Cannabis Germination Protocol

Setup Checklist

• ☐ Distilled or RO water (NEVER chlorinated/chloraminated tap water)
• ☐ Two clean ceramic plates
• ☐ Unbleached paper towels
• ☐ Heat mat with thermostat (essential below 22°C ambient)
• ☐ Digital probe thermometer
• ☐ pH meter or strips (target 6.0–6.5)
• ☐ Pre-moistened final pots ready
• ☐ Humidity dome or clear plastic cover

The 5-Step Protocol

1. Soak. Submerge seeds in distilled water at 24°C / 75°F for 12 hours. Healthy seeds sink within 1–2 hours.
2. Move to paper towel. Place between two damp (not wet) unbleached paper towels, sandwiched between two ceramic plates.
3. Hold warm and dark. Maintain 24–27°C / 75–80°F in total darkness. Use a heat mat with thermostat. Check every 12 hours.
4. Plant. When taproot reaches 0.5–1 cm, plant 1 cm deep with the white taproot pointing straight DOWN.
5. Wait. Don't water for 24 hours. Cover with humidity dome. Light at 45–60 cm / 18–24 in, 25–40% intensity for first 3 days.

Week 1 Troubleshooting

If No Germination After 7 Days

1. Light scarification: Roll between two sheets of fine sandpaper for 3–5 seconds.
2. H₂O₂ soak: 24h in distilled water + 2 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide per cup.
3. Manual cracking: Pinch the seed gently along its seam until you feel slight give.