Cannabis seeds not germinating can be a severe obstacle in your cultivation journey towards your dream plantation. So what can you do?
Technically speaking, getting seeds to germinate or "pop" is a relatively simple process, albeit very important. Many new growers fail to overcome this first hurdle for many different reasons.
You may be asking: why did your cannabis seeds fail to germinate? Essentially the reasons fall into two categories. One is the quality or viability of the seeds, and the other is making a mistake during the germination process.
We'll look at these two reasons, giving practical steps to sprouting cannabis seeds. Then we'll discuss common germination problems and tips before starting the process. Without further ado, let's get started.
Is the cannabis seed viable?
A viable seed is mature and strong enough to germinate and pop open the hard casing so the taproot can grow.
The question is: why do some seeds fail to germinate?
When looking at the seed alone, the answer could be poor quality; they're immature or underdeveloped, old or damaged. Once you know how to choose the best cannabis seeds, you’re a step closer to higher germination rates.
Cannabis seeds not germinating can be a real frustration. Here are some indicators to look out for when deciding what seeds are worth growing:
- Healthy cannabis seeds are usually dark, in gray, brown, or black shades. Typically most viable sprouting marijuana seeds have some form of striping that may resemble veins on a leaf.
- Look for hard and dry seeds; generally, if viable, they should withstand some pressure when pinched, but be careful not to crush them. Sometimes, even soft ones can grow into solid plants if germinated under the right conditions.
- Pot seeds not germinating can often be because they are immature, lighter in color (white or pale green), and soft to the touch.
Though they can still germinate, the resultant plants can take longer to develop, are weaker, and have unfavorable characteristics.
- Will cracked seeds germinate? Simply put, no, if they are damaged or cracked, they can be considered dead.
We have all heard the saying, "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." This same truth generally applies: if it germinates, it's a good seed.
Why did my seeds fail to germinate?
There are several common germination problems that even experienced growers have to overcome. It could be one of the reasons why your weed seeds aren't germinating; here are a few.
Moisture: Too wet or too dry
Getting your moisture balance correct is vital. The best relative humidity for germinating weed seeds is 70–90%.
Too wet conditions mean your seeds don’t get enough oxygen and can drown. You can soak your seeds for up to 24 hours at the start of the process, but after that, they're best kept moist but not soaking.
Too dry conditions and the process won't start, resulting in weed seeds not germinating. Or, if germination has begun, your babies will dry out and die without water.
Too cold temperatures
Too cold temperatures can slow down plant growth. Germinate in warmer conditions around 80–85 F. It's best to plant indoors or use a heating mat as the temperature is easier to control.
Keep things warm to get the best results while germinating, but not too hot; think springtime. Seeds can germinate in cooler temps, but the process takes longer.
Seeds too deep
When seeds are placed too deep in your grow medium, your plant will have difficulty breaking the surface. Covered more than an inch could lead to your cannabis seed not sprouting.
The plant will spend lots of energy just to get its stem above ground. Plant seeds knuckle deep, about a half-inch to an inch down from the surface of the medium.
Incorrect growth medium
Some grow mediums are suitable for starting germination, while others may be the reason for your cannabis seed not sprouting.
Starter cubes and seedling plugs are ideal for germinating seeds; even planting directly into soil and coco peat works. Rockwool cubes are notorious for their poor germination results, do some research and be ready to transplant whatever your choice.
“Bad” seeds
As mentioned, if your seeds are not viable, they will not germinate. If all the conditions are right and you have a weed seed not sprouting, it could be too old or damaged due to incorrect storage.
Immature or unripe seeds, those pale or light in color, will often start to sprout but produce flimsy, weak seedlings that don't last long. So be careful when storing and choosing which seeds to grow.
Germination process: How to sprout cannabis seeds
Whether regular, feminized, or autoflower, seeds not germinating because they're not viable isn't your fault—and there's nothing you can do about it.
On the other hand, if it's all down to your mistakes during the germination process, it's a simple case of learning from them and doing better next time.
Sprouting marijuana seeds requires attention to detail, considering moisture, temperature, and light. Germinating indoors will protect your vulnerable plants and ensure a greater chance of success, with a minimal number of cannabis seeds not germinating.
There are many proven methods of sprouting cannabis seeds. A cost-effective and easy one is the paper towel germination method; let's have a look!
Starting seeds indoors: What you'll need
This process requires only simple equipment and has a high success rate ensuring you have fewer cannabis seeds not germinating. Once you’ve decided on what strains you want to grow, here's a list of things you need to get started:
- Cannabis seeds
- Plastic container with a lid or two plates
- Paper towels: the less porous types tend to work better as the roots can't push through and get stuck.
