What is germination?
Germination is the moment when a seed wakes up: it absorbs water, splits open and puts out its first root, the beginning of a new plant. It's the first step of any grow from seed.
A cannabis seed is a sleeping miniature plant, protected by a hard shell and with a small food reserve inside. It can stay like that for a long time, waiting for the right conditions.
When it senses moisture and warmth, it starts absorbing water and swells. The shell splits open and a little white root peeks out, the radicle, which grows downwards. Shortly after, the first two small, rounded leaves appear, the cotyledons, which don't yet have the typical shape of a cannabis leaf.
What a seed needs to germinate
- Moisture: the medium needs to be moist, but not waterlogged. Too much water leaves the seed without air and can make it rot.
- Gentle warmth: what is usually recommended is a mild temperature, around 20 to 25 °C. In the cold, everything goes more slowly.
- Darkness and calm: the seed germinates best in the dark and without being moved or touched more than necessary.
- A little patience: the root usually peeks out within a few days, although some seeds take a bit longer.
Common methods
Every grower has a favorite. The best known are germinating between damp paper towels, leaving the seeds in a glass of water for a few hours, sowing them straight into soil or using starter plugs (small blocks of peat or coco fiber). They all work as long as the conditions above are met.
What does a healthy seed look like?
A mature seed is usually hard and dark in color, often with stripes or speckles. Very pale, soft or greenish ones are usually immature and germinate less well. Until you use them, store them in a cool, dry, dark place.
Related terms
- What are autoflowering seeds?
- What are feminized seeds?
- What are photoperiod seeds?
- What is a cutting?
Before you grow, check the laws in your country: growing cannabis is not allowed everywhere.
