Marijuana germination techniques

By germination we mean the process by which we change the external conditions of a seed, so that it opens, initiating the process of plant growth. There are several well-known methods that can be used to successfully perform this simple but delicate task. In today’s article we will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each of these marijuana seed germination techniques.

Preliminary considerations

We are going to try to make a simple explanation, something that everyone can understand, of the three main techniques of germination of marijuana seeds. Although, before we start with it, it is of vital importance to be clear about other concepts.

First of all, we recommend those who are not familiar with the PH to read the chapter about it, it is very important for the whole cultivation of the plant and also for germination. Likewise, water is the most important element of any crop, so you must be very clear about what is the best water for marijuana.

Marijuana Seed Selection and Preparation

The first crucial step to accurate and successful germination of marijuana seeds is proper seed selection. Not all seeds are the same, and choosing the right ones can make a significant difference in the growth and health of your plants.

Once the seeds have been selected, the next step is preparation. Before proceeding with germination, it is advisable to perform a buoyancy test. Place the seeds in a glass of room temperature water. Viable seeds tend to sink within a few hours, while those that float are generally not viable. This simple test helps filter out seeds with poor germination potential.

Scarification is another technique that can increase germination rates. This process involves lightly scratching the seed surface with a nail file or sandpaper, which helps water penetrate the seed better and speeds up the germination process. Be careful not to damage the embryo inside the seed; scarification should be gentle and shallow.

Additionally, pre-soaking the seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours can be beneficial. This process softens the outer seed coat, facilitating root emergence. After soaking, it is important to sow the seeds immediately in your preferred germination medium. Using root stimulators or specific nutrient solutions during soaking can also promote a more vigorous and healthy start.

Seed Selection and Preparation Summary

• ✔️ Select quality seeds from trusted suppliers, such as Experiencia Natural.
• ✔️ Perform a water test to verify seed viability.
• ✔️ Gently scarify seeds to improve water penetration.
• ✔️ Soak seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours before germination.

Types of cannabis seeds germination

That said, of the 3 main types of germination we can choose one depending on your convenience, availability of the necessary materials or the cultivation system where we want to transplant once this task is done, we can divide them into:

Germinación de marihuana tradicional

• Simply with water, it is certainly a very simple method, but dangerous, if one decides to use this method should not be careless and follow the advice well. When germinating in water you have to take into account things like not lowering the water temperature (which is 4 or 5 degrees less than the ambient) or that they can not be many days in the same water because it can rot. You have to be careful, although taking into account these precautions is very simple, follow these steps and keep in mind the dangers mentioned above, the following method is more recommended than this one:
• We take a glass of hot water, preferably distilled and pour the marijuana seeds inside, then place it in a dark and warm place. It is important a high temperature because the water is always at a lower temperature than the environment.
• In the following days we will see that the seeds will open and show the root. Some seeds may take much longer than others.
• We must change the water in the glass after two days or add a drop of bleach so that it does not rot.
• As they show us the root we can plant them in the chosen medium, in the next chapter we will talk about the planting of this seed of Marijuana.

Germination of marijuana in humid media

• More recommended than the previous one. For people who prefer not to use the glass there is another home technique for germination that does not require buying any material. And it is much more recommendable than germinating in the glass.
• We take a deep dish (better a plastic tupper that has an airtight lid and keeps better heat and humidity) and put a napkin or some toilet paper.
• Moisten with water (distilled water is best) by spraying, without flooding.
• Place the marijuana seeds on the wet paper, separated from each other.
• We cover them with another layer of paper and repeat the operation of spraying the water.
• We close it with another plate (better with the lid of the tupper) and then we will place it in a dark and warm place (it is recommended above the internet connection router that will keep it warm day and night).
• In the following days we will see that the seeds will open and show the root.
• Some seeds may take much longer than others. In any case, if they have not all started to germinate within 48 hours , consult an expert.
• We must make sure that the paper does not dry out or become waterlogged, as the plants would die, so keep an eye on it.
• As they show the root we can plant them in the chosen medium, in the next chapter we will talk about the planting of this seed.

Sustratos para germinación de semillas de marihuana

These are products manufactured specifically for germinating marijuana seeds or other plants, the best known are rockwool, Jiffys and germination substrates.

Germinating in rock wool

• We take a little hot water (better distilled) and pour the small-sized rockwool cubes into the container.
• Let them soak well, take them one by one and squeeze them tightly with your hand to remove the excess water.
• We make a hole with a cutter, right in the middle of one of the faces of the rockwool cube that reaches almost to the bottom. There are many rockwool cubes that already have the hole made.
• We introduce one seed in each bucket, at a depth of half or one centimeter and put them in a humid and warm place (preferably a mini greenhouse), if desired under the light source, as this will give warmth.
• After a few days the plants will start to sprout through the hole. Be careful not to let the rockwool dry out completely, and don’t water it too much of course, respect the drying and watering cycles that the marijuana needs.

Germinating marijuana in Jiffys

Very similar to working with rock wool, Jiffys offer the advantage of being made with pressed peat and biodegradable fabric, making them a valid method for germinating marijuana seeds in organic farming. They are also more environmentally friendly and healthier for living organisms.

The particularities of using Jiffys compared to rock wool are few, but important. Once the Jiffy is soaked, remove excess water gently without squeezing as hard as you would with rock wool. After squeezing, “loosen” the soil again to prevent it from becoming too compact. This can be done by holding the Jiffy by the fabric and shaking it gently, ensuring the fabric covering the hole doesn’t fall out.

Jiffys come with a pre-made hole, although it may not always be visible. To make it useful for seed germination, use a wooden stick or something similar to carefully reopen the hole. Insert the stick in the center of the fabric opening and make a circular motion to reopen the hole, as it likely closed when squeezing out excess water. Once the hole is reopened, insert one seed per Jiffy, with the root (the white part) facing downward. Finally, gently press the top part of the Jiffy to ensure the seed is surrounded by soil for proper germination.

Substrates for germination

You can also germinate marijuana seeds with more advanced materials than rockwool, some include hormones and fertilizers necessary for proper rooting, they are highly recommended but not essential and you can get 100% with traditional techniques. In case of using these means, please refer to the label instructions.

As an example we recommend the Root Riot from Growth Technology, of superior quality, with all the necessary products for a successful germination and a protection against diseases and fungi from the first day.

To finish we leave you a video where the methods are explained, and we recommend you to continue reading to have happy plants with our section of How to grow marijuana, or visiting the article on the History of the cannabis in ancient times, we hope you like them and leave us your comments.

Brais Nieto

Founder of Experiencia Natural, creative and entrepreneur, designer, master in grower and marketing. For a normalization of all plants and substances, giving priority to patients and users.