- Water sprayer with clean water.
- Small cup or glass of water
- Germination can be anywhere from 12 hours to 7 days.
Paper towel sprouting in 3 easy steps
1. Put the seeds between moist, not wet, paper towels, making sure not to overwater. Then place those between two plates or in a plastic container with a lid.
The container must remain warm, humid, and dark at all times, or it will result in your cannabis seeds not germinating.
2. Water and check progress regularly, once every 12 hours. Germination usually takes 1-4 days but can take up to a week, especially when using older seeds. Keep the napkin moist and avoid it drying out or being too wet.
Heavy handling risks hurting the taproot (the little white root that starts to appear), so remember to be careful; damage could lead to your weed seeds not sprouting. Start to prepare your growing medium as soon as you see the taproot.
3. Transplant the seeds once they open and the taproot appears. Keep a close eye on the process and have your next growth medium (soil, coco, peat) ready.
Start your sprouting seed in a small container.
We recommend starting seedlings in a small container such as a small cup, jiffy, or plug; you'll see any weed seed not sprouting easier. Wait for sprouting marijuana seeds to thrive before transferring them to a larger container.
Seedlings grown in smaller pots tend to grow faster. Little containers ensure just enough water for the plant to drink while ensuring that the roots have ample oxygen to sustain their rapid growth. Using too big pots can often result in a cannabis seed not germinating or growing.
Sprouting feminized vs. regular seeds
Cannabis seeds not sprouting have little to do with whether they are regular, feminized, or even auto-flowering strains. Most varieties can be germinated using the same process but have different pros and cons.
Sprouting regular cannabis seeds
Regular cannabis seeds produce both male and female plants, making them cheaper and easier to come by. One downside to planting regulars is that you need to sprout more of them.
Firstly, there are always some pot seeds not germinating, and secondly, to account for the males as they don't produce smokable buds. They are, however, great for breeding.
Leave this process to the experts, though. Sexing cannabis plants can be time-consuming and risky. Even one incorrectly identified male can pollinate your whole crop, leaving you budless and without a harvest.
Sprouting feminized cannabis seeds
Feminized seeds, though more expensive, offer the guarantee of your cannabis seeds not sprouting any males. Well, 99% of the time anyway.
These seeds almost all grow into bud-producing females, ensuring none of your valuable resources (light, soil, space, fertilizers, time) get wasted.
Sprouting autoflower cannabis seeds
Autoflowering cannabis plants do not require light changes to start flowering, unlike regular photoperiod strains. The reasons for autoflower seeds not germinating are the same, as they can be both regular or feminized; however, the plants tend to be smaller and less potent.
5 Tips before sprouting marijuana seeds
These five tips will help you start the germination process. Seeds should:
1. Be stored in the fridge in a sealed plastic bag or container and only removed once you plan on planting them. This sudden change in temperature mimics that of nature when winter changes to spring, which is the best time for sprouting marijuana seeds.
Knowing how to store cannabis seeds is a vital step that, when done correctly, can significantly reduce the chance of weed seeds not germinating.
2. Be placed in a glass of clean water at room temperature (68°- 77°F) to soak for 12 hours. Soaking ensures total saturation in preparation for germination. Mark the container clearly; you wouldn't want anyone to throw out or drink your precious babies.
3. Not soak for more than 24 hours; too much time in water can lead to your weed seeds not sprouting. Most viable seeds will sink after about 12 hours. Touch ones that float; if they drop, they're good; if not, there's not much of a future for those gals.
4. Be watered regularly, use a sprayer, and set reminders if you have to. Whatever your growth medium, lack of moisture can damage the taproot and lead to cannabis seeds not germinating.
5. Throughout the process, track dates and stage changes. Set reminders to check on your young ones regularly, and schedule your tasks, so you do not leave them in containers for too long.
Plant your seeds into new suitably sized containers before the taproot grows too long.
Use love and care to grow your seeds.
Why do some seeds fail to germinate? The answer is either found in the germination process or viability.
Most importantly, remember that seeds are fragile; treat them with love, care, and patience. Be careful when handling these precious little gifts and take time to look after them, watering, nurturing, and caring for their needs.
We at Seed Supreme understand the frustration of cannabis seeds not germinating. Therefore our broad range of quality cannabis seeds are guaranteed to sprout hassle-free.
Our discretion ensures that all our products are packaged and shipped with your safety and privacy in mind. Buy your cannabis seeds at our online store with confidence.
