A Simple Guide to Germinating Cannabis Seeds Using the Paper Towel Method
Germinating your seeds is the first step towards cultivating healthy and vibrant plants. One of the most popular and straightforward methods for germination is the paper towel method. Here’s a simple 7-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:
- Cannabis seeds
- Two clean, damp paper towels
- A plate or shallow dish
- Plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag
- Warm, dark, and humid environment (such as a cupboard or on top of a fridge)
Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace
Find a clean and flat surface to work on. Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid transferring any contaminants to your seeds.
Step 3: Set Up Your Paper Towels
Take one of the damp paper towels and lay it flat on your plate or shallow dish. Make sure it’s not dripping wet, but evenly damp throughout. Pro tip: use rain water or spring water.
DO NOT USE TOWN WATER/ TAP WATER AS SEEDS DO NOT LOVE CHLORINE/ FLOURIDE AND ALL THE OTHER CRAP IN THERE.
Step 4: Place Your Seeds Carefully
Place your cannabis seeds onto the damp paper towel, spacing them out to ensure they have enough room to sprout without touching each other. Pro tip: Use tweezers. The oils on your fingers are not good for seeds.
Step 5: Cover and Wait
Once your seeds are in place, gently fold the paper towel over them to cover them completely. Then, place another damp paper towel on top to create a sandwich effect. Finally, cover the entire setup with plastic wrap or place it inside a clear plastic bag to retain moisture.
Step 6: Check and Transplant
Place your covered seeds in a warm, dark place, such as a cupboard or on top of a fridge. Check on them every 12 to 24 hours to ensure the paper towels remain damp but not soggy. After 2 to 7 days, your seeds should begin to sprout, and once the taproots (radicle) is about a 1.5–2cm long they’re ready to be transplanted into your growing medium.
Step 7: Carefully place seed in soil
Don’t stuff it all up now! This part is important. Use great care to move your seed to the soil. Make sure the leg/ root/ radicle is facing DOWN. Poke a little hole in the center of the pot, into the soil thats about 1.5–2m deep. Carefully place the seed, root down into the hole, and loosely cover the seed with soil.
Now, make a prayer to whatever Gods you love, give thanks to the spirit of Marijuana, do your lucky dance, sing a merry tune….
Now we wait for nature to do her magic. Send that seed plenty of love and hi vibes.
Bonus Tips:
- If your seeds haven’t sprouted after a week, gently check them to see if they’ve cracked open. If not, you may need to give them a little nudge by carefully opening the seed casing with tweezers.
- Be gentle when handling your germinated seeds to avoid damaging the delicate taproots.
- Once your seeds have sprouted, transplant them into your growing medium of choice (such as soil or hydroponics) with the taproot facing downward. Cover them lightly with soil and water gently.
And there you have it — a simple guide to germinating cannabis seeds using the paper towel method! Happy growing!
P.s Where do we get our seeds? Shhhh… keep it to yourself, but the seed quality and customer service of this mob at Sacred Seeds is world-class. We love supporting local Aussie businesses, and feel grateful we don’t have to order from overseas, and wait bloody ages.
p.p.s Check out the smart moves from the guys at Grow Weed easy. If you are germinating several strains, do it like this!
