How do you germinate cannabis seeds? This is the 2nd part of a 2 part series. How to germinate seeds? You can find Part 1 here: How to Series: How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds indoors?
Most growers like to germinate their seeds in the final growing medium (soil or hydro), even if they plan on transplanting them later. This allows you to skip the entire germination process and get right to the point of planting your seed.

This picture shows a regular soil pot with drainage holes and filled with potting soil, and it is time to plant your seeds.
To make sure all of your plants have enough access to water, nutrients, air, and light, you will need a minimum amount of growing space per plant and proper ventilation.
The most common mistake made when germinating seeds is over-watering. Many growers will soak their soil until water drains from the bottom of their pot or tray, then they will add more growing medium and plant their seed. If you do this, your seedling can drown in a puddle of water in its early stages of development.
This picture shows what happens when a seed is over-watered. Notice how the root system does not have much access to oxygen, causing it to turn brown and die.
When your seeds start sprouting…
…you will notice that their leaves are still very close together. It is challenging to get enough light, air, and nutrients to grow. You will need to prune your seedlings, leaving only the two leading leaves on each stem until they are strong enough to support themselves.
This picture shows how some growers like to trim their plants while others prefer not to cut any roots or stems before transplanting them into their hydro system or outdoor garden.
When your seedlings are about two weeks old…

…you will need to transplant them into their final growing medium or setup. Make sure that there is no plastic or paper towel underneath the roots of your plants before transferring them. This can cause root burn and kill your young plant! Make sure you have enough drainage holes at the bottom if using soil. This picture shows a tray filled with potting soil drainage holes before transplanting your seedlings.
Notice how there are no paper towels underneath the roots of the seedling. This can cause root burn.
Seedlings will need to be transplanted into their final growing medium or set up when they have at least two sets of true leaves. Using soil, you can plant your seedlings deeper than initially planted to avoid transplant shock. Many growers like to trim the top of their seedlings as soon as they transplant them into a more or less permanent arrangement to take root faster and make a more robust plant.
The best growing mediums for your seedlings are soils or soilless mixes. Using soil, provide plenty of drainage for your young plants by adding 2-3 inches of perlite or clay pellets (crushed) to the growing medium before planting.
This picture shows how some growers like to trim their seedlings before transplanting them into their final growing medium, while others prefer to leave excess root growth before transplanting them.
This picture shows how some growers like to trim their seedlings so that only the two top leaves will be left when they are transplanted into their final growing medium or setup. In contrast, others prefer to leave extra root growth to support more of the plant when they are transplanted.
Potting soil or soilless mix is usually the best option for transplanting your seedlings. Ensure plenty of drainage for your young plants by adding 2-3 inches of perlite or clay pellets (crushed) to the growing medium before planting.

If you have any plant-specific questions, feel free to leave a comment below or go to our forum and ask us! We will do our best to answer your questions. How to germinate seeds? (Part 1), How to germinate seeds? (Part 2)
Happy growing!
– TheStone.com Editorial Team
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