Why Are My Cannabis Seeds Not Germinating: 12 Tips To Increase Your Chances Of Germination

If you've ever found yourself eagerly awaiting the sprouting of cannabis seeds, only to be met with disappointment when they fail to germinate, you're not alone. Despite your best efforts, sometimes things just go differently than planned. 

Getting cannabis cultivation off to a successful start hinges on seed germination. It's the moment when a dormant seed springs to life, gearing up for its journey. While germination may seem straightforward, many growers face hurdles when trying to sprout their cannabis seeds.

However, once you know the ins and outs of what affects germination, everything else becomes easy, and you'll be well on your way to growing some lip-smacking buds. 

From seed quality to various other factors, we'll uncover common obstacles you might encounter and offer tips for troubleshooting germination issues. Read on to know why your cannabis seeds may not be germinating as expected and what you can do about it.

Understanding the Process of Cannabis Seed Germination

Germination is a process that kickstarts a plant's lifecycle. Inside each seed are structures and biochemical pathways waiting for the environmental cues to begin sprouting.

Seed Anatomy and Dormancy

A seed's structure is carefully designed to shield the embryo. Wrapped in a seed coat, the embryo remains inactive, preventing it from sprouting. Moreover, internal chemicals regulate dormancy, ensuring that germination only happens when conditions are optimal.

Seed dormancy is categorized into two types, such as physical dormancy when the coat blocks water absorption, and physiological dormancy when the growth is hindered due to internal factors. Understanding the mechanisms of both types can help you overcome issues related to germination.  

Germination occurs when the seed a stimulated by signals that are favorable for growth. One of the signals is moisture, which enters the seed coat and triggers metabolic activities. As water seeps into the seed, enzymes become active and begin to break down the nutrients that are stored and kickstart cellular functions.

Another crucial element is the temperature as it plays a major role in germination impacting how quickly and uniformly seedlings emerge. Cannabis seeds need specific temps to sprout. Needless to say, extreme temperatures can hinder germination. We will discuss this in detail below. 

Another factor is light but it isn't as important during germination compared to when the plant is growing. 

Coming back to seed sprouting, a series of reactions prompt the seed to come out of its dormancy. Enzymes like amylase and protease help in breaking down complex proteins and carbohydrates into simpler forms to make it easier for the seedlings to use them. 

At this point, root development also plays a critical role, helping to secure the young plant in the soil and support nutrient absorption. As the embryonic root or radicle emerges, it signifies the beginning of root expansion followed by the elongation of the shoot known as hypocotyl.

Once the process starts, many growers become impatient. They expect the seeds to sprout in a couple of days. Some may not show up even for a week because the time taken for seeds to germinate can vary depending on various factors like genetic makeup and environmental surroundings. Thus, you must be a little patient and wait for the seeds to show up even if it takes more than a week. 

Now that you understand a bit about seed germination, let’s discuss all possible factors that can prevent your seeds from germinating properly: 

1. You’re Using The Wrong Germination Method 

One of the most common reasons seeds, even the high-quality ones, may fail to germinate is if you use the wrong method. You can germinate seeds in many ways, and each grower has their preferences. Regardless of the type of method you use, ensure that you follow the steps properly. 

Some of the most popular seed germination methods are:

• Paper towels
• Direct planing 
• Jiffy pots
• Germination station 

For most growers, something as simple as paper towels or direct planting works best. You can also soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before trying to germinate them but many factors like temperature, light, strain genetics, etc. may affect the process. If you want to fix this once and for all, get your hands on seed germination kits. 

Such kits come with everything you need to germinate seeds, including starter plugs, humidity domes, and much more. Yes, you’re spending a bit more here compared to paper towels but it’s worth considering if you want to ensure proper germination of your seeds. 

Of course, you don’t need this if you’ve grown quite a few cannabis plants as you have the experience to germinate seeds easily now. However, if you’re a beginner, a seed germination kit makes sense because you’re spending quite a bit on seeds and it’s best to do everything possible to ensure the seeds sprout. 

2. You Didn’t Get the Right Seeds 

There are two ways this can play out: either you have purchased the wrong seeds to begin with or you’ve purchased the right seeds from the wrong vendor. Let’s dive in. 

Wrong Genetics 

Cannabis is a resilient plant, but you can’t expect a strain native to tropical regions to thrive in arid conditions. So, always ensure you pick the right strain that is suitable for your local environment and cultivation method. 

Wrong Seed Bank 

The next point boils down to quality. You must always pick seeds that are of high quality no matter what. You can do so by ordering your seeds from high-rated seed banks, not your neighbor’s aunt’s nephew. 

