How often should you water cannabis seeds

Watering cannabis seeds might seem simple, but it's one of the most frequent reasons seedlings fail—especially for beginner growers. Overwatering or underwatering during the early stages can halt germination, stunt growth or even kill your plants before they have a chance to thrive.

So how often should you water cannabis seeds, and what’s the best approach to keep them healthy from germination through early development?

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know—from pre-germination hydration to watering young seedlings. If you're starting with premium cannabis seeds from Mavericks Genetics, proper watering will help ensure strong and healthy sprouts.

Do cannabis seeds need to be watered before germination

If you're using the paper towel method, you're not watering in the traditional sense. Instead, you’re maintaining a moist—but not wet—environment that encourages the seed to sprout without drowning it.

Paper towel method:

• Lightly mist paper towels with clean water

• Keep towels damp, not soaking wet

• Re-moisten once or twice per day if necessary

• Avoid letting the paper dry out or become overly saturated

Too much water can drown the seed or encourage mould growth, while too little can stop the germination process entirely.

How often to water planted cannabis seeds

Once your seeds have germinated and are planted in soil or another growing medium, the goal is to maintain even, moderate moisture without oversaturation.

General watering frequency:

Best practices for watering cannabis seeds and seedlings

1. Use a spray bottle or pipette

Avoid pouring water directly into the soil. Instead, gently mist the soil around the seedling using a spray bottle or syringe. This prevents disturbing fragile roots.

2. Start with minimal water

A recently germinated seed requires only a small amount of water—just a few millilitres at a time. Apply around the base of the seedling, not directly on top.

3. Check moisture before watering

Use your fingertip to test the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait another day.

4. Avoid overwatering

Overwatering can lead to:

• Root rot

• Damping-off disease

• Oxygen deprivation

Overwatered seedlings often appear droopy, pale or slow-growing.

Watering by growing medium

Soil

• Retains moisture longer

• Water every 2–4 days depending on conditions

• Choose a light, well-aerated mix for seedlings

Coco coir

• Dries faster than soil

• May require daily watering, sometimes twice daily

• Always ensure good drainage

Rockwool or starter plugs

• Pre-soak before planting

• Keep moist but never waterlogged

• Mist the surface when it begins to dry

Environmental factors that affect watering frequency

Several environmental elements can change how often you’ll need to water:

Monitor your grow space daily and adjust accordingly.

How to avoid watering mistakes with cannabis seeds

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Overwatering after planting: A gentle mist is usually sufficient. Don’t saturate the entire container.

• Watering on a schedule: Always check soil moisture before deciding to water.

• Using cold water: Always use room-temperature, dechlorinated water.

• Poor drainage: Ensure containers have drainage holes and use breathable, well-draining mediums.

Starting with clean containers and quality seedling soil helps prevent early issues.

What water should you use

• pH-balanced water: Aim for 6.0–6.5 in soil; 5.5–6.0 for coco or hydro

• Filtered or dechlorinated: Chlorine can damage beneficial soil microbes

• Room temperature: Avoid using cold water, which can shock young roots

For best results, test your water and use pH adjustment solutions as needed.

Signs your seedling is receiving too much or too little water

Overwatering symptoms:

• Drooping leaves

• Yellowing or slow growth

• Mushy stems or foul odour

Underwatering symptoms:

• Dry, flaky soil

• Wilting leaves

• Little to no new development

The key is balance. A healthy cannabis seedling should have upright, perky leaves with steady, visible growth and rich colouration.

Internal link: Want to know how deep to plant your germinated seeds?
Check out our full guide: How deep should you plant a germinated cannabis seed

Water with care for strong starts

Watering cannabis seeds and seedlings is a delicate but vital process. It's not about following a strict schedule—it’s about watching your plants and understanding their needs. At this early stage, less is often more. Keep the soil moist, not soaked, and avoid stress to give your seeds the best possible start.

Starting with top-tier cannabis seeds from Mavericks Genetics sets you up for fast, healthy germination—and it all begins with proper watering.

Ready to grow?
Explore our feminised and autoflower seeds today and get started with genetics you can rely on.