How to Grow Cannabis From Seed
The Joynt Seed Co. | Yellow Springs, Ohio
Growing your own cannabis can be a rewarding hobby. Whether you're growing your first plant or your fiftieth, success starts with healthy genetics, patience, and a little know-how.
This guide covers the basics to help you get started.
Step 1: Germinate Your Seeds
Germination is simply the process of waking your seeds up and encouraging them to sprout.
Paper Towel Method (Recommended)
You'll Need:
Two paper towels
A plate or container
Water
Your Joynt Seeds
Instructions
Dampen two paper towels with water.
Place your seeds between the towels.
Put the towels on a plate or inside a container.
Store in a warm, dark location (70-80°F).
Check daily to ensure towels remain moist.
Most seeds will sprout within 24-72 hours.
Once the taproot is approximately ¼-½ inch long, it's time to plant.
⚠️ Avoid touching the root whenever possible.
Step 2: Plant Your Seed
Recommended Soil
For beginners, quality potting soil is easiest.
Look for:
Well-draining soil
Light texture
Good moisture retention
Plant the seed:
Root facing down
About ¼ inch deep
Cover lightly with soil
Water gently.
Step 3: Light Requirements
🌱 Autoflower Seeds
Autoflower plants begin flowering automatically based on age rather than light cycle.
Recommended Schedule
18 Hours Light
6 Hours Darkness
Many growers maintain this schedule from seedling through harvest.
Some growers even run:
20 Hours Light / 4 Hours Darkness
Autoflowers are great for beginners because there's no need to change the lighting schedule.
Typical Lifecycle
Seed → Harvest:
8-12 weeks
Feminized Photoperiod Seeds
Photoperiod plants rely on changes in light exposure to trigger flowering.
Vegetative Stage
Use:
18 Hours Light
6 Hours Darkness
This encourages the plant to continue growing larger.
Flowering Stage
When you're ready for the plant to begin producing flowers, switch to:
12 Hours Light
12 Hours Darkness
This change signals the plant to begin flowering.
Typical Lifecycle
Vegetative Stage:
4-8+ weeks (grower's choice)
Flowering Stage:
8-10+ weeks
Total Grow Time:
Typically 3-5 months
Which Should I Choose?
🌱 Autoflowers
Best For:
Beginners
Small spaces
Quick harvests
Outdoor Ohio grows with shorter seasons
Pros:
✅ Faster harvests
✅ Simpler lighting
✅ Smaller plants
Cons:
❌ Usually lower yields
❌ Less forgiving of mistakes
🌿 Feminized Photoperiods
Best For:
Maximum yields
Training techniques
Experienced growers
Indoor grows
Pros:
✅ Larger harvests
✅ More control over plant size
✅ Better recovery from stress
Cons:
❌ Longer grow times
❌ Requires changing light schedules
The Joynt Recommendation
For a first-time grower buying seeds from The Joynt:
🏆 Autoflower
For someone looking to maximize yield and learn the craft:
🏆 Feminized Photoperiod
Tips & Tricks
Useful Links