pH balanced.

Drinking water is best for watering marijuana seeds. Public sources of water, such as tap and well, might contain chlorine and dissolved solids that can prevent germination.

When watering your seeds, it’s ideal to keep water temperature at 70 degrees fahrenheit. Water below 65 degrees and above 78 degrees can make it difficult for the roots to absorb nutrients, hampering any possibilities of early growth. Use a reservoir thermometer to test the temperature of your water every day, whether your reservoir is indoors or outdoors. If the water is too cool simply use a thermostat. On the other hand if you have a hard time keeping it cool enough, remove the water from the grow light, put it under some shade, or remove it from the room entirely.

Keep watering the seeds regularly; the more water penetrates the shell the more it can activate dormant hormones that will stimulate taproot growth.

SEEDS NEED OXYGEN

OXYGEN

Oxygen is critical to the germination of cannabis seeds. Even after germination, the roots that grow out of the seeds will still need oxygen while marijuana leaves require carbon dioxide.

Keep in mind that marijuana is a plant native to desert-like, arid climates. If you are trying to grow your plant in an environment that is too moist, it will drown and won’t get enough oxygen.

Don’t cover the growing medium in plastic wrap since this will restrict the flow of air and trap moisture.

The air circulating your growing medium should be less than 50% humidity; anything above this and you will risk the growth of fungus that can kill your plant even while it’s only in the sprouting or germinating phase.

HEAT OF THE SEED GROW

HEAT

Seeds are adaptable enough to germinate in a variety of temperatures. However the ideal temperature for marijuana seed growth is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

If temperatures are too cool this results in slower germination time and encourage fungus growth which can rot both root and seed. Temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit are also not conducive to seed germination.

Incandescent bulbs can be used over the germination area to help keep the medium nice and warm. Another option is to use a heating pad located underneath the seed.

Never…..:

Use soil that contains high levels of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium)

Fertilize seeds in soil during their first week

Allow seeds or seedlings to water out

Water-log seeds

Deprive them of light

Hold seeds using your bare hands since it can transmit oil from your skin that prevents it from absorbing water

Spray pesticides nor water on seedlings

Use peat pellets as this can lead to pH problems

Other useful tips:

Weed out weak seeds that have less chances of germinating. These seeds are usually soft and too tiny. Weak seeds are also those that have cracks, or are green, white, or yellow in color. Viable seeds to plant are those that resemble an oblong in shape - similar to that of a raindrop with a dark brown color.

Leave your seeds in peace as you wait for the taproot to show.

When checking up on your seeds, use gloves and a light touch. Be as gentle as possible especially if you have to move them.

Plant germinated seeds by pointing the tap root facing downwards so it’s easier for the seedling to adjust into the growing medium.

What are your tips and tricks to germinating cannabis seeds? Share with us in the comments below.

Cannabis Seed Growing Tips, What To Do And What Not To Do.