How to Grow Marijuana from Seeds: Rules and Tips

Helga Green
Helga Green

Helga Green, an enthusiast and researcher in the cannabis field, contributes her expertise to the AskGrowers blog. Her articles provide a comprehensive view of cannabis cultivation, health impacts, and educational information. Helga's works seamlessly blend practical advice for growing plants with broader information aimed at enlightening readers about cannabis. Her health-focused articles delve into the effects of cannabis on the human body, offering valuable knowledge to her audience. Helga's passion for the industry shines through in her informative and engaging content, making her a go-to source for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of cannabis.

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How to Grow Marijuana from Seeds: Rules and Tips

Recreational cannabis is legal now in 11 states for all adults over 21. Although its popularity is spreading in the USA and Europe, the process of marijuana growing is as time-consuming and cumbersome as it used to be before legalization. Especially when it comes to people who want to make their own marijuana garden. You can find hundreds of how-to videos but you should go through the trial-and-error method to identify the best way that will work for you.

If you follow our guidelines and make the planting process right, you can get two or three ounces of bud after three months from just one plant. But to achieve such results you have to equip your garden with all the needed items for stable cannabis yield.

Best To Grow: Seeds vs Rooted Clones

Have you ever wondered how to grow marijuana? You will most likely be starting from seeds or from a rooted clone. Each method has its pros and cons, but most weed growers agree that working with cuttings is faster and cheaper. However, when it comes to more options, seed banks have a much bigger variety than the clones.

Below you can find the reasons you may consider important when choosing between marijuana seeds for growing and cuttings.

Seeds vs rooted clones

Marijuana Clones 

Pros:

  • Clones are genetically identical to the parent plant. Consequently, they can be relied upon to have the same characteristics and produce similar buds;
  • Clones can be made from plants that are already proven to be high-quality. Therefore, growers can have confidence in the quality of their crops;
  • Clones have a head start over seeds since they are already partially grown. Thus, they can be harvested faster than starting from seeds;
  • Clones can save time and money on the germination and seedling stages, which can be particularly advantageous for commercial growers.

Cons:

  • Clones can be more susceptible to pests and diseases than seed-grown plants since they are exact genetic replicas and therefore lack genetic diversity that can help them resist environmental stresses;
  • Yet, clones can be more challenging to obtain than seeds if growers are looking for specific strains or genetics. Clones require special care during the transplanting procedure to avoid transplant shock and ensure successful rooting;
  • They can carry over any issues or problems from the parent plant. So growers must carefully inspect clones to ensure they are healthy and free of pests, diseases, or abnormalities.

Cannabis Seeds

Pros:

  • Cannabis seeds provide a wide variety of genetics, which can be advantageous for creating new strains or selecting specific traits;
  • Unlike clones, cannabis seeds do not carry over any issues or problems from the parent plant, which means that growers can start with a clean slate;
  • Cannabis seeds are widely available from numerous seed banks and can be shipped discreetly to most locations;
  • Starting from seeds allows growers to control the entire growth process and can result in higher yields compared to clones.

Cons:

  • Regular cannabis seeds produce both male and female plants in equal proportions, which means that growers will need to identify and remove male plants to prevent them from pollinating the female plants and lowering the quality of the buds;
  • While most cannabis seeds will germinate, there is always a risk that some seeds may not sprout, which can result in wasted time and resources;
  • Starting from seeds takes longer than using clones since the seeds must germinate and grow into marijuana seedlings before they can be transplanted into larger containers or the ground;
  • While genetic diversity can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage if the grower is looking for consistency in their crop. It is particularly relevant for non-feminized seeds, which can produce both male and female plants with different characteristics.
     

Read Also: Best Online Seed Banks to Buy Weed Seeds: Comprehensive Reviews and Buying Tips


How To Find Viable Marijuana Seeds?

The first question to discuss what you should look for in a seed. It's a great question. So, when you are looking at a seed, it should be sort of dark and modeled a little bit. You really need to avoid immature seed which is light green or beige, and you should definitely avoid cracked seeds. Important note, most reputable breeders have a guarantee that their seeds have around 90% germination rate meaning that they pop quickly.

What type of seed to choose for growing?

