What Do You Need for Planting Marijuana Seeds?
Growing marijuana is one of the most rewarding hobbies to undertake. Whether you are cultivating your own THC-rich buds or simply treating the plant as a beautiful ornamental, you can navigate toward success with ease by arming yourself with the right planting supplies. When it comes to cannabis seeds, there are few tools that are required for successful germination and marijuana plant growth.
The first item on the list is a lightproof pot or mug. This is essential for protecting young seedlings from any direct sunlight, as this could cause them distress or even kill them off before they have a chance to get their start.
The pot should be between 1-2 liters in size, as anything larger than this could result in too much soil surrounding the seed and overcrowding it. You can purchase a large variety of containers both online and at garden centers that are designed specifically for planting cannabis seeds.
How to Plant Cannabis Seeds in 4 Simple Steps
For beginners embarking on their journey to cultivate cannabis plants, they will discover that planting germinated weed seeds is a more straightforward process than anticipated. The planting phase consists of just four easy-to-follow steps, which ultimately lead to thriving adult cannabis plants. The essential steps to adhere to are:
Step 1 — Fill a Pot or Cup With Potting Soil
Planting a seed and nurturing it as it grows is an intriguing and fulfilling experience, regardless of what type of plant you are growing. When growing cannabis, one important step in the process is filling a pot or cup with potting soil. This should be done before planting a germinated seed so that there is enough space for your young root system to absorb its necessary nutrients.
Typically, when filling the pot or cup with soil, you will want to fill it about halfway before planting the seedling. After adding the soil, there should still be ample room for the roots to grow which is incredibly important for healthy plants as they get bigger.
Depending on personal preference and the type of plants being grown, some beginner growers may opt to fill their plastic containers with more soil than halfway initially to further benefit the root system. No matter how much soil you put in before planting, however, always ensure that your root system will receive sufficient sunlight and can access vital nutrients such as oxygen and water to keep growing in a healthy manner.
Step 2 — Make a Small Dimple
Creating a small dimple in the soil is an important step in growing cannabis, as it helps the germinated seed settle in and start to grow. The dimple should be approximately two centimeters deep, so it’s best to use a pen or pencil for this task.
All you need to do is place the writing tool on top of the soil and press down firmly enough to create a hole that’s erasure-deep. Make sure that your dimple is not too shallow, as this could lead to poor root development.
Step 3 — Place the Cannabis Seed in the Dimple
The third step in planting a cannabis seed is to place it in the soil. This should be done gently, as squeezing too hard can harm the germinated seed and make it impossible for it to grow. A clean pair of tweezers can be used to pick up the delicate seed and transfer it into the soil. It is important that this process is done quickly so that the cannabis roots are not exposed to excessive growth light during the transition phase.
For those looking for an easier way to plant their cannabis seeds, there is a method known as ‘damp paper towel’ where a moist paper towel is used as a temporary ‘pot’ until the cannabis seedlings begin to sprout and their roots become strong enough to stand up on their own.
This process allows your cannabis plant to stay safe during its early stages of marijuana plant growth while simultaneously keeping the soil damp and ensuring that your budding cannabis roots get plenty of moisture and nourishment. Once the complete wet-towel method has been completed, then you may proceed with placing your seed in its designated pot or outdoor soil garden.
Read More: Do Autoflower Plants Produce Autoflower Seeds
Step 4 — Cover the Seed With a Thin Layer of Soil
The fourth and final step of the planting stage for a cannabis seed is covering it with a thin layer of soil. encasing your seed in soil is essential to give it the foundation it needs to sprout successfully. All you need to do is place a few millimeters of soil over the seed, enough to give it coverage while still allowing light and air to circulate the base of the plant.
You can lightly pat or tap on the surface of the soil to give it a nice texture, ensuring that moisture can be absorbed better but don’t press too firmly or else you may damage your precious baby.
Once you have covered your little marijuana seedling with its protective layer of soil, you are all set! Your cannabis seed has all that is needed for successful germination and growth. Make sure to keep an eye out for when it begins sprouting, as this usually takes about one week.
Until then, try not to over-water your plant; just make sure that your soil remains evenly moisturized throughout the germination method, which should help speed up its development process.
FAQ About Planting Weed Seeds
Now that you’re familiar with the simple four-step process of planting cannabis seeds, you may still have some queries about the specifics. To address any lingering concerns, here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions that may help clarify any uncertainties you have:
What to Avoid When Planting Cannabis Seeds?
When it comes to planting cannabis seeds, there are certain things to avoid. Firstly, never give the seedling too much fertilizer or other nutrients as they can be vulnerable to high concentrations of minerals.
It’s better to let the soil provide all the minerals and vitamins the plant needs in small quantities over time. Another major tip would be to not cover the pots with plastic or create a humidity dome over them. Plants need air to pass through easily, and an accumulation of humidity can be damaging for them.
How Long to Germinate Weed Seeds Before Planting?
Germinating cannabis seeds before planting is a key factor to consider when growing a successful weed crop. The germination stage usually lasts just two to three days, and factors like the technique used to germinate and the type of seed can impact how long it takes for them to sprout.
For example, water methods may only take around 18 to 36 hours for most, but hardened seeds may require up to a week due to their thicker coating. There are also various other factors that can slow down or speed up the process such as soil temperature, humidity levels, and moisture content.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Weed Seeds Outside?
When it comes to planting weed seeds outdoors, timing is key. The ideal time to place weed seeds outside usually falls between the end of April and mid-May when the weather has warmed up enough for them to thrive.
By waiting until the cold temperatures have subsided, you can avoid any possible damage to your mature plants due to extreme weather conditions. For most commercial growers, this will ensure their cannabis plant has the longest growing season before winter sets in again.
What Soil to Plant Weed Seeds In?
When it comes to planting marijuana seeds, the best soil to use is a plenty of light mix with few nutrients. This is because young seedlings don’t need as many nutrients and too much can be detrimental to their health. In addition, this kind of soil does not retain water for a long time, which makes it easier for the cannabis roots to develop.
For beginners, coco-based soil may be preferable since it does have enough nutrients in it to last for a few weeks. Cannabis growers also tend to prefer this type of soil as it’s more environmentally friendly than other options.
How Deep to Plant Marijuana Seeds?
When planting marijuana seeds in the soil, it is important to ensure they are not buried too deep. The optimal depth for planting a weed seed lies between 2 to 2.5 centimeters into the soil as this is enough space for a seedling’s roots which range from 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters in length.
It is crucial to avoid burying them too deeply because, if so, it can inhibit the growth of their roots and, therefore, the entire plant itself.
Moreover, not planting the seed too deep allows it to dip out of the surface of the soil more easily and prevents it from drying out until it germinates – key factors that affect the successful germination and growth of marijuana plants from seeds planted in soil.
For precise measurements and easy control over how much you have buried your seeds, use a pencil or something similar; make a mark for each centimeter on its surface as an indicator of stopping pushing down when needed.
The Next Step After Planting Marijuana Seeds
If you are going to transfer your marijuana outside, our outdoor guide includes topics such as optimal soil conditions, proper access water, adequate light cycles, and security precautions. We also have a comprehensive indoor guide with tips and tricks for harvesting large buds indoors such as room temperature control, grow styles, and ventilation systems. With both resources at hand, following these steps should provide a successful outcome with a rewarding result.
