Looking to pop seeds like a pro? Our infographic below shows Overgrow’s tried-and-tested 6-step germination method. Scroll down for detailed instructions, tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Everything You Might Need:
- Cannabis seeds
- Clean glass or specimen jar
- Spring/bottled water (not tap)
- Paper towel
- Plates
- Spray bottle
- Tweezers (sterilised)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Jiffy pellets / light soil mix
- Small pots (optional)
- Pen or pencil (for planting)
- Heat pad & humidity dome (optional but helpful)
Step 1: Soak Overnight
Label everything. Soak seeds in spring water for 12–18 hours in a clean glass, away from light. Avoid chlorinated tap water. Keep room temperature between 20–28°C. If a root (radicle) appears early, great – move to the next step.
Step 2: Paper Towel Method
Place seeds between two damp (not soaked) paper towel layers on a plate. Spray with clean water. Use multiple plates for different strains and label them clearly. Keep moist and in a warm, dark place.
Step 3: Be Patient
Check twice daily. Roots should emerge in 12–72 hours but can take up to 7 days. Keep towels moist but never wet. Once the taproot is 0.5–1cm long, it’s time to plant.
Step 4: Plant into Jiffy or Soil
Pre-soak jiffy pellets or use light, aerated soil. Poke a hole about 0.5–1cm deep, root down, pointy side down. Gently cover. Water lightly – roots need both moisture and oxygen. No nutrients needed yet!
Step 5: Provide Light
Place seedlings under gentle grow lights or in indirect sunlight. Fluorescent or LED lights should be positioned 15–60cm above, depending on intensity. Avoid high heat. Let cotyledons (first leaves) emerge on their own – only intervene if they’re stuck.
Step 6: Know Your Environment
Prevent pests like snails, birds, and caterpillars. Indoors or out, protect seedlings early. Research your region and prepare accordingly. Avoid light stress, overwatering, and extreme temps.
Essential Germination Guidelines
- Temperature: Aim for 21–29°C and high humidity.
- Start indoors: Especially in colder regions or early spring.
- Lighting: No light during soak/paper towel phase. Direct light once planted.
- Water: Use high-quality spring water. Avoid overwatering.
- Cleanliness: Sanitize tools. Don’t touch taproots with bare hands.
- Gentle handling: Taproots are fragile – treat like newborns.
Note on viability: At Overgrow, our seeds are cold-stored for optimal freshness. Size and colour may vary, but all our seeds are from trusted breeders and are fully mature, hard, and viable.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve nailed germination, where to from here?
- Buy quality cannabis seeds
- Read our Ultimate Cannabis Guide
- Choose the right strain for your setup
- Explore our full blog
Happy growing,
The OG Team
