Spotlight 3: Germinating Cannabis Seeds

THE GERMINATION OF CANNABIS SEEDS

The journey of every ganja plant begins with the germination of the seed. So let’s go: seeds in the ground, wait & welcome to the world green friend. Okay, hand on heart. Even if it’s not quite so easy to get a weed seed to germinate, it’s not a witchcraft reserved for gardeners or people with magical powers. It is actually easy if you familiarize yourself with the germination process and follow a few basic principles, which we have put together for you here.

What needs to be considered when germinating cannabis seeds? How long does it take to germinate seeds? Which method is the best for seed germination? We have answers and experience…

WHAT IS GERMINATION (OF CANNABIS)?

The germination of cannabis seeds, or seeds in general, is the crucial contribution to the success of the entire cultivation process. This first step is the moment when the potential of a genetics or a particular strain is brought to life. Germination activates the growth potential of the seeds by awakening them from their dormant state and starting to develop their root and shoot structures. This lays the foundation for healthy and robust plant growth. Successful germination is therefore crucial for a high survival rate and good plant health throughout its life cycle. In addition, germination also allows plant professionals to identify problems or weaknesses within the seed batch at an early stage. Seeds that fail to germinate or sprout poorly or very late could indicate insufficient quality, old age or poor storage conditions, which can be taken into account in future cultivation projects. However, it is normal for some seeds of common varieties simply not to germinate. Don’t worry and take this risk into account, especially at the beginning of your growing career. Normally, high-priced seed varieties are excluded here – but ultimately it always remains a natural product and therefore it remains exciting how many seeds will “pop” in the end.

The germination of cannabis seeds generally goes through several well-defined stages that describe the process of “popping”. These are the typical stages of germination:

1. seed preparation: first check the quality of your cannabis seeds. They should be dark in color, firm and undamaged. If possible, choose feminized or autoflowering seeds for a higher success rate.
2. soaking: This is the first step where the seeds are placed in water or a germination solution. We recommend that you use growing cubes and keep them moist with water or a water/germination aid fertilizer mix. Soaking softens the outer shell of the seed and allows the seed to absorb water, which initiates the germination process.
3. swelling: During this stage, the seed begins to absorb moisture, causing the seed to swell. The outer shell of the seed can burst open to set your cannabis baby fei.
4. Root formation: After the seed has swollen, the root (radicle) begins to grow out of the seed. The root seeks moisture, firm soil and darkness to anchor itself and absorb nutrients.
5. shoot formation: At the same time as root formation, the shoot (hypocotyl) begins to grow from the seed. It searches for light and oxygen and therefore grows all by itself in the right direction. The shoot strives upwards and slowly opens and the first leaves (cotyledons) become visible.
6. germination: This is no less a moment than when the sprout grows completely out of the seed and develops into a tiny plant. The seed coat is shed and germination is complete when the shoot has absorbed enough energy from the seed and the environment to grow independently. The plant will shed the cotyledons later – no need to panic – to save energy. Cotyledons do not have the typical cannabis leaf shape.

It is important to leave the plant alone as much as possible during the germination process and to provide an optimal environment with high humidity and a warm temperature. We recommend a propagation greenhouse/mini-greenhouse, if necessary with a heating mat – this way you don’t have to turn the whole room or grow box into a highly tropical environment. The exact duration and conditions of each stage can vary depending on the cannabis strain, seed quality and environment. The basic phases mentioned above form the framework for a successful grow.

TIME IS GROWTH – HOW LONG UNTIL CANNABIS SEEDS GERMINATE?

The duration of the germination process for cannabis seeds can vary greatly, like many things in a grow.

As a rule, however, the germination process takes between 24 hours and a week – although we have also heard of 14 days or more.

Under ideal conditions, such as a constant temperature of around 23-25°C (68-77°F) and surrounded by plenty of humidity, most cannabis seeds can begin to germinate within 24 to 72 hours. However, some seeds may take a little longer, especially if they are older or have been stored in less than optimal conditions. If germination has not occurred after a week, it is advisable to check the seeds carefully to ensure that they are not rotten or damaged. In some cases it may be necessary to adjust the germination method – e.g: Germination aid: Is this possibly necessary? Was too much of it used? Was the growing block too dry?