What are the best kinds of seeds to purchase? Indica and Sativa are the two kinds of seeds to discover. A lot of breeders have bred those together to receive the best characteristics out of each so that you will see a lot of hybrids. There is also another kind of consideration to have with seeds: is it a boy or girl. So, generally, regular seeds have a 50% chance that you have females.

Most marijuana growers normally want females as they produce the buds, while males are just pollen. So breeders usually weed the male cannabis out.

If you have a regular seed, you may face a problem. When it starts flowering, you are going to find out that it's not a female. So, the reputable breeders produce so-called feminized cannabis seeds to ensure that all of them on the plant are females. That saves a lot of time and frustration when you grow marijuana from seed.


Read Also: Fan Leaves: How to Prune Cannabis for Optimal Growth and Yield


Types of Cannabis Seeds

Cannabis is a versatile plant with various strains and seed types that have distinct characteristics and properties. The three primary types of cannabis seeds are regular, feminized, and autoflowering.

Each type of seed has its unique features, benefits, and uses. Understanding the different cannabis seed types can help growers and consumers make informed decisions about which seeds to choose and how to cultivate them for optimal yields and potency. 

Right now, we will explore the characteristics and benefits of each type of cannabis seed to provide a comprehensive growing cannabis 101 guide for anyone interested in cannabis cultivation or consumption.

types seeds

Autoflowering Seeds

Autoflowering marijuana seeds are a revolutionary type of cannabis seeds that have been specifically bred to flower automatically, regardless of the amount of light they receive. It means that growers do not need to adhere to strict lighting schedules, which is a major advantage for those new to cannabis cultivation.

Autoflowering seeds typically start flowering within 2-4 weeks of germination, and the entire growth cycle is much shorter than that of traditional cannabis plants. It makes them ideal for planting autoflower seeds in soil outdoors is the ideal option, as they can be planted at any time of year and can be harvested much earlier than other varieties.

Photoperiod Seeds

Photoperiod cannabis seeds require a specific amount of light to transition from the vegetative to the flowering stage. They need at least 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness per day to trigger flowering, making it essential for growers to carefully control the light cycle.

This type of cannabis seed is favored by experienced growers who value the greater control and customization it offers, as well as the potential for higher yields. However, photoperiod cannabis seeds require more attention and monitoring compared to planting germinated autoflower seeds, as any changes to the light cycle can significantly affect the plant's growth and development.

Feminized Cannabis Seeds

Feminized cannabis seeds are a specialized type of cannabis seed that has been bred to ensure they will only grow into female plants. It is essential because only female plants produce the large, resinous buds harvested for consumption. 

The benefits of feminized cannabis seeds are many. For one, they can immensely simplify the cultivation process by eliminating the need to identify and remove male plants. It saves time and resources and allows growers to maximize their yield by focusing on female plants. Feminized seeds also tend to produce more uniform and predictable plants, which can be advantageous for growers who want consistency in their crops.

Regular Seeds

Regular cannabis seeds are a type of cannabis seed that can produce both male and female plants in equal proportions. It means that growers will need to identify and remove male plants during the cultivation process to prevent them from fertilizing the female plants and lowering the quality of the buds.

Regular cannabis seeds are often used by breeders who want to create new strains by crossing different varieties of cannabis plants. They also tend to be more genetically diverse than feminized or autoflowering seeds, which can be advantageous for creating new hybrids with unique characteristics.


Read Also: Fluffy Buds? No Thanks: A Helpful Guide to Growing Dense and Sticky Cannabis


Characteristics Of High-Class Seeds

Like with any other product, you can identify how good marijuana seed is judging by its appearance before you begin to grow marijuana and investing your time in this long process.

Color

Best seeds are easily distinguishable from bad seeds. Your best choice should be brown or tan seeds that is an indication of maturity. On the other hand, immature seeds will be light green, yellow, or even white.

Shape

The large size and symmetry mean the best quality, while small and asymmetrical seeds signal that they are immature. Sometimes you can find a teardrop-shaped seed which is totally ok and also means that the product is worth buying.

Hardness

The seed should have a hard and solid shell with no visual damages. Bad seeds will be soft with a crinkled surface.

Age

The old seed will shrivel and sometimes change color. If you're worried about the old seeds, try starting just a few seeds to see if they will sprout now.

