The Cotton Pad Method is an effective way to germinate your cannabis seeds. The right type of cotton pad is crucial for success. Makeup cotton pads, available at most pharmacies and drugstores, maintain optimal moisture levels, unlike paper towels or toilet paper. Germination takes 3-10 days depending on environmental conditions and seed variety. Follow these steps for a high germination success rate of approximately 95-100%.

How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds with Cotton Pads

Step 1: Gather the Required Materials

You will need the following materials:

• Cannabis seeds
• Cotton pads
• Water in a spray bottle
• Microwave foil with small holes
• Dish

Step 2: Place the Seeds on the Cotton Pads

Place the cotton pads on a plate. Use two cotton pads for every five seeds, and place the seeds in a cube shape (maximum of five seeds per cotton pad).

Step 3: Spray Water on the Seeds and Cotton Pads

Set your spray bottle to a fine mist and lightly spray the seeds.

Step 4: Cover the Seeds with Another Cotton Pad

Place another cotton pad over the seeds and spray lightly again.

Step 5: Cover the Board with Foil

Cover the plate with microwave cling film with small holes (not regular cling film). Attach it securely and place the board in a dark environment with a constant temperature of about 20°C (a cupboard in the living room works well).

Step 6: Wait for the Roots to Develop

Check the board after 2-5 days. Once the root is 2-5 cm long, the seedling is ready to be transplanted.

Step 7: Prepare the Ground and Make a Hole

Fill a pot (at least 0.25 L) with Seedmix or Lightmix. Moisten the soil and make a small hole in the center. Keep the setup in a room with a stable temperature, ideally 20-25°C.

Step 8: Plant the Seedling

Lightly spray the soil and place the seedling in the hole, making sure the root is in the soil and the 'head' of the seedling remains above. Carefully close the hole and move it to a grow room with at least 18 hours of light per day, with a temperature of 20-27°C and a humidity level of approximately 60-80%. Keep the soil moist.

Step 9: Grow Your Seeds

The seedlings will grow and lose their husks. Make sure the growing medium is balanced: not too wet, to prevent rotting, and not too dry, to prevent drying and dying.