Guest AuthorAre you interested in growing autoflowers from seed in soil? The process is easier than you think! However, missing a few essential steps can lead to failure.
It’s no secret that autoflowering weed seeds offer harvests in record time. Plus, their ability to transition into the blooming phase regardless of light means you can have potent buds year-round.
Before you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, you’ll need to learn how to grow autoflower seeds in the soil.
Below is a beginner’s guide to germinating autoflowering cannabis seeds in the soil. We’ll also highlight a few alternative ways to speed up the entire process.
How to Germinate Autoflower Seeds in Soil
Planting autoflower seeds directly in the soil is one of the most reliable ways to grow quality marijuana at home. A good place to buy high-quality cannabis seeds is at SeedSupreme.
These incredible weed seeds contain ruderalis genetics, allowing them to flower in as little as 5-7 weeks.
Follow these five steps to begin and give your plants the best chance of survival.
Prepare Your Growing Medium
When growing marijuana at home, you first need to choose a growing medium. There are various types of substrates available, each with its own advantages.
The best soil for growing autoflowers is light, well-draining, and well-aerated soil.
The downside of regular garden soil is its increased pest risk. A good way to avoid this problem is to use a sterile medium, such as coco coir. This substrate also retains moisture better, so it won’t dry out as quickly.
Another way to improve the quality of your medium is by mixing it with perlite. These white volcanic granules improve the aeration of your soil, allowing the roots of cannabis plants to breathe better.
Fill your pot with about 70% soil, then add 30% perlite, and mix them together. Afterward, pour clean water over your medium until it’s damp, but don’t oversaturate.
Dig a Hole
The next step involves making a hole in your medium for your cannabis seeds.
If the hole is too deep, your plant might die. On the other hand, you run the risk of light damaging your marijuana seeds if they’re too close to the surface.
The golden rule is to bury your marijuana seeds in a hole twice their size. You should also give each one its own pot, as multiple seedlings in a single container may lead to underdeveloped plants.
Also, it doesn’t matter which way the seeds are positioned. The taproots can determine which direction is up and grow accordingly.
Once you’ve placed your weed seeds in their individual holes, cover each hole with soil and gently pat down the area. Don’t push down too hard, or the roots will struggle to expand in tightly packed soil.
Keep Your Seeds Moist
Rather than leaving the success of this autoflower germination method to chance, it’s best to keep the humidity levels high.
One way to create a moist environment is to place plastic wrap over each pot. However, you’ll then need to poke a few holes in the top so the seeds can get oxygen.
Another reliable technique is to cut a plastic bottle in half and place it over your container. Remove the lid or poke holes in it to create a basic greenhouse.
Wait for the Seeds to Germinate
The hardest part of this method is waiting for your seedlings to break the surface.
It takes 4–10 days for a cannabis taproot to develop in the soil and expose its embryonic leaves to the light. During this period, it’s crucial that you don’t disturb the process by digging it up.
Remember, patience is key. All you need to focus on is preventing your growing medium from drying out.
Water and Sunlight
The moment you see the first two leaves, also known as cotyledons, emerge, remove the foil from your pots.
In the early stages, it’s crucial to keep the humidity around 65%. Also, temperatures should stay between 69 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
Light also becomes a factor at this stage of autoflower seed germination, with plants requiring it for 18–24 hours a day. Therefore, placing your pots under grow lights is the best option, as this technique prevents seedlings from burning.
It’s also crucial that you don’t overwater your plants. As such, try watering your seedlings every 2 to 3 days or when the top layer of soil becomes visibly dry.
More Tips
A solid tip is to grow your marijuana seeds in the same large pot you plan on using for your plant’s flowering. By following this technique, you avoid potentially damaging the root system when moving to a bigger container.
Also, consider using a professional seedling chamber. These specially designed containers allow you to grow multiple seeds at once. You also have full control over both humidity and temperature.
You can find additional accessories to make the entire process easier. However, they aren’t strictly required. For example, a spray bottle lets you water your plants without disturbing the soil.
Another tip is to avoid direct sunlight for the first 2 to 3 days. The embryonic leaves and stems of cannabis seedlings are incredibly sensitive and might get burned.
Furthermore, there’s no need to fertilize your marijuana plants until they’ve developed 3–4 sets of leaves. Adding supplements too early can create a toxic environment in the soil and could kill your seedling.
Alternative Autoflower Germination Methods
You don’t have to wait up to ten days to see if they’ve successfully germinated in the soil. There are a few ways to expedite the process and get your hands on some raw flowers sooner than expected.
Below, we take you through two of the most popular methods to speed up the germination process.
Paper Towel Technique
The paper towel technique is the safest way to speed up germination.
It’s very simple to perform, even for beginners, and takes only a few minutes to complete. The best part is that it cuts your waiting time in half, promising germination in under 5 days.
As the name suggests, you’ll need a few common household items to carry out the process. All you need is a dinner plate, a ceramic bowl, two paper towels, and a bottle of water.
Once you’ve collected those items, follow the method instructions:
- Soak two paper towels in a bowl of clean water.
- Next, remove both pieces and gently squeeze them to remove any excess water.
- Now lay one wet sheet flat on a plate, placing your weed seeds in the middle.
- Cover the seeds with the other wet paper towel and leave them in a dark cupboard for up to 5 days.
- Finally, once you see taproots develop, plant your seeds in individual pots and water them as required.
Tumbler Method
The fastest way to start sprouting autoflower seeds is the tumbler method.
This popular technique involves leaving your cannabis seeds in a glass of water, promising results in less than 24 hours. However, there’s a downside.
There’s a risk of damaging your cannabis seeds by exposing them to temperature shock. To improve your chances of success with this method, ensure the glass of water is at room temperature.
Next, drop your seeds into the container and leave them in a dark, dry cupboard for up to 48 hours. Once the taproots emerge, plant your autoflowers in pots and water them as needed.
All in All
While there are a number of advanced ways to grow cannabis, growing autoflowers in soil remains the most popular option.
The entire process is quick and easy, promising results in as little as ten days. It’s also budget-friendly, making it a brilliant option for beginners.
Takeaway
Germinating autoflower cannabis in soil is often slow. But several techniques can help speed up the process.
However, it’s best to use caution with some methods, as they can potentially put your seeds at risk.
It’s also important to remember that all marijuana strains are unique. Some cultivars need additional supplements in order to reach their full potential.
Improve your odds of success by ordering your marijuana seeds from a reputable online dispensary.
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