Germination is often where many growers face their first hurdles, so this guide is designed to help you succeed right from the start. With a reliable method, you can generally achieve an impressive 95% to 100% germination rate.

One of the most effective approaches involves using a solution of one part fresh hydrogen peroxide to two parts distilled water. For example, you can mix 30 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide with 60 milliliters of distilled water to get the right ratio. This mixture helps eliminate common germination obstacles, such as soil that might be too hot or moisture levels that are difficult to control.

In practice, you should ensure that your distilled water is in the ideal pH range of about 6.0 to 6.2. We recommend using a sterilized cloth—such as a Class 100 cleanroom cloth—or a clean, verified paper towel. Once you've soaked the seeds in this hydrogen peroxide and distilled water mixture in the paper towel or class 100 clean room wipe, place them in a ziplock bag in a dark room at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll typically see the seeds cracking open within 12 to 24 hours, and most should be sprouting by the 48-hour mark.

This method helps you avoid the challenges of planting seeds directly in soil, where maintaining the correct moisture levels or avoiding overly hot soil can be tricky. If you do choose to plant directly in soil, consider using a seed starter mix or a diluted soil mix with coco and perlite, and always verify your pH levels.

In addition, after you've moved the sprouted seeds out of the hydrogen peroxide and distilled water mixture, it’s important to maintain a high-humidity environment if the seed shell is still attached. This keeps the shell soft and prevents it from getting stuck on the seedling, which can otherwise lead to a slow start or even damage the young plant. Sometimes gentle intervention is needed to remove the shell so the seedling can receive light and grow properly.

Not Every Pheno is the Winner: This is Mother Nature

When it comes to working with nature, unpredictability is simply part of the journey. In any kind of plant or animal breeding, there’s always a range of variations, and a certain percentage of mutations or less-than-perfect outcomes. Cannabis seeds are no exception to this rule. Not every seed is going to produce the superstar pheno you might be hoping for, simply because that’s how Mother Nature operates.

We strongly recommend planting two to three seeds of each strain if you’re truly on the hunt for that winning pheno. Planting only one seed is certainly an option, but it does limit you to seeing just one possible outcome. Given the time it takes to go from germination through to flowering, it’s a good idea to give yourself a few chances to find that standout plant.

It’s important to understand that no breeder and no process can guarantee that every seed will be the ultimate winner. Just like breeders have to hunt for the best phenos, growers need to expect a bit of a search as well. When you plant multiple seeds, you’re giving the genetics a fair chance to show their range and increasing your odds of finding that truly exceptional phenotype.

Also, remember that working with feminized seeds involves a bit of altering Mother Nature, and that comes with its own quirks. It’s not practical to expect a 100% feminized rate or zero hermaphrodites. Across all breeders and strains, you might see around 15% showing hermaphroditic traits. Expect a 5% to 10% non-germination rate as well. By planting two to three seeds, you’re simply stacking the odds in your favor and giving yourself the best shot at finding that amazing pheno you’re looking for.