When it comes to cultivating cannabis, seed planting is one of the crucial factors that can significantly impact your success in the grow room. Seed germination begins your plant’s life, and seed planting is like the all-important swaddling of a newborn baby. Getting it right means the seed is warm, comfortable, and in the correct position to receive the love and care it needs to navigate the early stages of life. Properly planting germinated seeds can help in giving cannabis plants a strong start and maximising their growth potential. For beginner growers, this is an often-overlooked step. Whether you plant indoors or out, directly into the ground or into containers, how deep you plant your germinated seeds may make some difference.
Germination: A Brief Overview
Before we look into the specifics of planting germinated cannabis seeds, let's briefly understand the germination process. Germination is the natural process by which a seed sprouts and develops into a new plant. During germination, the seed absorbs water, which activates enzymes responsible for breaking down stored nutrients and initiating growth. The seed shell breaks open, the taproot emerges from the seed, and it begins to develop roots and cotyledons (the first set of leaves), establishing itself as a young, healthy plant ready for transplantation into the ground or a larger pot.
Different methods to germinate include the paper towel method, and the glass of water method. We cover germination methods in a step-by-step guide HERE.
Planting Germinated Seeds: Exploring The Options
After successful germination, it is crucial to transplant your germinated seeds into the growing medium of your choice. There are several options available, each with its benefits and considerations:
Soil
Planting germinated seeds directly into a well-prepared soil medium is likely the most common choice for many cannabis cultivators. High-quality potting soil offers a stable and nutrient-rich environment for the seedlings to establish their roots and thrive. It also provides a buffer for moisture and nutrients, aiding in their absorption by the plants. When planting germinated seeds in the soil, it’s key to ensure the soil is loose, well-draining, and amended adequately with organic matter. Cover the seed with loose soil and ensure it’s receiving enough light. It’s common practice to put seedlings on a window sill to allow them to receive direct sunlight.
Coco Coir
Coco coir is another popular choice for planting germinated seeds. It is a versatile and sustainable growing medium made from the fibrous husks of coconuts. Coco coir retains moisture well while allowing for adequate drainage, promoting healthy root development. Additionally, coco coir has a neutral pH. It offers excellent oxygenation, which can lead to faster growth and increased nutrient uptake for your cannabis plants.
Rockwool Cubes
Rockwool cubes are often used for starting germinated seeds indoors before transplanting them into larger containers or hydroponic systems. Rockwool is a synthetic, sterile growing medium made from molten rock spun into fibres. It provides excellent water retention, allows for good aeration, and supports seedling growth. If you’re using this growing medium, it is vital to soak and pH balance rockwool cubes before use to prevent potential nutrient imbalances.
Ideal Depth For Planting Germinated Seeds
When determining the ideal depth for planting germinated marijuana seeds, there are considerations. Therefore you have to strike a balance. Planting seeds too shallow can expose them to excessive drying and may result in poor germination rates. Planting too deep can hinder proper cannabis seedling emergence. The optimal depth for planting germinated seeds typically ranges between ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) deep. Placing small holes in the growing medium no deeper than your first knuckle is a relatively good way to ensure your seed is planted at the appropriate depth.
Planting seeds at this depth offers several advantages:
Adequate Moisture:
Planting germinated seeds at an appropriate depth ensures they receive sufficient moisture. At this depth, the soil or growing medium surrounding the seeds maintains moisture levels, allowing excess water to drain. Consistent moisture is crucial during the early stages of growth, as it supports root development and overall plant vigour.
Protection:
Planting seeds at the optimal depth provides them with a protective layer of soil or growing medium. This layer shields the emerging young seedling from external factors such as temperature fluctuations, pests, and diseases, or from birds eating the seeds. It also helps ensure enough moisture to prevent the seedling from drying out too quickly, promoting a healthy and robust start to its life cycle.
Stability:
Planting germinated seeds at the ideal depth provides them with a stable foundation. Properly anchored roots are crucial for the plant's ability to access nutrients and water from the surrounding growing medium. Planting seeds too shallow may result in weak root development, hindering plant growth and making the plant susceptible to instability and poor nutrient uptake.
Conclusion:
When planting germinated seeds, finding the correct depth helps ensure the healthy development of your cannabis plants. However, it’s also good to consider how robust seeds are and how they sprout at different depths as this is natural to them. In nature, no-one ensures wild seeding plants drop their seeds into a tiny hole with a small error range, and then covers them up. Therefore, going outwith the recommendation doesn’t necessarily mean disaster, and there is a lot of forgiveness. Planting them at the recommended depth of ¼ to ½ inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) provides the seedlings with adequate moisture, protection, and stability. Remember to consider the specific requirements of your chosen growing medium and adjust accordingly.
Proper seed planting sets the stage for a successful cannabis cultivation journey, giving your plants the best chance to thrive and produce bountiful yields. Following the guidelines above, you can give your germinated seeds the best start and enjoy the rewarding experience of growing cannabis plants. Happy growing!
Whether you’re embarking on a home grow or a larger project, only buy the best seeds from a reputable seed bank. Seedsman is one of the world’s most trusted seed banks and offers a wide range of high-quality cannabis seeds.
