Method for Germination in Soil in 8 Steps

One of the best ways to germinate cannabis seeds is through the soil germination method. This simple and risk-free approach explains how to germinate your seeds in soil. Germination can take 3-10 days depending on environmental conditions and variety. Never use soil from your backyard! It can contain pests and fungi that damage or destroy your seeds, seedlings or plants.

How Seeds Germinate in Soil

Step 1: Prepare your soil

Prepare your pots with clean, fresh soil. It is often convenient to use small pots and later move them into a larger container.

Step 2: Moisten the soil

Make sure your soil is moist, but not soggy. It should be moist but not soggy or your seeds may rot. In most countries, normal tap water is clean enough to use. Do not add additives to the water.

Step 3: Place the seed in the soil

Make a small hole in the soil and place the seed 3-5 mm deep into the soil. Don't bury your seed too deep! If you plant the seed too deep, it will have difficulty reaching the surface and may die before it does so.

Step 4: Cover the seed and press gently

Cover the seed with soil and gently press the soil.

Step 5: Cover the jars with cling film

Cover your jars with cling film or microwave film (with small holes). The foil acts like a small greenhouse, keeping the inside of your pot warm and moist. Perfect for germination.

Step 6: Poke some holes

If you use regular cling film, poke some holes through the film. This prevents overheating and allows air to flow through. Place your setup in a room with a stable temperature. 20-25 degrees is ideal. Your living room is often a good place.

Step 7: Wait for germination

Now all you have to do is wait. It often takes about 4-5 days for your seedlings to emerge. To account for differences in conditions and seeds, 3-10 days is a safe estimate. Once your seedling has sprouted (the first leaves reach the surface), you can remove the foil.

Step 8: Care for your seedlings

Once all the seeds have germinated, you can place them under a grow light, behind your window or outside (during spring/summer). Do not place this germination setup outside in direct sunlight, especially in summer. The temperature differences between day and night are too great and sunlight can cause the temperature in your soil to rise so high that your seed is damaged or killed by the heat.