Amongst the best ways to germinate cannabis seeds, this soil germination method is a low risk, easy method that explains how to germinate your seeds in soil. Germination can take 3-10 days, depending on environmental conditions and variety. Never use soil from your backyard! It can contain pests and moulds that will damage or destroy your seeds, seedlings or plants.
Soil Germination Method in 8 steps
Why germinate cannabis seeds directly in soil?
- Mimics nature – seeds evolved to germinate in soil.
- Less handling damage – no fragile taproot transfer/damage from e.g. paper towel method.
- Dutch Passion seeds have a guaranteed 90%+ germination rate when done correctly.
Before you proceed with the germination steps, always make sure to pick the right container. The type of cannabis seeds you’re growing (autoflower or photoperiod) can influence which container size to use.
Pro Tip: Plant containers that allow high levels of root oxygenation such as air pots, felt sacks and similar are especially recommended when growing in soil. These allow high levels of 360° root aeration, which promotes vigorous root growth.
Autoflowering genetics:
Autoflower seeds have a short life cycle, so they benefit from being germinated directly in their final container. This avoids the stress and time loss of a later transplant.
- A long taproot develops quickly and shouldn’t be restricted by small containers.
- If you must start in a smaller pot, use at least a 1L container and transplant into the final grow container within the first 1–2 weeks.
- Many growers find an airpot/felt-sack around 15-20 litres / 4 gal gives solid results for autos directly from seed germination and prevents root disturbance.
Photoperiod genetics:
Photoperiod cannabis plants (grown from regular or feminised seeds) are more flexible because you control their vegetative phase with the light cycle.
- You can start in small (0.5-1 litre) or large pots and transplant later.
- When growing feminised seeds or regular seeds you control the length of the vegetative growth phase via the light cycle. This is in contrast to autoflowers which speed through their life cycle automatically.
- Ensure your containers have sufficient drainage to prevent overwatering. As suggested above, aerated grow containers tend to give the best results.
How to germinate seeds in soil
Step 1: Prepare your soil
Use clean, fresh soil with little-to-no added nutrients. Seedlings are sensitive to nutrient-rich environments which can cause stress, burnt leaf tips and root damage. Ideal options include seedling or potting soil mixes, light-mix, or coco substrates.
- Light-mix is airy, contains a small amount of nutrients and often includes perlite for better aeration and drainage.
- Coco substrate contains almost no nutrients and has an open, light aerated texture that promotes root growth.
- A 50/50 mix of light-mix and coco substrate offers a perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention.
Step 2: Watering the soil
- Make sure the soil is moist but not soaked. Overwatering can cause weed seeds to rot or stunt early growth leading to disappointing results.
- A small cup of water per 1L pot is plenty. Tap water is generally fine; bottled water is optional. Some growers use a misting bottle to ensure the top soil surface moist without flooding.
Step 3: Placing the seed inside the soil
Make a small dimple in the soil and place your seed about 3–5mm deep. If you bury it too deep, it may struggle to reach the surface.
Step 4: Cover the seed and press gently
Cover the seed lightly with soil and press down gently to ensure good contact. Some growers add a small splash of water to dampen the soil surrounding the seed.
Pro Tip: Spend a moment to properly label the container with the strain name. Many growers forget to do this and can’t identify their favourite plants.
Step 5: Cover your pots with cling film and poke some holes
Covering your pot helps create a mini greenhouse, keeping the soil warm and moist. Poke a few small holes in the film to allow airflow and prevent overheating.
Step 6: Place your pots in a suitable environment
Place your setup in a stable environment (18–22°C /64-71F), away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Your living room is often ideal. Avoid placing containers on heaters or radiators.
Step 7: Wait for germination
When germinating cannabis seeds in soil most will sprout in 3–6 days, though it can take up to 10 days. Once you see the seedling’s first leaves, remove the cling film.
Step 8: Take care of your seedlings
After germination, place seedlings under a gentle LED grow light (18/6 light schedule works well) or near a bright window. Avoid strong light or heat during the first week, and don’t add nutrients until week two.
Pro Tip: Slow release nutrients (BioTabs are fully proven and highly recommended) gradually release minerals & nutrition into your grow medium. This can reduce your reliance on bottled mineral nutrients – ideal for those that struggle with over/under feeding. BioTabs work well in soil, soil/coco blends or pure coco.
Warnings and common mistakes when germinating cannabis seeds in soil
New cannabis seeds!
16 Comments. Leave new
buongiorno dutch passion ho seguito il vostro tutorial e dopo 4 giorni la germinazione è avvenuta.una domanda vorrei fare,devo aspettare che si aprono i cotiledoni prima di rimuovere la pellicola o posso mettere il vas gia al sole anche se non sono aperti i cotiledoni???grazie e buona domenica
tutto ok germinazione perfeta!!!
Once the stem has come through the soil how long till you put it on a larger pot and up the tempreture
Hi, Joe answering?? I did an error putting seeds in soil not enough wet and under lamp … I choose Orange punch feminized and autoflowering…Is a good choice for me ad a beginner or could you give me best options? (Medium-high THC and quantity of final result) I also need some good ideas about the soil to use and the power of led lamps (I’ve buyed 2x100watt multiple ranges led lamp for plant grown for about 60cm x 40cm for 4/6 seeds). I have to do another order and I’m trying to do all well!!! Waiting hopefully for your answer, my best regards, thanks. Heathcliff
Thanks Joe!
Do I keep give the seedling small drops of water every 2 days? Or is this not needed?
Hi can I put my seeds straight into soil and put my led light on them or do they not need light until they sprout
I did something wrong I planted my seeds in 1\4 inch potting soil outside 2 days ago think I have a chance
I’m new to growing, planted 3 seeds directly into soil 2 days ago. Also today I started germinate another seed in a shot glass. It’s been 12hrs. Moving seed to paper towels.
Leaving them in a damp paper towel 2-5 days in dark cupboard seems to work wonders for me
They shoot out about half inch long from the shell inside 5 days everytime I’ve germinated seeds .
I’ve also tried the glass, water method took around 5-8 days but once transplant to soil, Coco, whatever your using I notice the seedling takes long also to sprout out into the open air
But with the paper towel method I’ve seen mine sprout 🌱 same day as planted so the seed must be thriving then once hits your compost mix it must still have that energy and burst through whereas the glass, water method I’ve waited 4-5 days after pottin once germinated to sprout .
Don’t worrie soons it has germinated you should be okay aslong as it’s not growing in cement 😂
I am germinating seed in soil and I left them under lights I didn’t realise this was a mistake I have returned them to darkness will they still germinate or will they be ruined?
Hey just got one last seed, wish me luck, I’m confident I’ll pull it off with all your tips thanks I’ll let you know how it goes.
Potted directly into soil what next? Do I leave in darkness or 16-8
Any help would be greatly appreciated