After centuries of cannabis being demonized all over the world, more people than ever
are beginning to test out their green thumbs. Growing cannabis can be tricky, but with a
bit of research and practice, anyone can master the technique.
There are many variables to consider when growing a cannabis seed, and one of the
most essential is water. Too much or too little water can have detrimental effects on
cannabis seeds, which are known to be finicky and fragile. So, how much water does a
cannabis seed need? Read on to find out.
Ways to Germinate a Cannabis Seed
Germination is the first step in growing a cannabis seed. Germination means giving your
seed enough water to begin to sprout. There are several methods to accomplish this,
and while everyone has their favourite, they are all equally valid.
Each method is very different, but they can all grow up to be beautifully perfect cannabis
plants if you stay diligent. Some methods use just water, others use soil, and one of the
most popular methods uses wet paper towels.
How Much Water Does a Cannabis Seed Need?
To determine how much water a cannabis seed needs, we first must choose a
germination method. Here is an overview of the most common techniques:
Water soaking: This is the easiest method to do in terms of supplies and effort, but it’s
also the most difficult to get to work consistently. To start, fill a glass about halfway with
room-temperature water. Use spring or distilled water for best results, but it’s not
necessary. Drop your seeds in and leave them. You can do a few at a time if you wish.
After a couple of days, the seeds will begin to crack open, and a white sprout will start to
grow out of them. The seeds are ready when the sprout is about 1cm in length. When
this happens, you can transfer them into pots with soil. Be very careful because the
seeds are delicate.
- Direct planting method: To get the best results, pre-soak your soil before planting your
seeds. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but generally, you want it just slightly
moist to the touch. The hole for your seed should be about 10-15mm deep. - Drop in your seed and fill the hole loosely with soil. Do not pack it down. Use a spray
bottle to mist the area where your seed is planted. If you don’t feel comfortable pre-
soaking the soil, you can use the spray bottle to moisten the hole before planting the
seed. - Paper towel method: This method might seem unorthodox at first glance, but it’s
actually the most popular method to germinate cannabis seeds. To start, you need two
pieces of damp paper towel. The easiest way to not overdo it is to use a spray bottle on
the mist setting.
Place one of the paper towels on a flat surface, preferably somewhere that can stay
dark. Place your seed on the paper towel and cover it with the second piece. You can
germinate multiple seeds at once with this method. Just make sure the seeds are a few
centimetres apart.
After a couple of days, the seeds will open up, and you will see a white sprout growing
out of it. When the sprout reaches 1-2cm in length, you can plant them in a pot with soil.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how much water is needed to grow a cannabis seed, you can start
your growing journey with confidence. There’s still a lot to learn about the growing
process beyond germination, but if you can master this part, you can do anything. Don’t
forget to check out our blog for even more helpful tips. Happy growing!