Characteristics of high-class seeds Finally, before planting a seed, make a float test to check if it is good enough. When you put your seed in the water, give it another hour or two to sink. If it does, then the seed has higher chances to grow.

Best marijuana seeds for growing

White Tahoe Cookies Seeds logo
White Tahoe Cookies Seeds
15
  • Indica-dominant hybrid Type
  • 5oz - 14oz (150g - 400g) Yields
  • Mediterranean Climate
from $60
Cereal Milk Seeds logo
Cereal Milk Seeds
16
  • Hybrid Type
  • 13oz - 14oz (350g - 400g) Yields
  • Mediterranean, Warm Climate
from $65
Pink Runtz Seeds logo
Pink Runtz Seeds
17
  • Hybrid Type
  • 11oz - 20oz (300g - 550g) Yields
  • Mediterranean, Temperate, Dry Climate
from $65

Read Also: Sustainable Practices in the Cannabis Industry


What Exactly Is Germination?

Germination is the process of a seed starting to grow into a plant. It is comparable to how a baby grows up to become an adult. A seed needs to germinate to become a plant. When a seed is planted in the soil, it is like sleeping. But when the right conditions are present, like warmth, moisture, and nutrients, the seed wakes up and starts to sprout.

The first thing to grow is usually the root, which grows into the ground to anchor the plant and absorbs water and nutrients. Next, the shoot grows towards the sun, where it can get light to make food through photosynthesis. As the shoot grows, it develops leaves and stems, which help it to grow bigger and stronger.

A Guide To Germinating Marijuana Seeds

Cannabis seeds germination is the process of sprouting the seeds and preparing them for growth into healthy, thriving plants. Germination is a crucial stage in the cannabis growing process, as it sets the foundation for the entire growth cycle. There are several different methods on how to germinate cannabis seeds, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some methods are more reliable, while others are faster or easier to execute. Ultimately, the choice of germination method will depend on the grower's preferences, resources, and level of experience. So, how to germinate marijuana seeds? Let's find out.

germinate seeds

Paper Towel Method Sprouting Guide:

1. Take one seed and put it between two wet pieces of paper. I personally advise using clean water (better distilled) to germinate your cannabis seeds.

2. Then, keeping your seed between the paper towels, put it between the plates and leave it alone in the warm place. The recommended temperature is around 77°F.

3. Check the seed once a day just to make sure it is ok and follow its development. You should see the white root tip that should emerge within a week. Some of them can open in a day, but it is totally ok if they open within 7 days.

4. During this stage, your job is to make sure that the seed stays moisturized and the towel is wet. You can add some distilled water to the plate every 3 days.

5. As soon as you notice a white root coming from the cannabis seed, it's time to relocate the seed in a pot with the soil.

6. Find potting soil that is created for growing seedlings. It's better not to take soil from your other pots or use the soil from the plants. Take a fresh, sterile mix that will help grow healthy cannabis with no signs of illness.

Fill the pots and put the soil firmly to eliminate gaps. If you bought a mix, note that most of them can contain a tiny amount of nutrients, so you will probably have to fertilize the seedlings.

To place cannabis seed in a pot, make a tiny gap with your finger and plant the seed. Make sure that the root is facing the gap. Add some soil and moisturize the surface. Seeds should be still underneath once you poured water.

7. Get the LED lamp and put your pots under it. It is also essential to water them every day. Most fluorescent lamps are also suitable for growing cannabis including ordinary household bulbs for desk lamps and the like, and fluoro tube lighting. Just don’t expect large yields unless you use equally large amounts of light, fluoros don’t pack much punch.

Fluorescent lighting was widely used to grow cannabis in the 70s and 80s before more powerful HID lamps became widely available and accepted among growers, and are still used for germination and vegetative growth by many today.

Much higher yields can be achieved by training the plant through a horizontal net, or by bending/tying, pinching, or even pruning the plant into the shape you want in order to maximize light coverage rather than allowing cannabis to grow naturally.

8. You should change the lightning and also give the plant a rest from light for several hours a day. Usually, it takes up to seven days for a cannabis plant to show up.

