Why Germination Matters
Think of germination as giving your cannabis seeds the green light to start growing. It’s the first—and one of the most important—steps in your home-growing journey. Get this right, and your plants will have the strong foundation they need for the rest of their life cycle.
If you haven’t yet picked your seeds, check out our beginner-friendly cannabis seeds that are perfect for first-time growers.
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Before you start, gather everything you need:
Cannabis seeds (feminized seeds or autoflower seeds work great)
2 clean paper towels
A small plate or shallow dish
A spray bottle with clean water
A warm, dark space for storage
💡 Not sure which seed type is right for you? Our Beginner’s Guide to Autoflower Cannabis Seeds explains why they’re so popular with new growers.
Step 2: Germinate Using the Paper Towel Method
This is the most beginner-friendly method because it’s simple and low risk.
Moisten the paper towels using the spray bottle (they should be damp, not soaked).
Place your cannabis seeds between the two paper towels.
Put the paper towels on a plate and cover with another plate to create a dark, humid environment.
Store in a warm spot (around 70–80°F / 21–27°C).
Check once a day to make sure the towels are still moist. In 24–72 hours, you should see tiny white taproots emerging.
Step 3: Plant Your Germinated Seeds
Once your taproot is about 0.5–1 inch long, it’s time to plant your seeds:
Fill your pot with light, airy soil.
Make a small hole about 0.5 inches deep.
Gently place the seed in the hole, taproot down.
Lightly cover with soil and mist with water.
That’s it—your seed is now officially on its way to becoming a cannabis plant!
Bonus: Alternative Germination Methods
Direct-to-Soil Method: Skip the paper towels and plant seeds straight into soil. Great for autoflowers since they don’t like transplanting.
Glass of Water Method: Place seeds in a glass of room-temperature water for 12–24 hours before planting.
If you’re growing autoflowers, read our full Beginner’s Guide to Autoflower Cannabis Seeds for more tips on handling these fast bloomers.
Common Germination Mistakes to Avoid
For a more detailed breakdown, check out 5 Mistakes First-Time Cannabis Growers Make. But here’s the quick list:
Overwatering the paper towels
Touching the taproot with your fingers
Letting seeds dry out during the process
Planting too deep
Final Thoughts: Start Strong, Finish Strong
Germination is your plant’s first test, and with the right technique, you can pass it with flying colors. Once you’ve got healthy seedlings, the rest of your grow will be much smoother.
If you’re ready to start, browse MJ Seed Shop’s cannabis seed collection and pick the perfect strain for your first grow.
