Cannabis seeds are small, tear-drop shaped plants that begin their vegetative growth in a process called germination. Seeds that sprout a root and two small embryonic leaves (cotyledons) are considered to be healthy.
Most cannabis seeds contain both male and female plants, but most growers want bud-producing females. Feminized seeds are more expensive, but they greatly increase the odds of growing a bud-producing plant.
Germination
The germination process is an important part of growing cannabis because it sets the stage for how your plants will grow and produce buds. Correctly germinating your seeds will give them the best chance of healthy and robust growth.
There are a few different ways to germinate your cannabis seed. One of the most common methods is to soak the seeds in water. The soaking process softens the hard shell of the seed and increases its germination rate.
Another method is to wrap the seed in a damp paper towel. This is a good option for beginners because it’s easy and inexpensive. However, you must ensure that the paper towel is plain single-ply and not cloth-like.
Finally, many growers use Jiffy Pots to germinate their seeds. These little pellets are soaked in warm water, swell up, and then can be planted directly into the soil or other medium. This saves time and avoids the shock of transplanting.
Soil
Providing your cannabis seeds with the best soil possible will help them get off to a great start. Good soil contains nutrients, microbes, and moisture-everything a seedling needs to grow from a cute little sprout into a lush canopy of dank flowers.
The ideal soil is light, airy and free-draining. It should also contain a variety of amendments to provide the plants with all of the nutrient they need from propagation to flowering.
A popular potting soil mix is Fox Farm’s Ocean Forest. This formula is more nutrient-dense than Happy Frog and includes ingredients like earthworm castings, bat guano and fish emulsion. This makes it less reliant on supplemental nutrients and is a good choice for growers who want more control over their soil.
Water
Cannabis seeds are rich in protein that help in building tissues and muscles. They also contain soluble and insoluble fibers that speed up digestion and prevent constipation. They also provide Omega- 3 and Omega- 6 which are essential fatty acids that boost brain function, lower blood pressure, and improve response to inflammations.
When properly stored in a dark environment, cannabis seeds will stay viable for years. However, they require a specific germination process to break their dormancy. This process involves storing the seeds in tinted jars with desiccant packs in the refrigerator, and mimicking the conditions of winter to accelerate germination. This is known as cold stratification. After the germination process is complete, seedlings are ready to be transplanted into soil or hydroponic systems.
Temperature
Seeds will germinate best in warm conditions that mimic springtime. It is best to check on seeds/seedlings every 12 hours and gently reposition them if necessary (not to disturb their delicate white tap roots). The first few weeks of a seedling’s life require very little interference from the grower; nutrient regimes can be altered once the plants have sprouted.
The germination process is one of the most crucial parts of any cannabis growing experience. It is the time that the tiny plant develops its roots and prepares to become a fully grown cannabis plant. The most important factor is keeping the seeds in moist (but not soaked) conditions. It is recommended to germinate seeds indoors to ensure the most control over these conditions. Outdoor growers can still achieve good results by carefully checking on and handling seeds with tweezers to prevent damage to the tap root.
