There are different ways to germinate cannabis seeds; there is the paper towel or baggie method and a host of others.
Today, we look at how our ancestors germinated seeds, dropping them straight into the soil.
Direct seeding cannabis seeds is a method we employ in our growing operations on a small scale large scale.
This article explains how we directly sow marijuana seeds to guarantee reasonable germination rates.
Read on!
How to germinate seeds using the direct seeding cannabis method.
We adopt a two-step approach to sowing marijuana seeds.
- Prepare the hole (soil)
- Plant the seeds
1. Prepare the hole.
Irrespective of the germination method, you need to prepare the hole before planting.
This often involves digging a hole and then amending the soil.
How deep and wide to dig a hole for a cannabis plant?
Ideal hole sizes for Sativa and indica plants.
Sativas: 3 feet deep and 6 feet wide.
Indicas: 2 feet deep and 4 feet wide
Sativas tend to grow into bigger plants and therefore need a bigger hole than indicas; this is because Sativa plants tend to develop a tap root that grows deeper with a root ball wider than the canopy.
This is different from an indica whose taproot doesn’t grow that deep, though the size of the root ball is comparable to those of sativas.
For that reason, the indicas can thrive in a 3 feet deep and 4 feet wide whole.
We recommend the hole sizes that we have found to enable our plants to produce a more than average yield.
However, the bigger and deeper the hole, the better. Because this gives you a lot more room to add all the good stuff that your weed plants will need.
2. Plant the seeds directly in the soil
There are two ways to go about this;
First, plant the seeds in a hole whose depth is two times the thickness of the seed.
Second, plant the seeds in a hole ½ inch deep from the surface.
The risk with the second method of planting cannabis seeds in deep holes is that the seed may rot, or if it did sprout, the sprout would fail to break the ground.
Seed Connect recommendation: Poke a hole in moist soil with your finger or a stick twice the size of the seed.
Moisten the soil, plant the seed, and then cover with a pinch or two of soil.
Add moisture by using a mist spray.
Do not water your seeds/soil because this may push the seeds down, causing them to rot or fail to break the ground. That’s why we recommend using mist spray.
The Best Time of Day to Plant Cannabis Seeds Outdoors
The best time to plant marijuana seeds outdoors is in the morning.
When you plant seeds directly into the soil, they benefit from 12 to 16 hours of sunlight every day.
Only, Mornings allow seeds to get the most exposure to sunlight.
This ensures that seeds get the warmth they need early on from the optimal temperatures (65 and 75 degrees) that the night doesn’t offer if seeds are planted later in the day.
Another plus for planting cannabis seeds in the morning is that you can provide your seeds with the moisture they need within the first 12 hours of the day.
This constant humidity improves the chances of your seeds germinating.
Advantages of direct seeding cannabis
Direct seeding cannabis is a way to plant cannabis seeds in soil without using containers or pots. The advantage of this method is that it is a very low-cost and low-maintenance technique.
Direct seeding cannabis also allows for more control over the environment and growing conditions, which can be beneficial when growing cannabis outdoors.
It avoids the extra work of transplanting marijuana plants.
Germinating your seeds straight in soil saves the risks and shock that may result from transplanting fragile seedlings.
Starting from the soil directly often gives cannabis plants a better start.
Disadvantages of Direct Seeding Cannabis Seeds using the direct seeding method
Direct seeding cannabis means planting seeds directly into the ground. This is a good option for those who want to grow cannabis plants outdoors.
However, there are some concerns and issues with direct seeding cannabis plants.
For example, you will have to wait longer before harvesting your plants than if you were growing them indoors. This is mainly because germinating seeds outdoors depends on the weather. That means you would need to wait to germinate your seeds in spring.
You also have to be careful about over-watering the soil or letting it dry out too much.
How long does it take for seeds planted directly in soil to germinate?
Your seeds should break through the ground in 3 days.
Although it can take up to 7 days for them to germinate.
The time it takes depends on the conditions of germination your seeds are exposed to.
If you plant in the morning ensuring your seeds get the optimum temperature and humidity, and moisten them throughout the day, they should pop up in under 5 days.
We love direct seeding cannabis for its efficiency and simplicity.
For those growing autoflowers outdoors, this is the method we recommend for germinating marijuana seeds.
Recommended Products for Successful Direct Seeding Cannabis Soil Germination
✅ FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil – Rich, organic soil blend ideal for cannabis germination.
✅ Mist Spray Bottle – Prevents overwatering while keeping the soil moist.
✅ Hygrometer & Thermometer – Helps maintain optimal germination temperatures.
✅ Great White Mycorrhizae – Strengthens roots and increases soil nutrient absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Direct Seeding Cannabis
Q1: Can I put cannabis seeds directly outside?
A: Yes! Direct soil germination is an excellent technique, especially for outdoor growers and autoflowers.
Q2: What soil is best for planting cannabis seeds outdoors?
A: Use well-draining soil with compost, worm castings, or organic nutrients for best results.
Q3: Should I soak my seeds before planting them directly in the soil?
A: Soaking for 12–24 hours can speed up germination, but it’s unnecessary.
Q4: How do I prevent pests from eating my seeds?
A: Cover the soil lightly with mulch or a protective mesh to deter birds and rodents.
