How To Plant Cannabis Seeds Indoors: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Plant Cannabis Seeds Indoors PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Germinating the Seeds 2 Planting the Seeds 3 Caring for the Seeds Other Sections Expert Q&A VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Aaron Justis

Last Updated: January 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Aaron Justis. Aaron Justis is a Cannabis Expert and the President of Buds & Roses dispensary based in Los Angeles, CA. Buds & Roses is a premier Los Angeles cannabis retailer serving customers and the LA community since 2006. Since 2010, Aaron and the Buds & Roses team have been the proud recipients of 26 High Times Medical Cannabis Cup awards, including multiple first-place victories, solidifying their reputation as a top provider of premium cannabis products. As a recognized thought leader in the cannabis industry, Aaron has played a pivotal advocacy role in the Cannabis community. His thought leadership has attracted attention from mainstream media, including features and profiles in notable outlets such as CNN and Variety. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,504,115 times.

Growing cannabis at home can be a fun project and a nice way to have your own cannabis plants on hand. You may want to grow cannabis indoors due to inclement weather in your area or due to a lack of green space in your yard. Start by germinating the seeds. Then, plant the seeds in soil or in a starter cube. Once the seeds have been planted, care for them properly so they grow and thrive.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Germinating the Seeds

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  1. Step 1 Soak the seeds. 1 Soak the seeds. To make germination easier, consider soaking the seeds in tap water for 12 hours in a bowl. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl and non-viable seeds will float.[1]
    • After 12 hours, place the viable seeds on a towel.
  2. Step 2 Wet one paper... 2 Wet one paper towel and put it on a plate. Paper towels are thick enough to retain the moisture needed to help the seeds germinate. Place one paper towel under running water until it is wet to the touch, but not dripping wet. Use a ceramic dish or plate, as it will be strong enough to hold the towels and the seeds. The paper towel should cover the dish or plate.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Put the seeds 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) apart on the towel. 3 Put the seeds 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) apart on the towel. Place the blunt end of the seeds, the end that does not have a point, on the towel, spacing them apart so their roots do not get tangled.[3]
    • If you do not have enough space on one plate for all your seeds, soak two more paper towels and put the remainder on a new plate covered in a wet paper towel.
  4. Step 4 Wet other paper towel and place it over the seeds. 4 Wet other paper towel and place it over the seeds. Make sure the wet towel makes contact with the seeds.[4]
  5. Step 5 Store the seeds at 70 to 85 °F (21 to 29 °C). 5 Store the seeds at 70 to 85 °F (21 to 29 °C). The cannabis seeds need to sit at a warm, consistent temperature to germinate. Store the seeds out of direct sunlight in a warm area, such as the top of your refrigerator.[5]
    • You can try using a heat lamp near the seeds to keep them warm. Do not warm the seeds up too much, as you do not want your heat source to dry out the paper towels.
  6. Step 6 Keep the paper towels moist. 6 Keep the paper towels moist. Spray the top towel with a spray bottle of water to keep them moist. Check the paper towels several times a day to ensure they do not dry out.[6]
    • If the seeds become too dry, they could die and never germinate.
  7. Step 7 Wait for the... 7 Wait for the seeds to germinate. Viable cannabis seeds will usually open with 48 hours. You should see the roots start to appear within a few days, depending on the seed type. Once the tap roots are 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) long, the seeds are ready to be planted.[7] [8]
    • Be very careful with the seeds as they open. Avoid prodding, pulling, or touching the seeds, as you do not want to damage the roots.
    • Any seeds that have not opened and grown roots within a few days should be discarded, as they are not viable.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Planting the Seeds

