Dark Light

Seed Germination Policy

In Australia, seeds are sold strictly as souvenir collectibles.  We do not support germination.  That said, we understand that seed quality, authenticity, and viability matter to our customers, which is why every pack we sell is backed by our Germination Guarantee.

A germination rate in the 80–90% range is considered healthy and normal across the industry but it requires adherence to correct methods. 

The following outlines the paper towel method and our policy and standards to ensure success for all our valued customers

Our Approach to Ensure Seed Quality

Seeds are organic living biological material.  Expecting every single seed to germinate in every situation isn’t realistic.   Even with tried and proven methods, careful handling and high-quality genetics, sometimes nature just doesn’t cooperate!

Our approach is built on careful sourcing, batch testing, stable storage, and fair assessment. Here’s how we stand behind the quality of our products;

Sourcing & Authenticity

With over 3500+ reviews you simply can’t get away with bad genetics.   We source from a very select elite group of wholesale breeders that we know produce stable, consistent, reliable genetics based on years of operation.  

At CG we generally focus on the most well known strains as they have a proven track record of success.   Anything that falls below standard is removed from sale.

Proper Storage & Freshness

Fresh seeds will generally perform best, however with proper storage, seeds can remain viable for many many years. 

Luckily, with demand so high, we can’t keep any stock for more than 1 month!   We never sit on old stale seeds.  They move too fast….

We store our seeds carefully under consistent conditions under 20 degrees celcius to help preserve freshness and long-term viability.    

Batch Testing

We test every batch using the same paper towel method outlined in the below germination policy.

Typically, when the recommended method is followed, strong germination results are commonly achieved across various photo period and auto strains.

If a batch performs below our acceptable standard (eg. 80+% success) it is removed from sale before reaching customers.

The Seed Germination Policy

If a significant percentage of seeds fail to germinate (eg. above 20%) when the method below is followed exactly and fully documented, we will provide a fair resolution, typically in the form of a generous store credit, or replacement added to a future order.  

The Seed Germination Method

Step 1: Germination Setup

  • Use a clean paper towel, moistened but not soaking/dripping) with clean rainwater or distilled/filtered water
    *Important try not to use tap water as the PH and chlorine can affect the bio activeness of the seed resulting in poor germination
  • Place seeds on paper towel approx 50mm apart
  • Fold paper towel loosely around the seeds (do not compress)
  • Place inside a clean ziplock bag (Seal the bag, no need to remove air)
  • Store in a dark drawer or cupboard (ideal temperature between 20-25 degrees)
  • Leave for 2–4 days, or until the taproot (germ) reaches 20–30mm
Paper towel germination method

Step 2: Transplanting

  • Carefully transfer germinated seeds into a small pot (be sure to have clean hands, or use clean tweezers)
  • Use either:
    • Coco/perlite mix (80/20), or
    • Coco Coir / Coir Peat etc
      *Note we do not support using any soil/potting mix during the germination stage as there are too many variables and soil tends to get too water logged.  
  • Position seed taproot down
  • Ensure the seed shell or green tip is slightly exposed at the surface. When it senses the light it will take off immediately.

Step 3: Watering Method (Important)

  • Place pot in a drip tray with a thin film of clean water  (rain water or distilled/filtered is best) at the bottom of the tray
  • Do not water from above, simply add a small bead of water to the drip tray
  • Water must be low EC (below 0.5)
  • Allow moisture to wick up from below and keep a very small amount of  water in the tray (approx 1-2mm deep)

Step 4: Environment

  • Keep in a warm, low-light position
  • Avoid:
    • Direct sunlight
    • Hot windowsills
    • Overheating of any kind
  • Maintain this environment for approximately 7 days or until ready for early growth phase

Documentation Requirements (Mandatory)

To make a claim, you must provide clear photo or video evidence showing full compliance:

  1. Seeds in original packaging (before starting)
  2. Seeds in moist paper towel inside ziplock bag
  3. Visible taproot (20–30mm stage)
  4. Correct transplant into medium
  5. Bottom watering setup (tray with water)
  6. Final outcome after approximately 7 days

All evidence must be:

  • Clear, time-sequenced, and unedited
  • Consistent with the method outlined above

What Is Not Covered

The guarantee will be void if:

  • Any step is skipped, modified, or substituted
  • Incorrect medium or watering method is used
  • Seeds are exposed to unsuitable conditions (e.g. overheating, drying out, overwatering)
  • Documentation is missing or insufficient
  • The grower is not legally permitted to cultivate under applicable laws

