Why germination is so important
Germination is the first and probably most crucial step in the life of your cannabis plant. It lays the foundation for healthy growth and a successful harvest. Especially in this sensitive initial phase – the so-called germination phase – mistakes happen particularly often. Many grows fail before they have even properly started. It is all the more important that you know what matters.
With the right preparation, a suitable germination method, and a little patience, nothing stands in the way of successful germination. In this article, you will learn how to avoid common mistakes and prepare your seeds optimally for plant life.
Choosing the right seeds as a foundation
Before you start germinating, you should make sure you use high-quality seeds. The quality of the seed significantly influences whether it germinates and how strong the plant develops. Origin, genetics, and storage play an important role.
Our tip: Read our article "How to choose your cannabis seeds correctly" beforehand – there you will find everything you need to know for a good selection. Because the better the start, the greater the later success.
What germination methods are there – and which one suits you?
There are different ways to get cannabis seeds to germinate. No method is inherently "the best" – rather, it depends on how you work and what is most practical for you. Below we present the three most common methods – along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Direct sowing into the soil
This method is considered particularly natural and simple. You plant the seed directly into moist seedling soil.
How to: Press a hole about 1 cm deep into the soil, carefully place the seed inside, and loosely cover it with soil. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering – avoid waterlogging at all costs. The pot should be placed in a warm spot, ideally between 20 and 25 °C. Alternatively, you can also use seedling cubes like Jiffy pads or rock wool.
Advantages:
– No repotting necessary
– The root grows directly at its final location
Disadvantages:
– Difficult to maintain optimal moisture
– Slightly less reliable for beginners
Tip: Use stale water (at least 24 hours old) so that chlorine evaporates and the oxygen content stabilizes. Rainwater is also very suitable as it is usually softer. Also, pay attention to nutrient-poor seedling soil, as young seedlings are sensitive to too much fertilizer.
Germination in a glass of water
Another popular method is germination in a glass of water. Here you place the seed in a glass with lukewarm water and put it in a dark, warm place – for example, in a cupboard.
After just 12 to 24 hours, the germ root can appear. Once this happens, the seed should be transferred to soil or a growing medium. It is important not to leave it in water for more than a day – otherwise, rot threatens.
Advantages:
– Simple and fast
– Especially good for older or hard seeds
Disadvantages:
– Risk of drowning or rotting with too long soaking time
Tip: If no root appears after 24 hours, place the seed on moist kitchen paper to further promote germination (see next method).
Our recommendation: The kitchen paper method
The so-called "Zewa method" is especially popular with beginners – and not without reason. It is uncomplicated, safe, and has a very high success rate.
Place a moist, untreated piece of kitchen paper or a cotton pad on a plate. Place the seeds on it with some distance and cover them with a second, also moist layer. Then put the whole setup in a dark, warm place, for example in a cupboard or a Tupperware box.
Advantages:
– Very high germination rate
– Low risk of mold or rot
– No waterlogging
Disadvantages:
– Paper must remain slightly moist at all times
– Transplanting requires a delicate touch
Tip: Place the setup in a closed Tupperware container. This ensures even humidity and improves germination conditions. Don't forget to ventilate daily – this prevents mold.
As soon as the radicle is about one centimeter long, you can carefully transfer the seedlings into soil or another growing medium.
Optimal conditions for germination
Regardless of the method, a few basic rules apply to germination:
- Temperature: Constant 20–25 °C – too cold slows germination, too warm promotes mold
- Moisture: Evenly moist, but never soaked
- Light: Darkness preferred – direct light exposure is unnecessary
- Air circulation: A bit of fresh air prevents mold formation
Typical germination mistakes – and how to avoid them
A common mistake is overwatering – too much water can literally suffocate the seed. Also, make sure not to plant the seed too deep (or too shallow). One to two centimeters depth is ideal.
Temperature fluctuations can also be problematic. Cold windowsills or heaters with direct heat are not good places for seedlings. Also, let the radicle grow before touching the seedling – ideally at least one centimeter long.
Success through calm and care
Germination doesn't require complicated equipment – just a bit of patience, sensitivity, and the right conditions. If you stick to the basic rules and choose a method that suits you, nothing stands in the way of your successful grow.
And if something goes wrong or you have any questions, you can contact our support team at any time – we're happy to help you.