It is crucial to invest in premium seeds from well-known breeders when you’re growing cannabis. Agreed, bag seeds look very tempting and you may be swayed to try them especially when you realize that premium seeds are slightly expensive. However, this is a bad idea because although you expect to save money while getting big yields, you'll only waste money at the end of it all. Bag seeds are very unlikely to produce huge yields, so rather than wasting your money, efforts, time, electricity, and resources, it's best to go for good seeds. 

But, then, where do you get good seeds? From trusted breeders, of course. Here's why selecting seeds, from trusted breeders is essential:

• Quality Guarantee

Trusted breeders invest time and resources in choosing, testing, and enhancing their genetics. They implement breeding programs to develop high-quality strains with desirable characteristics like potency, yield, and resistance to diseases. By procuring seeds from reputed breeders, you can rest assured that you'll be getting good yields. 

• Seed Viability

Reputable breeders prioritize the viability and freshness of seeds by harvesting them at the right time. If you've ever bred seeds, you'll know that it's crucial to harvest the seeds at the right time. Harvest it early and you'll have immature seeds, while harvesting it too late can result in a loss. 

Good breeders closely monitor germination rates and seed health while discarding any seeds that do not meet quality criteria. This dedication to seed quality results in fantastic germination rates and healthier seedlings for growers. In short, you get value for the money you spend. 

• Genetic Integrity

Trusted breeders take steps to protect the purity of their strains by preventing contamination and genetic changes. They use several methods to keep their seeds pure and prevent cross-pollination so they get high-quality seeds with the desired characteristics. 

Most importantly, reliable breeders prioritize customer satisfaction by offering excellent customer service to address any issues you may have. They are passionate about their products and won't hesitate to answer your questions. Some breeders also offer a germination guarantee, which means that you can talk to them if the seeds don't germinate even after you've done everything correctly. 

Investing in high-quality seeds from breeders may cost more initially, but is a smart long-term decision. You will have to dedicate time and resources to growing cannabis and the quality of the seeds plays a huge role in whether you get amazing dense buds or sad duds. 

Good breeders offer a ton of information on the seeds, along with a certificate of analysis, which gives you an insight into the seeds’ quality and characteristics. By purchasing from them, you always know what you are getting into. 

3. You have Low-Quality Seeds

Without a doubt, the quality of seeds plays a huge role in determining the success of germination and the subsequent growth and development of plants. Top-notch seeds form the basis for a thriving garden, providing perfect conditions for nurturing plants and reaping abundant harvests.

Here are a few things you should look for when choosing cannabis seeds:

• Consistency

High-quality cannabis seeds exhibit stability, ensuring that their offspring inherit the desired traits from their parent plants. Breeders meticulously stabilize their lines to maintain uniformity in features like cannabinoid levels, yield potential, and resilience against pests and diseases. If you buy a pack of seeds, the plants will all grow in a similar manner to a certain extent. 

Let's say you order a pack of 5 seeds of White Widow, for instance. All five seeds should resemble each other to a certain extent, whether it's size, shape, or color. This tells you that the seeds were chosen from the same batch. However, if they are drastically different from one another, they may be of poor quality. Seeds with irregularities in appearance may be genetically different and also grow differently from one another. 

Even if the breeder has sent the seeds from different batches, they should look similar as they are the same strain. 

• Germination Rate

The germination rate indicates a seed's ability to sprout into a seedling. Superior seeds boast high germination rates, guaranteeing that a significant portion of them will successfully sprout when you take care of them. 

If the breeder has sent fresh seeds (after drying and processing them properly, of course) they can germinate within a couple of days and surprise you. On the other hand, if the seeds are of low quality, only a few of them will germinate while the rest may not germinate at all. Reduced germination rates can stem from instability, embryo damage, or improper storage conditions.

So, if you buy a pack of 10 seeds, at least 7 of them should sprout. However, if you notice that the seeds have a poor germination rate, you will have to find out whether you’re going wrong somewhere or if the seeds are inferior. 

• Seed Coat Integrity

The outer protective layer of a seed, known as the seed coat, is vital for safeguarding the embryo and regulating water absorption during germination. High-quality seeds possess tough seed coats that shield the embryo from harm and prevent dehydration effectively.

• Moisture content in seeds

The right level of moisture is also important to ensure that the seeds are stable when they reach the consumers. When breeders harvest the seeds, they dry them for a while to make sure there's no chance of mold. Drying the seeds also helps them maintain their ability to sprout even after a long time. 

