Give every seed the best possible start with the paper towel method — the same technique that keeps you covered under our Germination Guarantee. Stick to the steps below, and you'll see sprouts in as little as 48–72 hours.
Follow these steps exactly and your seeds are covered by our Germination Guarantee.
The paper towel method is the most reliable way to start your cannabis seeds.
Done right, it creates a warm, moist, oxygen-rich environment that encourages fast, healthy taproot growth. Follow the steps below and you'll have sprouted seeds ready for soil in 48–72 hours.
Take a photo or video at each step below — you might need this as proof if your seeds don't sprout and you'd like a replacement.
ILGM's Guaranteed Germination Method
Access the Germination Guarantee page to know more
If you're germinating more than one strain, label a plate with the strain name and date before you start. It's a small step that saves confusion later.
Spray a sheet of unbleached paper towel until it's evenly damp — not dripping — and lay it flat across the plate.
Place your seeds on the towel with space between each one. Good spacing keeps taproots from tangling and makes them easier to transplant later.
Dampen a second sheet the same way and lay it directly over the seeds. This top layer keeps moisture even on all sides.
Place the second plate upside-down on top, like a lid. This holds moisture in and creates the stable, humid environment seeds need.
Move the covered plates to a dark cupboard or similarly warm, sheltered spot. Aim for 70–85°F (20–30°C) — consistent warmth means faster, more even germination.
Once every 24 hours, lift the top plate and check that the towels are still damp. Mist lightly if needed. Try not to check more often than that — too much handling can disturb the developing root.
Most seeds show a white taproot within 48–72 hours, though some take longer. Once the taproot is about ¼–½ inch long, gently lift the seed by the shell — never the root — using tweezers or clean fingers. Place it into your growing medium taproot-down, and cover lightly with soil.
Over-saturated towels limit oxygen and can stress seeds. Aim for damp, not dripping.
If the plates aren't sealed snugly or the room is dry, towels can dry out fast. Dry towels will stall germination until re-moistened.
Over-saturated towels limit oxygen and can stress seeds. Aim for damp, not dripping.
Taproots are delicate. Always lift the seed by the shell, and avoid touching the root directly.
If a seed hasn't opened after 72 hours, double-check your moisture and temperature first — some seeds simply take a bit longer, and that's normal. If there's still no progress after several days, you may be covered by our Germination Guarantee.
Keep your workspace clean, and use clean hands or sterilized tweezers
Use clean, chemical-free water
Keep the environment warm, dark, and stable
Resist the urge to check or handle seeds too often
Every seed sold by ILGM is backed by our Germination Guarantee.
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