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  1. Step 1 Fill small, 2... 1 Fill small, 2 inches (5.1 cm) garden pots with potting soil. Get plastic garden pots that are small enough to house the seeds. Look for garden pots at your local garden supply store or online. Use potting soil that is loose and airy. The potting soil should be moist to the touch. Fill the pots ¾ of the way with the soil.[9]
    • As an alternative to soil, you can use starter cubes from your local nursery or online. Starter cubes are pre-cut growing pods made of composted bark. They contain a hole where you can place the cannabis seeds and grow them in good conditions. Basic starter cubes are inexpensive and easy to use.[10]
  2. Step 2 Make a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) deep hole in the soil. 2 Make a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) deep hole in the soil. Use a pen or pencil to poke a hole in the soil for the seeds. Do not poke the hole too deep or too close to the surface of the soil.[11] [12]
    • If you make planting holes that are too shallow, the seed's roots will not have enough soil to grow well. If you make the planting holes too deep, the seed will have a difficult time sprouting.
  3. Step 3 Use tweezers to drop the seeds in the hole. 3 Use tweezers to drop the seeds in the hole. Make sure you drop the seeds with the tap root facing into the hole. The tap root is the long root that will grow out of one end of the seed.[13]
    • Do not pull or tug at the seeds when you pick them up with tweezers. If they are stuck to the paper towel, wet the towel with water to make the seeds easier to pick up.
  4. Step 4 Cover the seeds with soil. 4 Cover the seeds with soil. Gently cover the seeds in 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) of soil so they can grow.
    • Do not press hard on the seeds when you cover them, as this can disturb their growth.
    • If you are using starter cubes, pinch the top of the holes in the cubes closed.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Caring for the Seeds

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  1. Step 1 Keep the seeds out of direct sunlight in a moist area. 1 Keep the seeds out of direct sunlight in a moist area. Do not put the potted seeds on a windowsill or near a heater, as this will make the air too dry and hot. A closet or a basement are two good indoor spots for the plants to grow.[14]
    • Maintain a growing temperature of 75 to 85 °F (24 to 29 °C) for the plants so they thrive.
  2. Step 2 Wet the soil one to two times a day. 2 Wet the soil one to two times a day. Use a spray bottle to keep the seeds moist. Make sure it is moist to the touch, but not soaking or dripping wet. Avoid pooling the soil with water, as this can lead to growth issues due to overwatering.[15]
    • Stick to a regular watering schedule so the plants get enough moisture. You can plan to spray the plants in the morning and then again at night so they get the water they need.
  3. Step 3 Use cool white grow lights. 3 Use cool white grow lights. Your cannabis seeds need light 24 hours a day, seven days a week to grow. Use cool white grow lights that have a consistent temperature of 72 °F (22 °C). Keep the lights 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the pots. Use 3 to 5 watts of light for each pot.[16]
    • Grow lights range from $200 to $1,200 USD depending on the size and model.
    • You can get cool white grow lights at your local hardware store or online.
  4. Step 4 Avoid touching or handling the seeds as they grow. 4 Avoid touching or handling the seeds as they grow. Touching or handling the seeds can damage them and stunt their growth. With the right growing conditions and care, your seeds should sprout and poke out of the soil within five to ten days.[17]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do I clone a marijuana plant? Aaron Justis Aaron Justis Cannabis Expert Aaron Justis is a Cannabis Expert and the President of Buds & Roses dispensary based in Los Angeles, CA. Buds & Roses is a premier Los Angeles cannabis retailer serving customers and the LA community since 2006. Since 2010, Aaron and the Buds & Roses team have been the proud recipients of 26 High Times Medical Cannabis Cup awards, including multiple first-place victories, solidifying their reputation as a top provider of premium cannabis products. As a recognized thought leader in the cannabis industry, Aaron has played a pivotal advocacy role in the Cannabis community. His thought leadership has attracted attention from mainstream media, including features and profiles in notable outlets such as CNN and Variety. Aaron Justis Aaron Justis Cannabis Expert Expert Answer Initially, the process involves identifying the desired genetics or strain. Securing quality genetics is crucial, as the true characteristics may only be revealed during the flowering stage. Even then, certainty may require experience with the strain. After sourcing the genetics, the next step is acquiring a female plant, typically through obtaining a clone of your own or seeds, although clones are more common. The chosen female plant is then grown in a vegetative state, or vegging, without flowering or producing buds. This plant becomes the mother plant. Identical branches are cut from the mother plant—hence the term 'clone.' These cuttings are rooted in a medium, often rock wool. After a few weeks, the clones develop roots and can be further cultivated. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 29
  • Question How much light do the seeds need after being planted and for how long? Community Answer Community Answer More than 12 hours of light a day for about 4-6 weeks as the plant matures will be enough. Once the plant is a decent size, you may induce flowering. Switch the plant to a timer of EXACTLY 12 hours of strong light (the more sunlight the plant gets, the more energy it can devote to flowering). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 90 Helpful 230
  • Question Is it a must for the tin to have drainage? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, it is bad for the plant to have water constantly sitting at the bottom of the pot. It could make the roots rot over time. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 37 Helpful 160
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Tips