The presence of mold growth or pest infestation on seeds indicates that the seeds are of low quality and are unlikely to germinate. Moldy or infested seeds could harbor pathogens that pose risks to emerging seedlings or jeopardize the health of other plants growing in the same garden or grow tent.

• Storage  

Seeds can lose their quality over time due to factors like temperature, humidity, and light if not stored correctly. To keep seeds in impeccable condition and make them last longer, it's important to store them in low-humidity environments.

• Physical Harm

Seeds that seem cracked, shriveled, or harmed may have reduced viability due to damage, or mishandling during processing, or storage. Damaged seeds are less likely to sprout. Even if they sprout, they may not produce great yields as the plants may be stunted. 

4. The Humidity Levels are not in the Right Range

Humidity is important for cannabis — whether you're growing it, harvesting it, or germinating the seeds. Humidity directly affects how well seeds can take in water and absorb moisture from their surroundings. It is crucial to strike the right balance, though, as the environment can't be too humid or too dry. 

Humidity levels impact the availability of water around seeds, influencing how quickly and completely seeds can absorb water as they sprout. If you live in a location with low humidity levels, the seeds can dry out quickly, making them less likely to survive and sprout. Conversely, high humidity levels help keep the seeds hydrated, supporting the hydration and metabolic functions needed for germination.

As you can understand, high humidity can help the seeds whereas low humidity can reduce the chances of germination, as the seeds can dry out and lose too much water, leading to cellular damage.

So, if live in regions with low humidity, you must maintain appropriate levels, just like you'd do so when the plants are growing, according to their stages of growth. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to humidity:

• It's best to maintain anywhere between 70 to 80% during the germination phase to keep the seeds well-hydrated and coax them to sprout. You can do this easily by using a plastic dome on germination trays or pots to trap moisture around the seeds. Do not go above 80% as it increases the risk of damping off and other fungal diseases.
• Once the seeds germinate, reduce the humidity levels to about 50 to 60% to prevent excess moisture around seedlings, reducing the risk of mold and fungal issues. You should also ensure that there's proper airflow to prevent stagnant conditions. 
• Remember that you should maintain consistency as sudden fluctuations can cause stress to seeds and young plants resulting in stunted growth. 
• Regularly monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer. Adjust environmental conditions as necessary for consistent maintenance. 
• If you reside in a region with low humidity, use a humidifier or mist the air near seeds to raise the humidity. Conversely, you can use a dehumidifier if you want to reduce the humidity. 

5. The Seeds are too Old

The age of cannabis seeds significantly affects your rate of success and overall plant health. As seeds get older, their ability to sprout and grow into seedlings decreases gradually.

With time, the viability of cannabis seeds naturally diminishes due to factors like aging, genetic changes, and exposure to the environment. As seeds age, the biological processes inside them slow down, leading to a decrease in metabolic functions and cell health, much like how we age. This slowdown affects the seed's capacity to take in water and begin sprouting, so the seeds will either germinate too late or won't sprout at all. 

Apart from viability, aging seeds also lose their strength and energy levels, so the emerging seeds may not be very healthy. Older seeds may produce seedlings that are less resilient against environmental challenges, ultimately impacting the overall crop performance.

In addition, various elements contribute to the process of cannabis seed aging, including how they're stored, and the inherent qualities of the seeds themselves. Exposure to high temperatures, fluctuations in humidity, and intense light can speed up aging and lessen their viability over time. This will also happen if the seeds are exposed to too much moisture over long periods.  

Thus, you should ensure that you store the seeds properly to maintain their viability and extend their shelf life. You can store seeds in a dark and dry place to minimize exposure to stressors and prevent premature aging. Also, use vacuum-sealed or airtight containers to safeguard seeds from moisture and air. Alternatively, depending on whether you want to store the seeds for a short or long period, you can use your refrigerator or freezer to prolong their lifespan.

6. The Soil Isn’t Right For Germinating 

Sometimes, you may not be using the right soil (or using the right soil incorrectly). There are a few things that can go wrong here, such as the following:

• Burying the Seeds too Deep or Shallow 

Let’s take the human error out of the way first. Some new growers make the mistake of setting the seeds too deep or shallow in the soil when germinating. When the seed is too deep, it won’t get enough air and the soil moisture can be too much. On the other hand, if the seed is too shallow, it can dry out even before sprouting. 

The ideal place for your seeds is around 0.5 to 1.0 cm deep in the soil, slightly covered by soil. 

