As with most angiosperms (flowering plants), seeds contain all of the genetic information needed to produce a new plant. This genetic material dictates the specific traits that a mature plant will possess, such as potency and yield.
Seeds come in regular, feminized and auto-flowering forms. Feminized cannabis seeds are recommended for beginning growers as they eliminate the problem of males pollinating female plants, which could cut your harvest by 80-90%.
Germination
Germination is one of the most important stages of a plant’s development. It’s the process that triggers a single sprout to appear, and it’s also the most critical stage for a plant’s survival.
A successful germination requires temperature of 70degF-90degF (21degC-32degC), light exposure, and moisture. It’s essential that you keep all of these factors in check if you want to grow your own cannabis.
The most common method of germination involves placing seeds on a piece of paper towel and moistening it. This method is a great one because it’s inexpensive and easy to monitor the progress. It also has a high success rate, provided you keep a close eye on it until the seed pops and is ready for transplantation into a growing medium.
Soil
Choosing the right soil for your cannabis seed can be an important factor in ensuring proper germination. Good cannabis soils are light, airy, with a natural texture that retains water and oxygen.
Adding perlite or clay pebbles to your cannabis soil mix can also improve its overall texture. This helps prevent water from pooling, enhancing drainage and preventing root rot that can occur due to poor soil conditions.
Worm castings are another highly beneficial additive, improving the soil’s overall texture for better water retention and drainage. Using them along with other organic matter like manure or compost can help your cannabis grow thrive.
Light
Germinating cannabis seed can be an exciting experience for growers. However, there are a few common issues that can arise.
During germination, the seed’s shell delicately ruptures open to reveal its first root (often called a tap root). This root will elongate until it takes hold of the growing medium and pulls two small embryonic leaves from its shell, which are referred to as cotyledons.
In the right environment, seeds will germinate and develop into a healthy, well-rooted plant in about 2-3 weeks indoors but up to 6 weeks outdoors.
Light plays a key role in the growth and development of cannabis plants, particularly during the flowering phase. Too much or too little light will cause serious damage to your young seedlings, and they will often wilt or die.
Temperature
Temperature plays an important role in germination. Cannabis seeds need warm temperatures and light to germinate successfully.
A low temperature will impair germination and slow growth and a high temperature will stunt your seedling’s development. The best place to germinate your seeds is indoors where you can opt for a variety of lighting and temperature conditions to ensure the highest germination rates are achieved.
Over-soaking and saturating the seed in water can also cause seed germination issues. Many growers soak their seeds in a glass of water for a day before placing them on a moist paper towel or cotton pad.
Water
Watering cannabis is a key part of the growing process. It’s important to understand when and how much water your cannabis plants need, as this will determine whether your crop develops properly and delivers a good yield.
While water is essential for the growth of all plants, marijuana requires different amounts at various stages. Younger plants and seedlings require less water than larger, mature ones.
When watering your cannabis plants, make sure to give them a consistent flow and avoid overwatering. Overwatering may lead to rotting and dehydration, which will reduce their ability to absorb nutrients.
