How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds

Before your cannabis plants thrive in a RootBox Hydro system, it all begins with one critical step seed germination. This simple yet vital process determines how strong, healthy, and productive your plants will become in the later stages.

In this first part of our new blog series, we’ll explore how to germinate cannabis seeds effectively, using the most reliable method known among professional growers the water soak and paper towel method.

Step 1: Soak Your Seeds Overnight

Start by placing your female cannabis seeds in a glass of clean, room-temperature water and let them soak overnight.
This step helps soften the hard outer shell, activating the seed’s natural hormones responsible for germination.

💡 Tip: Avoid using chlorinated tap water it can delay or even inhibit sprouting. Distilled or filtered water works best.

Step 2: Place Seeds Between Damp Paper Towels

After 12–18 hours of soaking, gently transfer the seeds onto a moist paper towel, then fold another damp towel over them. Place these inside a dark, warm space (around 22–25°C) a cupboard or drawer works perfectly.

Keep the paper towel consistently moist but not dripping wet. Within 2 to 5 days, you’ll notice small white roots emerging this is the germination (sprouting) stage.

Step 3: Wait for the Seedling Stage

Once the seeds have sprouted, let them remain in the damp paper towel for a few more days, allowing them to develop their first root (taproot) and cotyledon leaves.
When the roots reach about 1–2 cm, your seedlings are ready for transplantation into the RootBox Hydro system or starter plugs.

💧 Note: Handle seedlings gently touching the roots with bare hands can damage delicate tissues.

🎥 Watch the Process on YouTube

Want to see how it’s done step-by-step?
👉 Watch the full video guide here:
🔗 How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds – RootBox Hydro Tutorial

🌸 Conclusion

Proper germination is the foundation of every successful grow. By softening, sprouting, and carefully nurturing your cannabis seeds, you’re setting the stage for strong seedlings that will thrive in RootBox Hydro’s Deep Water Culture (DWC) or Recirculating Deep Water Culture (RDWC) systems.

Stay tuned next week’s article will cover how to transfer your seedlings into RootBox Hydro systems safely and begin the early vegetative stage.