• Soil is too Firm 

A seedling is never as strong as grown roots, so it can’t navigate its way and fight soil. So, if the soil is too firm or compacted, the seed will find it difficult to emerge. Similarly, compact soil can also starve the seed of oxygen and hold more water than is healthy for a seed. There’s also the risk of mold here. 

• Loose Soil 

On the other hand, loose soil can be a problem, too. In such cases, your seeds will be exposed to too much air, which can stop them from absorbing enough nutrients properly. 

Once you’ve placed your seeds in the soil, lightly pat down the soil to ensure it is not too loose. And if you’re adding perlite, 20% should be enough during the germination stage. 

• Hot Soil 

Lastly, you might be using soil that’s just too hot, i.e., it contains too many nutrients. Seeds don’t need a lot of nutrients to begin with, so using too hot soil can overdose the seeds. Instead, use light or unfertilized soil in this stage. 

7. Incorrect Moisture Levels 

Similar to using the wrong type of soil, moisture can be another reason why your marijuana seeds are failing to germinate properly. 

To start with, if the growing medium does not have proper drainage or you overload it with water, it can prevent your seeds from absorbing oxygen. This can not only suffocate them but also lead to mold. 

It is always a good idea to ensure drainage is good here. You can do this by adding a bit of perlite to the soil. 

If you are using a humidity dome during this stage, you should remove it once you see the seedling has lost its shell. Otherwise, it will be too moist for the seedling to grow. 

On the other hand, your seed may not be getting enough moisture. So, keep the growing medium moist but not too wet. One of the best ways to ensure this is with a hand mister — mist down the soil regularly to keep it moist. 

8. The Temperature is Too High or Too Low 

Temperature is one of the biggest factors that can affect cannabis seed germination. Let’s take a look at how it does that. 

• High Temperature 

If the temperature is too high during the germination stage, it can slow down the process or even kill it entirely. High temperature essentially dries the soil out, which can backfire and starve your seeds of water. 

You can control the temperature with some fans or coolers for starters. As long as the temperature is within the right range, the seeds should germinate. 

• Low Temperature 

On the other hand, cold temperatures are also not safe for cannabis seeds. This inhibits sprouting while increasing the chances of diseases. So, if you are facing this issue, figure out some ways to keep your seeds warm. 

What’s the ideal range? 17 to 23°C (62.6 to 73.4°F) — lower at night and warmer during the day. Anything beyond this range is harmful to cannabis seeds. 

9. The Grow Light is Too Bright 

When it comes to light, extra is never good. You need to give your cannabis plant the right amount of light it needs, and that includes seeds. Your cannabis seeds don’t even need a lot of light — excess light can reduce their chance of sprouting. 

You should start worrying about the light when your seed has turned into a seedling. Even then, start with regular light and increase it gradually over time. 

10. There are Pests or Birds in Your Garden

Sometimes, even the presence of insects or birds in the garden can be bad for seeds. Birds simply munch on seeds and they may have eaten your cannabis seeds. Other than that, pests can create a real nuisance. For example, ants love taproots of seeds. 

So, if this is the case, take your germination indoors to keep the seeds safe. Then, make sure your growing space is clean so the seeds sprout easily. 

11. You Didn’t Store the Seeds Properly 

Seeds are living entities that require appropriate preservation to maintain their viability. Without proper storage, they may deteriorate or even lose the ability to germinate.

To ensure the optimal condition of your seeds, it's crucial to shield them from light, excess temperatures, and excess moisture. A dark drawer with consistent temperature is the right environment. Also, place them in containers with a sealable lid. 

12. Bad Luck 

Sometimes, you can do everything right and the seeds may still not germinate. That’s just bad luck. Don’t overthink it. Genetics are funny sometimes, and some seeds inherently have low chances of germinating. 

This is why we recommend getting extra seeds and germinating more than you need. Some seeds fail. For example, if you want to grow 5 plants, germinate 7 seeds. Even if one of them fails to germinate, you still have 6 to choose the best 5 from!

Summary: Why Are My Cannabis Seeds Not Germinating: 12 Tips To Increase Your Chances Of Germination

In the world of cannabis cultivation, germinating seeds is often the first step towards a successful harvest. However, even with careful attention and proper technique, seeds don't always cooperate. 

There are many factors to consider, from choosing the right germination method to ensuring optimal soil conditions and avoiding common pitfalls like improper moisture levels or temperature fluctuations. 

By understanding the potential reasons behind failed germination and taking proactive steps to address them, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy cannabis plants. 

And remember, sometimes a bit of bad luck is simply part of the journey, so don't be discouraged if not every seed sprouts — just keep trying until you find what works best for you.