HOW TO DO THE TO DO – THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR GERMINATING CANNABIS SEEDS

When it comes to weed seed germination, there is no “one” method that guarantees success. However, some methods have become established over the years. Which method is suitable for which seed cannot be answered in general terms. In the following, we will outline the most common and some of the experimental germination methods. The experimental methods originate from a time when there was not yet an optimized product for everything, which makes many things easier nowadays. We at Tom Hemps have also tried one or two experimental methods ourselves and sometimes even had great results. Nowadays, however, we mostly work with the growing cube method, as this is the most uncomplicated.

HOW TO GERMINATE CANNABIS SEEDS – THE STRESS-FREE WAY IN A GROW CUBE

If you want to germinate cannabis seeds and minimize stress when repotting them later, the best method is to use growing cubes such as EasyPlugz or rock wool. These retain moisture particularly well and you can then simply place the entire growing cube in a medium of your choice.

1. preparation of the cube: The cubes are made of pot or rock wool and are normally free of germs. They are usually placed in a tray, which consists of many connected small pots. Simply cut off the amount of pots that you need.
2. prepare the water: A bowl with about one liter of clean, preferably lime-free and lukewarm water is ideal. Normally 1 liter in a bowl is sufficient. Set the pH value of the water to 5.8-6.5 using your pH meter and a pH regulating solution. If you want to use a germination aid solution (= special fertilizer), be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. preparation of growing cubes: Place the growing cubes in the prepared water bath and allow the cubes to soak. When removing, the cubes should drip with moisture – DO NOT PRESS THE WATER OUT.
4. plant the seeds: Place your seeds in the hole provided at a depth of approx. 1.0 – 1.5 cm. If necessary, you can use a pin or other tool to avoid widening the small hole unnecessarily and carefully push the seed in deep enough.
5. choice of place: Now take your propagator, place it in indirect sunlight and avoid direct sunlight, as this can dry out the soil. Place the growing cubes in the greenhouse, which you then close with the lid. Some greenhouses offer the option of adding water to recesses/grooves to ensure long-lasting humidity. Be careful not to place your cubes in the wells filled with water.
6. create optimal conditions: A room temperature of around 22-25°C (68-77°F) and high humidity or a wet and humid environment are ideal for germinating cannabis seeds.
7. be patient and observe: Give the seeds time to germinate. This can take between 24 hours and a week. During this time, you should keep the soil slightly moist regularly and make sure that it does not dry out.
8. care of the seedlings: As soon as the seedlings are visible, they should be handled with care. Avoid disturbing the delicate roots and keep the soil slightly moist. Now place the greenhouse in your grow box and start the artificial light cycle. If possible, adapt this to the cycle of the previous location. Caution! The seedlings cannot yet tolerate full light. So hang your LED lamps as high up as possible or use special cultivation LED lamps with a lower output.

HOW DO I GERMINATE CANNABIS SEEDS IN SOIL?

1. preparation of the substrate: Use high-quality, well-drained potting soil or a special germination mixture. This should be free of pests, pathogens and excess nutrients that could damage the delicate seedlings.
2. choose a container: Choose a clean, shallow container with drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain away. Pots or seed trays work well for this purpose.
3. prepare the soil: Fill the container with soil until it is about 2/3 full. Press the soil down lightly to firm it up. A sure instinct is required here! Do not compact the soil too much.
4. plant the seeds: Place the cannabis seeds about 1-2 centimeters deep in the soil. Make sure that you don’t plant the seeds too deep, otherwise they may struggle to fight through the soil and reach the surface.
5. moisten the soil: Water the soil carefully until it is evenly moist but not soaked. Excess water should be able to drain out of the drainage holes. Adjust the pH value of the water to 5.8-6.5 using your pH meter and a pH regulating solution.
6. create optimal conditions: Place the container/greenhouse with the pots in a warm and bright place, but avoid direct sunlight as this can dry out the soil. A room temperature of around 20-25°C (68-77°F) is ideal for germinating cannabis seeds.
7. be patient and observe: Give the seeds time to germinate. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to a week. During this time, you should keep the soil slightly moist regularly and make sure that it does not dry out.
8. care of the seedlings: As soon as the seedlings are visible, they should be handled carefully and the soil should continue to be kept slightly moist.

