# How to Germinate Marijuana Plants - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/how-to-germinate-marijuana-plants/ - Published: 2021-11-01T19:40:31-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy Like all plants, marijuana [plants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/ways-to-become-an-eco-friendly-stoner/) can be grown from seed. In fact, most growers agree that plants grown from seed are healthier and heavier-yielding than those grown from clones, largely thanks to their more stable genetics. Anyone who is planning to grow from seed for the first time, or just the first time in a while, should first brush up on germination best practices. Read on to find out what growers need to know about germinating marijuana seeds effectively to maximize germination rates and yields. ![Like all plants marijuana plants can be grown from seed In fact most growers agree that plants grown from seed are healthier and heavier yielding than those grown from clones largely thanks to their more stable genetics Anyone who is planning to grow from seed for the first time or just the first time in a while should first brush up on germination best practices Read on to find out what growers need to know about germinating marijuana seeds effectively to maximize germination rates and yields](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/jeff- w-r19PtSh4m7A-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1 "jeff-w-r19PtSh4m7A- unsplash - The Green Living Guy") ## Start With High-Quality Seeds One of the most crucial parts of ensuring good germination rates and a hefty harvest occurs before growers even prepare their pots or garden beds. Finding high-quality seeds is arguably the best way to ensure that the process of [germinating marijuana plants](https://weed-seeds.com/germinating-outdoor-cannabis-seeds/) goes well, so don’t rely on bag seeds of dubious origins. Growers can find all of their favorite strains at reputable seed banks. ## Start Plants Indoors Even if the plan is to start an outdoor [marijuana](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/10/amazing-ways-to-make-the-cannabis-industry-more-sustainable/) garden, it’s best to germinate the seeds inside. Seeds germinated outdoors in the soil will be exposed to all kinds of sub-optimal conditions, including dramatic temperature changes, flooded soil, and pests. Given [how vulnerable](https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-seeds-and-seedling-biology) all [plants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/5-ways-to-protect-your-plants-from-plant-diseases/) are until they fully enter the vegetative stage, it’s best to keep marijuana seedlings inside until they’re ready to handle the great outdoors. ## The Best Method for Seed Germination There are tons of different ways to [germinate](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/top-environmental-friendly-tricks-to-reduce-your-monthly-bills/) seeds. Some growers like to place them between cotton balls and spray them with water, while others place their seeds directly into the soil in small pots and hope for the best. By far the simplest and most effective way to germinate seeds is to use the paper towel method, though, so that will be this article’s focus. ### Step One: Acquire Supplies One of the great things about using the paper towel method for germination is that it requires minimal supplies and equipment. Gather together: A plastic container or two plates Paper towels A small glass of water A water sprayer Cannabis seeds ### Step Two: Soak the Seeds Before starting the germination process, most growers soak their seeds for 12 hours in room-temperature water. Make sure to keep the glass of water in a warm place. And don’t leave the seeds in the water for more than 24 hours. If there are seeds floating at the top of the water after half a day, discard them because they’re [not likely to be viable](https://www.thenews-messenger.com/story/news/2019/05/15/master-gardener-easy-tests-seed-viability/3664294002/). ### Step Three: Assemble the Germination Chamber Next, line the plastic container or plate with paper towels. Put the seeds on the paper towels before folding them over and spraying the whole thing down with warm water. Cover the container, then put it in a warm, dark place. ### Step Four: Keep Things Moist It’s important that the paper towels not get dried out, as this will prevent the seeds from sprouting. Open up the container or remove the top plate every few hours to spray everything with water. The paper towels should remain moist but should not be soaking wet. ### Step Five: Remove Seeds for Planting Out The seeds will be ready to be planted out when they start to develop small white taproots. At this point, they’re ready to be placed in soil or another growing medium. But, don’t put them outdoors just yet. The seedlings will need some extra care for at least a few weeks. ## Order Seeds Today Cannabis seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for years before germinating. Even if growers don’t plan to start their crops until spring, it’s worth buying seeds early to start getting prepared. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)