First-time cannabis growers have a plethora of questions when it comes to the first phases of marijuana cultivation. Even though growing marijuana plants is not much different from growing other plants (since every plant needs soil, light, nutrients, and water in order to thrive), the difference is in how much of these factors the cannabis plant needs.
In order to end up with a good Sativa, Indica, or hybrid marijuana strain, growers need to take into consideration the unique requirements that each strain needs.
To help you become more confident and informed when you set out to start marijuana cultivation, we’ll get into the subject of germination and planting of cannabis seeds, providing you with everything you need to know in order to grow Marijuana.
Tips Before You Start With the Germination of Marijuana Seeds
There are a few things you’ll need before you begin germinating seeds:
- Get high-quality seeds from a reputable seed bank.
- Keep your marijuana seeds under a specific temperature for germination that should be about 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 °C).
- Keep your germinating seeds away from direct sunlight (don’t keep them on your windowsill or near a heater since they will get dry, and seeds need moisture).
- For the germination stage, you’ll need jiffy pellets or starter plugs that are designed specifically for germinating weed seeds.
- For indoor cultivation, you’ll need grow lights that will be used after you plant the cannabis seeds in pots.
Guide for Planting Cannabis Seeds
In order for the marijuana cultivation process to result in a harvest, the marijuana plant needs to go through 4 stages: germination (3-10 days), seedling (2-3 weeks), vegetative stage (3-16 weeks), and flowering (8-11 weeks). The first and second stages are the most crucial when it comes to planting pot seeds.
Germinating (Sprouting)
The first stage (germination) begins when the dry cannabis seed is placed in water until it sprouts. Some seeds may germinate, while others may not, depending on the quality of the seeds. Good cannabis seeds should be brown in color and should feel hard and dry to the touch.
Transplanting (Planting the Seed)
Once your seed has sprouted, it’s ready to be placed in soil so that it can start growing. Its taproot will grow downwards, while the stem grows upwards. As the plant grows, two cotyledon leaves grow out of the stem these take in sunlight to help the plant grow healthy and stable.
Germination: The Wet Paper Towel Method
This germination method includes germinating your seeds with damp paper towels and has been a tried-and-tested method for germinating seeds. Two pieces of paper towels are soaked in tap water and the seeds are stored between the sheets. Additional water is added over the next few days to keep the seeds moist.
Sprouting times tend to vary, but the seeds will generally take between two and four days to sprout, and if they take longer it’s best to throw them away, as they probably aren’t viable. After a few days, tiny roots should appear, and that is an indication that the seed is ready for planting.
Germination: Soaking Seeds in Water
Another method for germinating cannabis seeds that works well with harder seeds is the soaking method. This method requires you to place the seeds at room temperature tap water and keep them soaked for 32 hours.
After you’ve put the seeds in water, some of them will sink to the bottom. These seeds are viable. The non-viable seeds will float, and they need to be thrown away. After 32 hours, you can use the paper towel method on the seeds that sank, and after they sprout, you can plant them.
Planting the Seeds Directly
This is a harder germinating technique and one that isn’t recommended for first-time growers. In order for it to work, growers need to be informed about the plants’ required nutrients, humidity levels, and the appropriate pH soil levels that are needed.
For this type of seed germination, you’ll need to plant the marijuana seeds in moist soil, about an inch deep. You’ll also need to have some additional heating system to keep the plants warm for the first few days. Even though planting the seeds directly may not be the best option for novice growers, it does have its benefits, like not risking breaking the taproot off when you’re transferring the plant to another pot.
Transplantation of Germinated Marijuana Seeds
After germination, you can plant the germinated seeds in a pot. Remember that the cannabis seedlings and its taproots are fragile in this early stage and you need to handle them with care, so it might be good to use tweezers when you do this.
Fill small pots (2 inches) with potting soil that is loose and moist to the touch. The pots should be filled ¾ of the way. Make half-inch pre-drilled holes by using your finger, and carefully place one sprouted seed in each hole.
Cover the seed with soil, spray it with water, and refrain from pressing the soil. It will take about one more week for the germination process to conclude, after which a stem will surface, and the taproot will produce secondary roots.
The best soil for sprouting cannabis seeds is a seed starter with only a little bit of fertilizer, as cannabis seedlings need loose soil in order to grow easily. For hydroponic cultivation, you may want to germinate in rockwool cubes because they retain moisture better.
Replanting for Healthy Growth
Young plants need to be planted in smaller pots before they’re replanted into bigger containers, so that they can grow a stronger root system. That’s because small plants that are planted in bigger pots may find it harder to get oxygen when they’re surrounded with too much growing medium, which can result in stunted growth.
It’s best to replant your cannabis plant as it outgrows its pot. Avoid leaving your plant in a small pot for too long as that can result in you having a “root-bound” plant (the roots grow too large for the pot and the plant can asphyxiate and die.)
Some growers will directly plant the seedlings in the final container. However, this is not recommended because it will be harder for the plant to get oxygen when it is surrounded by too much growing medium. On the other hand, if you find that your plant absorbs water within a day, it might be time for a bigger pot.
If the thought of transplanting your weed seeds sounds tiresome and challenging for you, then you can always plant directly in the final container. But do expect slightly slower growth, and make sure you are careful when watering the plant so as not to give it too much water.
Conclusion
Cannabis plants require specific conditions in order to thrive and produce a good harvest. However, taking care of marijuana seeds isn’t as hard as you may initially think. Planting these seeds is similar to planting any other seeds when you’re gardening fruits and vegetables. All you need to know is how to properly germinate and transplant your young plants. With a bit of knowledge and practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned cannabis grower.