 

GERMINATING CANNABIS SEEDS IN KITCHEN ROLL

 

1. preparation of the kitchen roll: Remove two to three sheets of kitchen roll and place them on a clean, flat surface. Make sure the kitchen roll is not too thin and can absorb enough water to keep the seeds moist.
2. moistening the kitchen roll: Moisten the sheets of kitchen roll until they are evenly moist but not soaked. . Adjust the pH value of the water to 5.8-6.5 using your pH meter and a pH regulating solution.
3. placing the seeds: Place the cannabis seeds evenly on the damp paper. Make sure that the seeds are not too close together so that they have enough space to germinate.
4. cover the seeds: Carefully place another sheet of damp kitchen roll over the seeds to cover them. This creates a moist environment that promotes germination and protects the seeds from drying out.
5. monitoring and care: Place the leaves with the seeds in a warm and bright place, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the kitchen roll leaves moist during the germination process by spraying them regularly with water or watering gently to ensure the seeds do not dry out.
6. be patient: Give the seeds time to germinate. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to a week, depending on the variety and quality of the seeds. During this time, check the kitchen roll regularly and make sure it remains moist.
7. transplanting the seedlings: Once the seedlings are visible and developing roots, they can be carefully transplanted into the soil or a suitable growing medium. Take particular care not to damage the small and still tender roots.

 

GERMINATING CANNABIS SEEDS IN WATER

This method is one of the most popular because it requires no extra equipment.

1. preparation of the water: use clean and still water at room temperature. The water should not be too chlorinated as this is harmful to the seeds. Alternatively, you can also use stale water or distilled water. . Adjust the pH value of the water to 5.8-6.5 using your pH meter and a pH regulating solution.
2. soak the seeds: Fill a glass or container with the prepared water. Carefully place the cannabis seeds in the water. Make sure that the seeds are completely covered, but not too close together.
3. soaking time: Leave the seeds to soak in the water for about 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the seeds absorb moisture and begin to swell, which starts the germination process.
4. checking the seeds: After the soaking time, you should carefully check the seeds for signs of germination. They should have split open and the root (radicle) should be visible.
5. transplanting the seeds: Once the seeds have germinated, they can be carefully transplanted into the soil or a suitable growing medium. Be careful not to damage the roots!
6. care of the seedlings: Make sure that the seedlings receive sufficient light, warmth and moisture after transplanting. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, and avoid overwatering the sensitive seedlings.

 

GERMINATING CANNABIS SEEDS WITH A COFFEE FILTER

Germinating cannabis seeds in a coffee filter is similar to the paper roll method. However, it can cause transplantation difficulties. This is because once the seeds have germinated, they need to be transplanted into soil or a growing medium. Removing the seedlings from the coffee filter and transplanting them into another container can be difficult and can damage the delicate roots. But with a little care and attention, this method is also promising.

1. preparation of the coffee filter: take a clean, unprinted coffee filter and fold it so that it forms a flat but slightly raised surface so that the water can drain off.
2. moistening the coffee filter: Moisten the coffee filter until it is evenly moist but not soaked. Gently squeeze out excess water to ensure the coffee filter is not too wet. Adjust the pH value of the water to an optimum of 5.8-6.5 using your pH meter and a pH regulating solution.
3. placing the seeds: Place the cannabis seeds evenly on the wet coffee filter. Make sure that the seeds are not too close together so that they have enough space to germinate.
4. Cover the seeds: Carefully place another slightly damp piece of coffee filter or paper towel over the seeds to cover them. This will create a moist environment that promotes germination and protects the seeds from drying out.
5. monitoring and care: Place the coffee filter in a warm and bright place, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the coffee filter moist during the germination process by spraying it regularly with water or watering it carefully.
6. be patient: Give the seeds time to germinate. This can take between 24 hours and a week, depending on the variety and quality of the seeds. During this time, check the coffee filter regularly and make sure it remains moist.
7. transplanting the seedlings: Once the seedlings are visible and developing roots, they can be carefully transplanted into the soil or a suitable growing medium.

GERMINATED AND THEN WHAT ? – TRANSPLANTING THE CUTTINGS

If germination has not taken place directly in the soil or substrate, the seedlings must be transplanted. But when do I transplant seedlings? The right time to repot cannabis seeds is as soon as the seedlings have reached a height of around 2-8 cm and have developed their first true leaves. At this point, the seedlings have developed enough roots to transplant them into larger containers with lightly pre-fertilized soil.