Cannabis Seed Germination: The Ultimate Guide 2025 for All Growers

You bought beautiful Premium Pro Seeds from Suzy Seeds and of course, you want to get started. 

Why Is Cannabis Seed Germination Important?

Germination is the process of activating a cannabis seed so it sprouts and grows into a seedling. It’s the foundation of a healthy plant and a bountiful harvest. A successful germination ensures your plants start strong, leading to better growth and higher yields.
In regions like the UK, where the growing season can be short, or in the US, where climates vary widely, proper germination is key to maximizing your grow cycle. For example, germinating in early spring (April 2025) can lead to a harvest by June or July. This guide will show you how to germinate cannabis seeds effectively, whether you’re in London, California, or Toronto. SuzySeeds’ seeds have a 98% germination rate, making them a reliable choice for growers worldwide. Let’s explore the cannabis seed germination process and get your grow off to a great start!

How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a universal method to germinate cannabis seeds, suitable for all growers: 

1. Choose Quality Seeds: Start with fresh, dark seeds from SuzySeeds, which guarantee a 98% germination rate.

2. Select a Method: The paper towel method is the most popular:

• Place your seeds between two damp paper towels.
• Put them in a dark, warm place (72-77°F or 22-25°C)
• Check after 1-3 days—your seeds should sprout with a small white root.

3. Alternative Method: Direct soil planting (preferred by experienced growers):

• Use a light soil mix (70% potting soil, 30% perlite).
• Plant the seed 0.5 inches (1 cm) deep and keep the soil moist but not soaked.

4. Post-Germination Care: Once the seedling appears, transfer it to an 11-liter pot. Provide 18 hours of light indoors or 6-8 hours of direct sunlight outdoors.

This method works for all skill levels. Whether you’re growing in the UK’s cooler climate or Australia’s sunny conditions, these steps ensure success. Ready to grow your seedlings? Check out our Cannabis Growing Guide (#) for tips on the next phase of your grow.

* In a cup of water

* Paper Towel trick

* Direct soil start

How long does it take cannabis seeds to germinate in general? Or how do we germinate autoflowering seeds? The time of germination of marijuana seeds depends on the method of germination we apply, but autoflowering seeds germinate in the same way and time as feminized or regular cannabis seeds. 

My favorite way to germinate the seeds is to put them in a cup of water and then between a damp paper towel or tissue. This goes well in 99% of the cases. That is why I will more extensively describe this first way.

We recommend not to touch the seeds or the seedlings with your hands. If you do anyways, make sure your hands are clean and if possible use plastic gloves.

Suzy’s Tip:  Try your germintion method on a couple of seeds (maximum 3). This way, you can test if your method works well. Often a wrong germinating method is used and the seeds don't germinate. Do you want to germinate your seeds in a different way? Continue reading.

Germinating cannabis seeds in a cup of water

Maintain an ambient temperature of at least 20 °C, otherwise, the seeds will not or at least not optimally germinate. Use a clean room and area for the germination process. Fill a cup with water and put the cannabis seeds in it. After 3 to 5 days, the seeds should pop open and a tiny root should come out.

As soon as the sprout is 2 to 3 mm, you can carefully get the seeds out of the water and plant them in the soil. Planting the germinated seed has to be done with lots of care and attention. Put them 0.5 to 1 cm in the soil with the root down. This way, the root (the white sprout) will more easily grow downwards.

Germinating cannabis seeds on a damp surface

Maintain an ambient temperature of at least 20 °C, otherwise, the seeds will not or at least not optimally germinate. Put the cannabis seeds on a surface that holds moisture, like wadding, paper towel or tissues on a saucer. Moisten the surface well, but avoid making it too wet. The moisture evaporates quickly at room temperature, so check during the period that the seeds will germinate if the surface is still damp enough.

You can also cover the seeds with damp wadding or tissues and another saucer on top. Because of the moisture that gets into the seeds, they are activated and start to germinate. As soon as the germ is 2 to 3 mm, you can carefully get the seeds out of the water and plant them in the soil. Put them 0.5 to 1 cm in the soil with the root down. This way, the root will more easily grow downwards.

Germinating cannabis seeds in soil/compost

Direct germination of marijuana seeds in the soil is a commonly used method. You don't have to handle the fragile plant, so it is not disturbed in its growth process. However, the chances that the seeds will germinate are lower than when applying the other methods. When using this method, it is important to use good soil. You can inform yourself about the different types of soil at your local grow shop. Maintain an ambient temperature of at least 20 °C, otherwise, the seeds will not or not optimally germinate. Put the cannabis seed about 1 cm deep in the soil. Cover the hole with some soil and gently press.

The soil needs to be light so that the plant can easily grow to the surface. Solid soil is hard to penetrate for the roots and will cause a delay. The weed seeds will germinate under the ground and will come to the surface after 4 to 10 days. There are also more germination methods that can be applied. Ready to sprout? See our top seeds at Cannabis Seeds 

Troubleshooting Cannabis Seed Germination Issues

Even experienced growers face challenges. Here are common issues and solutions:

• Seeds Won’t Sprout: Check the temperature (too cold?) and moisture (too dry?). Ensure the seeds are fresh.
• Mold Growth: Excess moisture can cause mold. Use less water and ensure good airflow.
• Seedling Dies After Sprouting: Avoid overwatering and ensure the seedling gets enough light (18 hours indoors).
• Slow Germination: Older seeds or hard shells can slow the process. Soak seeds in water for 12 hours before using the paper towel method.

These tips help growers at all levels troubleshoot problems. Whether you’re in the UK, US, or Australia, these solutions will get your grow back on track.

Ready for the Next Step? 

Now you know how to germinate cannabis seeds! Ready to grow your plants? Our Cannabis Growing Guide covers everything from germination to harvest. Have questions about germination? Leave a comment below! Explore more on our Blog or check out our Cannabis Seeds Collection. SuzySeeds is here to make your 2025 grow a success. Happy growing!

Suzy’s Tip:  

• Be patient, the time it takes to germinate may differ according to the strain.
• Germination of cannabis seeds in soil can differ between 2 days and up to 4 or 5 days in some cases. 
• Make sure that your hands are clean when you touch the seeds.
• If you spread the seeds on wadding or tissues, moisten the surface well and keep it moist until the seeds start germinating.