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Warnings

  • The cultivation of cannabis is considered illegal in many jurisdictions. Make sure it is legal to grow cannabis in your area. Thanks Helpful 94 Not Helpful 55
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about marijuana, check out our in-depth interview with Aaron Justis.

References

  1. ↑ https://growithjane.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
  2. ↑ https://growithjane.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
  3. ↑ https://growithjane.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
  4. ↑ https://growithjane.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
  5. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
  6. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
  7. ↑ Aaron Justis. Cannabis Expert. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds
  9. ↑ https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://howtogrowmarijuana.com/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds/
  2. ↑ Aaron Justis. Cannabis Expert. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds
  4. ↑ https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/how-to-germinate-cannabis-seeds
  5. ↑ https://www.theweedblog.com/how-to-create-strong-marijuana-plants/
  6. ↑ https://www.theweedblog.com/how-to-create-strong-marijuana-plants/
  7. ↑ https://www.theweedblog.com/how-to-create-strong-marijuana-plants/
  8. ↑ https://www.theweedblog.com/how-to-create-strong-marijuana-plants/

About This Article

Aaron Justis Co-authored by: Aaron Justis Cannabis Expert This article was co-authored by Aaron Justis. Aaron Justis is a Cannabis Expert and the President of Buds & Roses dispensary based in Los Angeles, CA. Buds & Roses is a premier Los Angeles cannabis retailer serving customers and the LA community since 2006. Since 2010, Aaron and the Buds & Roses team have been the proud recipients of 26 High Times Medical Cannabis Cup awards, including multiple first-place victories, solidifying their reputation as a top provider of premium cannabis products. As a recognized thought leader in the cannabis industry, Aaron has played a pivotal advocacy role in the Cannabis community. His thought leadership has attracted attention from mainstream media, including features and profiles in notable outlets such as CNN and Variety. This article has been viewed 2,504,115 times. 22 votes - 91% Co-authors: 41 Updated: January 3, 2025 Views: 2,504,115 Categories: Planting and Growing Article SummaryX

To plant cannabis seeds indoors, first soak the seeds in lukewarm tap water for 12 hours. Discard any seeds that float to the top. Then, place the seeds on a damp paper towel on a plate with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each seed. Cover the seeds with another damp paper towel. Keep the seeds in a spot that remains between 70-80°F (21-27°C), and spray the paper towels with water whenever they start to dry out. The seeds will sprout in 2-3 days. When they do, fill pots or a growing tray 3/4 of the way with loose potting soil that has a pH between 5.8 and 6.3. Press the soil down lightly, leaving some air in it. Then, use a pencil to poke 1 inch (2.5 cm) holes in the soil. Place the sprouted seeds vertically in the holes and fill the holes with potting soil. Water the soil thoroughly and place the pots or tray in a spot that's always 75°F (24°C) or warmer. Set up a grow light over the seeds and leave it on at all times. Water the seeds every day so the soil doesn't dry out. The seedlings will emerge in 2-4 weeks. To learn how to use cool white grow lights to help your cannabis seeds grow, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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