Legal Responsibility

By purchasing and using CG Australia products, you acknowledge that:

  • You are responsible for understanding and complying with all relevant Australian state and federal laws
  • You will only germinate seeds where it is lawful to do so
  • CG Australia accepts no liability for unlawful use of its products

Claim Process

To submit a claim:

  1. Email your documentation along with your order details
  2. Our team will review your submission for full compliance
  3. Approved claims will receive a store coupon equal to the value of failed seeds or replacement of seeds added to a future order
 

Germination of Cannabis Seeds FAQ

Germination of Cannabis Seeds may be illegal in your state.  It’s completely your responsibility to understand and adhere to the local laws

For areas where it legal, pls see our germ policy for a detailed guide.   The basic process is as follows:

Moist paper towel folded loosely in clean ziplock bag in dark drawer 2-3 days or until the germ is approx 20-30mm long then carefully transplant to small pot with coco/perlite 80/20 or high quality seed raising mix with green tip/shell just slightly exposed at top keep moist from below the pot using any drip tray with a thin film of clean water or low EC water (below 0.5) below the pot at all times and let it wick the water up into pot.   Keep in low light warm position (not hot! Eg. not direct sunlight or hot windowsill)  for approx 1 week or until ready for next phase incl mild fertilization etc.

Seeds are organic living biological material.  Expecting every single seed to germinate in every situation isn’t realistic.

Assuming you follow the paper towel method (outlined above), a germination rate of around 80% is the industry norm.  

No!   What is the benefit of putting the paper towel between 2 plates?   If you think the germs need extra oxygen in the germ stage… they don’t.   If you are using this method, just stop and switch to ziplock bags immediately. 

For some strange reason, many Aussies (in particular) like to use the paper towel in between plates method.  Firstly, plates are not sterile.  Secondly, they’re introducing a range of moisture variance and pathogen issues that are just totally unnecessary and likely causing you to check the germs every 2 hours to spray chlorinated tap water on them!  Argh!

Moist paper towel (spring/filtered water) inside a clean ziplock bag in a dark drawer for 2-3 days.  It’s very simple.  Clean, correct moisture and no need to open the area in any way during the initial process.   Don’t over think it.   It’s not complicated….

We source from a very select group of top breeders that we have worked with over many years with successful results.  We would never on-sell stock from breeders we do not know.

We test every batch using the same paper towel method outlined in the below germination policy and we ensure proper storage of seeds below 20 degrees celcius at all times.

Due to demand, we generally never hold any stock for more than 3 months.

A steady range of around 22 degrees celcius is ideal.  Ideally, nothing over 25 degrees, and nothing below 20 degrees.

Some customers who think they know what they’re doing will put seeds on top of the fridge or on a windowsill  or on a heat mat etc.   Argh!  You’re cooking your seeds.   Keep it simple.   Dark warm cupboard.  

No, seeds need total darkness in the initial stages.   Keep them in the dark for 2-3 days or until a nice tail has formed, which means it’s ready for transplanting. 

Once transplanted, you want the green tip to be just slightly exposed at the top of the planter.  As soon as it senses the light, it will take off towards it.

This is a common practice, but it is completely unnecessary.   (in our humble opinion).   Soaking the seed simply adds extra touch points that add the potential for issues.

Instead, just follow the paper towel method as outlined above in the germination policy in detail.   It’s simple and highly effective.

For deep water culture systems, just follow the above we paper towel method, but then instead of the coco/perlite, substitute with a rockwool cube instead….   

Jiffy pellets use coco coir which is a fantastic growing medium, however in our experience, using jiffy pellets for the germination process is not optimal. 

Out of all the failures reported, jiffy pods would probably account for at least 30-40%!!!!   For some reason, they have a higher failure rate than other methods.   This is likely due to to too much / stagnant water usage in the early stages.   (ie. they get water logged)

The problem with jiffy pellets is you can’t see if the seed actually cracked or not.  Just use the paper towel method described above in detail, it’s simple and highly effective. 

About the author:

As a passionate grower of all plants,  CG advocates for moderation and reverence of Cannabis as an ancient and powerful natural medicine. As the taboo is finally lifting worldwide, rational free thinking adults can experience the joy and wonder of growing a marijuana plant and we’re so thank-full to our members and the growing community for sharing responsibly.  Thank-you everyone.