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How to Germinate Marijuana Seeds

The cup of water and paper towel method, exactly as our guarantee requires. Ten minutes of setup, 2 to 7 days to a plantable taproot, and a minimum 80 percent success rate when followed step by step.

To germinate marijuana seeds, soak them in distilled water for 14 to 18 hours, then rest them between moist paper towels on a plate in a dark room at 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. The shell cracks, a taproot appears, and once it reaches a quarter to half an inch you plant it taproot down about 1 cm deep. Most seeds are ready in 2 to 7 days.

Last updated: July 2026

What you need

The method, step by step

1. Keep everything at room temperature. Between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sun, heaters and appliances.

2. Soak the seeds for 14 to 18 hours. Drop them into a cup of distilled water. Floating is normal; after a few hours, sink any floaters gently with a fingertip.

3. Watch for the crack. The soak is done when shells begin to split and a tiny root tip shows.

4. Set up the plate. Fold a thick, unscented paper towel onto a plate and pour the cup, seeds and all, onto it. Space the seeds out so taproots cannot tangle, moving them only with tweezers.

5. Cover and keep dark. Leave the plate in a closed dark spot. Check every 5 to 12 hours and mist the towels so they never dry out.

6. Plant at a quarter to half an inch of taproot. Plant taproot down, about 1 cm deep, in moist seedling soil. Handle with tweezers only, then continue with the seedling steps in our growing guide.

The three mistakes that kill seeds

Follow this method and our minimum 80 percent germination rate applies; many growers see every seed pop. If yours do not, our germination guarantee explains exactly how replacements work.

Every MJ Seeds Canada order includes: a germination guarantee, plain discreet packaging with no cannabis branding, and 3 to 7 day delivery from Vancouver, BC across Canada. Pay by credit card, Interac e-Transfer or Bitcoin, with free shipping over $200.

Germination: frequently asked questions

How long does marijuana seed germination take?

Most seeds crack within 24 to 48 hours of the water soak and show a plantable taproot within 2 to 7 days between paper towels. Older seeds can take a little longer, so give them a full week before judging.

What temperature do marijuana seeds need to germinate?

Room temperature between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the setup away from direct sunlight, heaters and appliances, since heat spikes dry the towels and stall the seed.

Do seeds need to sink in the cup of water?

Not immediately. Floating is normal at first. After a few hours, nudge floaters down with a fingertip; most will sink as they absorb water.

When do I plant the germinated seed?

Once the taproot is about a quarter to half an inch long, plant it taproot down about 1 cm deep in moist seedling soil. Handle it with tweezers, never fingers.

What if my seeds do not germinate?

Contact us and describe the method you used. If you followed this guide, replacements are covered by our germination guarantee for Canadian and US orders.