Before harvesting a bountiful bud harvest, the grower will have to go through several stages of cannabis cultivation, which take precedence. If you can't successfully germinate your cannabis seeds, you won't have a plant to harvest. It is necessary to give the seeds the best start in life. Growing marijuana on a windowsill, in a grow box, or outdoors will take a lot of time and effort to get the desired result.
The art of germinating cannabis seeds
The vegetative and flowering stages of cannabis are the most important parts of a plant's life cycle. However, there is a high risk of failure. Giving cannabis seeds the best possible start on their path to powerful buds.
There are several ways to germinate cannabis seeds. All methods have varying degrees of success, and have both advantages and disadvantages. It is important to note that even with advanced growing practices and top-notch equipment, it is still possible to end up with a few failed seeds. This is a natural part of working with a living organism. The Smartshop-smartshop® online store has a wide range of high quality autoflowering and feminized cannabis seeds. All strains have clearly defined genetics, so you don't have to worry about any unwanted surprises.
What to look for in hemp seeds
No matter where you get your seeds from, it's best to do a little (and delicate) inspection before planting. In most cases, all seeds will germinate, but poor-quality seeds will produce a weaker plant.
To avoid disappointment, darker colored seeds are more likely to germinate, while pale green or white seeds are more likely to not germinate. Even if dark seeds look slightly damaged, they should still be planted. There is a good chance they will still germinate even if the outer shell is somewhat crushed.
Germination temperature
For best results, experienced growers recommend following these guidelines:
- The relative humidity range must be between 70% and 90%;
- Seeds prefer fluorescent lighting (cold white code 33);
- Minimize the number of seed operations you perform;
- The ideal pH value for hydroponic/rock wool is 5.8-6.2.
Expected germination time
Three fundamental principles will cause the first small tap root to emerge: heat, moisture, and darkness. With the promise of moisture, one root will form before slowly growing into a cannabis plant. Under the right conditions, seeds will begin to develop within 12-36 hours of receiving moisture.
Even the worst grower can get a seed to germinate, but this can take weeks and of course increases the risk of getting a weaker plant.
Methods of germinating cannabis seeds
Glass of water
How to germinate cannabis at home? This may be one of the least effective methods, but it is still viable. It's incredibly easy, even beginner growers can germinate seeds in a glass of water. It is necessary to fill the container with seeds halfway with water, the temperature of which is approximately 22 ° C.
After 3-5 days, the seeds will begin to open and tiny white tips will appear. Once these roots are 2 to 3 cm long, use extreme caution to transfer them out of the water and into a prepared pot of soil.
Small holes (10–15 mm deep) will need to be made in the substrate to accommodate newly germinated seeds. Once the seeds are secure, you can place a fluorescent light 13–15 cm (5–6 inches) apart to encourage growth. Use a plant spray to make sure they stay moist but not wet.
Wet towel method
Probably one of the most common sprouting methods. The kitchen towel method consists of several iterations. Some manufacturers use cotton pads or absorbent pieces of paper.
Lay one sheet of damp kitchen towel on a flat surface. Space the seeds a few inches apart before placing a second piece of kitchen towel on top. You need to make sure both parts are damp and not wet. Once again, when the tips of the white roots have reached 2-3 mm, move the seeds (carefully) into pots of soil.
Planting directly into the soil
You can grow cannabis seeds in a pot. Planting directly into the growing medium eliminates the need to move seeds when they are at their most fragile. This first root tip is covered with microscopic filaments that are easily damaged. Given that both a cup of water and damp paper towels are more susceptible to fluctuations in ambient temperature, planting in soil is a much safer option.
Growing marijuana in pots begins by filling the pots with top quality potting soil dipped in water. Many growers also add a root stimulant to the water. Make a hole approximately 10–15 mm deep.
How to choose a pot? They must be at least 7 liters with a drain pan and holes in the bottom. And the plants themselves are placed in a humid climate, which is in the temperature range. After 4-10 days, you should see young sprouts, and roots will begin to develop underground.
***The article is for informational purposes only for persons over 18 years of age. The information can be used for practical purposes only in those states where the germination of hemp seeds is officially allowed. Germination and sowing of hemp seeds on the territory of Ukraine is prohibited and punishable by law.