9. Your marijuana plant should grow four inches in a month and you should move it to a bigger place.

All living plants require certain conditions to grow in, and if these conditions are more favorable, they will grow bigger and more healthy than in poor conditions. Sufficient lighting, good soil, enough watering, appropriate temperatures are all important things that will influence the yield of a cannabis plant.

However, the flowering period for cannabis depends on a natural cycle. There is research ongoing on how to manipulate this cycle, but currently, there are limited options available. The flowering time is a genetic feature, and there are certain strains that grow and flower at a faster rate than others. Therefore it is possible to breed a certain strain that flowers faster, but other factors such as yield and THC content may be affected.

How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds in Soil? 

Using paper towels is not the only way to germinate your seeds, though. Some growers prefer soil sprouting since it seems to take less effort. Following the steps below allows you to germinate autoflower seed, as well as any other type, in earth successfully:

  • Begin by selecting high-quality potting soil that is nutrient-rich and free of contaminants;
  • Fill a small container that has drainage holes with the earth. Ensure it is approximately 4 inches deep;
  • Use your finger or a pencil to create a small hole in the ground, approximately ½ inch deep;
  • Gently place the marijuana seed in the hole with the taproot pointing downwards;
  • Lightly cover the seed with soil, taking care not to press down too hard;
  • Moisturize the ground using a spray bottle, making sure not to over-water;
  • Place the container in a warm and dark place;
  • A few days later, the seed begins to germinate and push through the soil. Move the container to a location with bright, indirect light once the seedling has emerged;
  • Water the seedling as needed to maintain moist earth but avoid over-watering;
  • After the seedling has developed several sets of leaves, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.

How to Sprout Seeds in Water? 

  • Fill a glass or jar with room-temperature distilled or bottled water;
  • Place the seeds in the water, making sure they are fully submerged;
  • Cover the glass or jar with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent light from entering;
  • Keep the glass or jar in a warm, dark location, such as a closet or cabinet;
  • Check the seeds daily and change the water every 24 hours. It helps to ensure that the water stays fresh and oxygenated;
  • After 2-7 days, the seeds will begin to sprout. At this point, they can be carefully removed from the water and planted in soil or another medium;
  • Plant the seeds with the sprout pointing downwards and cover them lightly with the ground, being careful not to bury the sprout too deeply;
  • Water the soil lightly and place the container in a warm, bright location with indirect light;
  • Continue to water the seedlings as needed and monitor their growth, providing them with adequate light and nutrients as they develop.

Read Also: Guide On Cannabis Growers: Who They Are And How To Become A Cultivator


How To Transplant Marijuana Seeds

You may ask, why not plant seeds in a larger container from the very beginning? Well, some growers do so, but this method has huge drawbacks. Remember when we discussed the moisture level? If you put the seed in a great amount of soil, it will be much more difficult for the seed to get enough water from the soil and thus you can lose it.

How to transplant marijuana seeds

That's why first grow your marijuana plant has at least 3-5 sets of leaves and is 3-4 inches high and then relocate it to a larger container.

The procedure is as follows:

  • First of all, check that your sibling developed a healthy root system and is ready to be transplanted.
  • Take a pair of gloves and check if the place you are working at is clean. Young roots are very sensitive to contamination and diseases.
  • Keep your sprouts dry one day before the procedure.
  • Fill the successor container with soil and take the sibling from the old pot.
  • Don't touch the roots and better leave them undamaged as they are very sensitive at this stage.
  • Do the whole thing in dim light to prevent the sibling from shock.
  • When you finish the transplant, add some water.

How to Store Cannabis Seeds

To properly store cannabis seeds, you should keep them in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If you want to extend the lifespan of the seeds, you can store the container in the refrigerator or freezer, but make sure it is completely sealed and protected from moisture. 

It's also crucial to label the container with the strain name, date of storage, and any other relevant information. Avoid handling the seeds too often or exposing them to moisture, as it can reduce their viability. By following these tips, you can preserve the quality and viability of your cannabis seeds for years to come.

What Are Bagseeds?

A bagseed refers to the seeds found in cannabis buds obtained from unknown sources, typically considered of lower quality. They can produce unpredictable and inconsistent plants.

