Thinking about growing your own, but not sure where to begin? It can seem complicated with all the info out there. This guide strips it all back to a simple, proven process that works.
Learning how to grow weed from seeds is the first step to a rewarding experience.
The whole process starts with germination. This is where you wake the seed up and get it to sprout its first root. Nail it and you’re set up for vigorous, healthy growth. Get it wrong, and the journey ends before it even begins.
You’re about to learn a foolproof method for that, step by step.
Key Takeaways
- Good Seeds Are Everything. Your success starts with high-quality cannabis seeds. Look for mature, hard seeds, as they have the best chance to germinate.
- The Paper Towel Method Is Reliable. The use of damp paper towels is a simple and effective way to sprout your seeds and see exactly when they’re ready for soil.
- Warmth and Moisture Are Key. Your seeds need a consistently warm and moist environment to crack open. Think dark and cosy, not soaking wet.
- Be Gentle with the Taproot. The first little white root that pops out is called the taproot. It’s very delicate, and you must handle it with care when planting.
First, a Quick Word on What You’re About to Grow
Before you start, a quick reminder about the law here in Australia: Outside of specific allowances like in the ACT, it is illegal to germinate cannabis seeds.
Sacred Seeds Australia sells seeds strictly as adult souvenirs for collection purposes. This article is provided for informational purposes, and you should always follow the laws in your state or territory.
That said, here are the clear, DIY steps to follow for healthy plants and a bountifiul harvest.
Step 1: Choose Your Seeds and Gather Supplies
You give your future plant the best shot by starting with the best genetics. A healthy, viable seed is typically dark brown, firm to the touch, and may have faint patterns like tiger stripes.
Avoid seeds that are pale green or white, as they are likely immature and won’t sprout. This is why sourcing from a trusted seed bank like ours is a smart move.
Once you have your seeds, you only need a few simple things:
- Two clean dinner plates.
- Some basic paper towels (the plain, quilted kind is fine).
- A spray bottle with clean water (distilled or tap water that’s been left out for 12 hours is good).
- Your cannabis seeds.
Step 2: Germinating Your Cannabis Seeds
The paper towel method is popular with growers of all levels because it’s easy and you’ll see your seeds germinate.
- Moisten the Paper Towels: Take four sheets of paper towels and lay them on one plate. Use your spray bottle to get them thoroughly damp, but not dripping wet. You want enough moisture but no standing puddles.
- Place Your Seeds: Gently place your cannabis seeds on the damp paper towel, leaving at least a few centimetres of space between each one.
- Cover Them Up: Place two more sheets of damp paper towel on top of the seeds.
- Create a Dark, Warm Space: Place the second plate upside down on top of the first one. This creates a dark, protected dome for your seeds. Store the plates in a warm, dark place, like on top of the fridge or in a cupboard. Research shows a consistent temperature between 21-25°C is ideal for seed germination.
Check on your seeds once a day to make sure the paper towels haven’t dried out. Give them a light spray if they feel dry. Within a few days, you should see the seeds crack open and a small white taproot emerge.
Step 3: Plant Your Sprouted Seed
Once the taproot is about 1-2 centimetres long, it’s time to move your seedling to its first home. Be extremely gentle during this step, as the taproot is the lifeline of your new plant.
- Prepare Your Pot: Fill a small pot with a light, airy potting soil. Don’t pack the soil down too hard.
- Make a Small Hole: Use a pencil or your finger to make a small hole in the soil, about 1-2 centimetres deep.
- Plant the Seedling: Using tweezers or wear gloves, carefully pick up your sprouted seed. Gently place it into the hole with the taproot pointing down. This is very important, as the root naturally wants to grow downwards.
- Gently Cover: Lightly cover the seed with soil. Don’t press down hard. The seedling needs to be able to push its way up to the surface easily. Give it a light mist of water.
Step 4: Seedling Care
For the first few weeks, your young plants are in the delicate seedling stage. Your job is to provide the right growing environment.
Seedlings need a lot of light, but not intense heat. According to Royal Queen Seeds, fluorescent or LED grow lights positioned a few inches above the plants work well for growing indoors. You want to avoid putting them in direct sunlight right away, as it might be too harsh.
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged. That means you must never overwater as it could lead to root rot and kill your seedlings. Let the top layer of soil dry out slightly between waterings. As for humidity, forums like Reddit’s r/GrowCannabis suggest a high humidity of around 70% is great for seedlings. You can place a clear plastic dome over your pot to help trap moisture.
Once your cannabis plant has a few sets of true leaves, it has officially entered the vegetative stage, and you can start feeding it with light nutrients.
Starting With a Great Seed Is Only Half the Battle
You can follow every step in this guide perfectly, but if you start with poor-quality marijuana seeds, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
The genetics locked inside that seed determine the plant’s potential for growth, potency, and yield. A good seed from a reputable breeder is programmed for success.
That’s why we at Sacred Seeds are so focused on sourcing premium genetics. We work with legendary breeders from Amsterdam and the U.S. West Coast.
Every cannabis strain we offer is selected for its stability and quality. Starting with our feminized seeds, for example, guarantees that nearly every plant you grow will be a female plant that can produce buds.
Choose Sacred Seeds to take uncertainty out of the equation. Your sole focus would then be on the fun part: watching your marijuana plant thrive.
FAQs
What if my seed sinks to the bottom of a glass of water?
Many growers soak their seeds for 12 hours before germinating. A common myth is that sinking seeds are good and floating seeds are bad. In reality, most healthy seeds will sink after a while, but a floating seed isn’t necessarily a dud.
Can I just plant the seed directly into the soil?
Yes, you can. However, germinating with paper towels lets you confirm the seed is viable before you waste time and space on it in a pot of soil.
How do I store seeds that I’m not using right away?
For long-term storage, keep your seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place. An airtight container in the back of your fridge is an ideal spot.
My taproot is growing but the shell is stuck on the seedling’s first leaves. What do I do?
This is called “helmet head.” You can gently mist the shell with a spray bottle to soften it. If it still doesn’t fall off after a day, you can try to very carefully remove it with tweezers, but be warned, this is risky and can damage the seedling.
What’s the difference between photoperiod and autoflower plants?
Photoperiod plants require a change in the light cycle (typically to 12 hours of darkness) to start the flowering stage. Autoflower plants will automatically start to produce buds based on their age, regardless of the light schedule.
Do I need special soil to grow cannabis?
You don’t need a “special” mix, but a light, well-draining potting soil is best. Look for mixes that contain ingredients like perlite or coco coir to help with aeration and prevent the soil from becoming compacted.
How many seeds should I germinate at once?
Only germinate the number of seeds you are legally allowed to grow and have space for. Remember that even with high-quality seeds, there’s always a small chance one might not sprout, so some growers start one or two extra, just in case.
When should I transplant my seedling to a bigger pot?
A good rule of thumb is to transplant your seedling once its leaves have grown wider than the edges of its current container, usually happens within a few weeks.