Bagseed can be the result of various factors such as poor quality genetics, environmental stressors, or accidental pollination. Because of this, a bagseed can produce unpredictable and inconsistent plants with varying characteristics. Still, some growers choose to plant a bagseed to experiment and potentially discover unique traits in the resulting plants.

Important Rules For Growing Marijuana

If you are dreaming of nurturing your first plant at home, you can build a simple garden with weed seeds for indoor growing.

How to grow a weed plant at home that gives rich crops? It has to be in a healthy and maintained environment so that it can get the top conditions. Here are the essential factors that you need to control:

Lightproof tent. The place for growing seeds should be 100% protected from light so that you can control the light for marijuana. Cannabis needs twelve hours of darkness and twelve hours of light that's why such a covered space is essential.

To make the lightproof garden for your marijuana you have to get an LED light with the spectrum for both vegetative and flowering periods.

For your LED light to work better and spread the light equally you can get yourself reflective material for growing room to increase yields.

Essential factors to controlMoisture and temperature. Marijuana seeds need a relatively low humidity level. However, dry air also can negatively impact the plant as it makes seeds quickly lose water and lower moisture. Eventually, your plant will look dull and ill. Taking into account that marijuana will need different humidity levels at various stages of growth, you'd better get yourself an air humidifier.

Note that as soon as relative humidity exceeds 100%, the excess amount of water will result in dew formation.

As there are a lot of mixed types of marijuana, most seeds you can buy from the banks are many kinds of Indica/Sativa mixes. That's why as a hobby grower you will most likely be variating a humidity level to determine the best conditions for growing marijuana from seed.

Recommendations for Growing MarijuanaAnyway, I strongly recommend adhering to the following recommendations:

  • Seeds like a humidity level of 60-80%. It means that in the early growth stages they should receive more water to form strong roots. The recommended temperature is about 77°F throughout the day and 70°F at night.
  • With vegetative plants, the moisture level should be lower but the numbers are still variable. No one can say for sure but the moisture level can be up to 70% and no less than 55%. You should give your plant lots of care and note how it responds to the experiments. The warmth should also be decreased and sit between 70°F throughout the day and 83°F at night. Such plants already have developed strong roots and can absorb water from the ground, that's why you can decrease the watering at this time.
  • The next phase is flowering. There are typically 2 stages of flowering – early and late. Most professional growers think that during the initial flowering phase it is important to decrease moisture levels. Experienced people lower the levels to 45-50% and keep the warmth around 69–79°F during the day and at night respectively.
  • In the second stage, you should keep lowering the moisture level. Late flowering requires about 30-40% with temperatures 65°F throughout the day followed by much colder nights.

It is generally recommended that you should change the levels according to your environment and climate.

I prefer managing the entire process with quality equipment. First of all, you have to buy a humidity device to alter the levels if you think they are not good for your plant. Air humidifier is also a great investment tool to guarantee that your seeds are in a proper environment depending on their growing stage.


Read Also: Growing Cannabis: The Beginner’s Shopping List and Top 3 Beginner Tips


Conclusion

If you are a first-time grower it might be quite difficult for you to understand how to grow marijuana from seed. However, with the right equipment, environmental conditions, and patience, you can work out your own formula depending on the marijuana strains you prefer. Just stick to the general rules for the first time and adjust the technology to improve the cannabis bud quality level.

FAQ

1. Buy seeds. 2. Germinate the seeds. 3. Use fluorescent or LED grow lights. 4. Water the seedlings gently. 5. Regularly monitor the plants for pests.
Marijuana seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) in the growing medium. This depth allows the seeds to establish contact with the soil while still providing them with access to oxygen. Gently place the seeds into pre-made holes in the growing medium and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Be cautious not to bury the seeds too deeply, as this may hinder germination and seedling emergence.
To plant germinated marijuana seeds, prepare a well-draining and nutrient-rich growing medium. Create small holes in the medium, approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) deep. Gently place the germinated seeds, taproot down, into the holes and cover them with a thin layer of the medium. Moisten the soil around the seeds with a spray bottle or gentle watering, being cautious not to overwater. Provide appropriate lighting and maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels. Monitor the progress of the planted seeds and make any necessary adjustments to the environment. By following these steps, you can ensure a good start for your germinated marijuana seeds and promote successful seedling growth.
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