Planting Cannabis Seeds in Aussie Soil: Foolproof Guide from Pop to Pot

So, you’ve cracked a bean and it’s showing that first little root. Nice work! Now comes the part that separates the stoked from the smoked: getting that germinated seed into soil the right way. Whether you’re a first-timer or just fried from past failures, this guide will walk you through planting your cannabis seed like a pro—from timing and technique to Matty’s signature no-stress style.

When Should I Plant My Germinated Cannabis Seed?

Once your seed has popped and you see a little white taproot (around 0.5–1cm) poking out, it’s ready to plant. Don’t wait too long—if that root gets too long, it becomes fragile and harder to handle. Think of it like a baby roo: cute, but not quite ready to fend for itself.

Germinated cannabis seeds showing taproot

🧠 Matty Says: “If the root’s doing laps around the paper towel, you’ve probably waited too long. Get it in the soil before it starts asking for rent.”

What You’ll Need

A small pot (7–12cm) or seedling tray
Light, well-aerated seedling mix (or a gentle coco coir/soil blend)
Tweezers or clean fingers
A little spray bottle or gentle watering can

Step-by-Step: Planting Your Germinated Cannabis Seed

1. Prepare Your Soil

Make sure your seedling mix is moist but not soggy—like a wrung-out sponge. Fill your small pot or tray with the mix, gently tapping it down without compacting it too much.

2. Make a Little Hole

Poke a hole about 0.5–1cm deep in the centre. A pencil or chopstick works great. Don’t go too deep or your seedling might struggle to break the surface.

3. Place the Seed Taproot-Down

Use clean fingers or tweezers to gently place the seed into the hole with the taproot facing downward. The seed should be just below the surface—lightly cover it with soil, no need to bury it like treasure.

⚠️ Matty’s Tip: “Don’t push it in like you’re planting a fence post. Just tuck it in gentle, like you’re putting a beer back in the esky.”

4. Moisten the Soil Again

Give the top a light mist with your spray bottle, or use a few drops of water to settle the soil. Avoid flooding it.

5. Keep It Warm and Humid

Seedlings love humidity—aim for 70–90% RH and temps between 22–28°C. A humidity dome or clear plastic cup over the pot can help, but allow some airflow so you don’t get mouldy.

Light & Waiting Game

You don’t need full sun or blasting LEDs right away—a gentle 18–24 hour light cycle with soft light is perfect. In 1–3 days, you should see a little green shoot peeking out.

Let nature do its thing, and avoid the urge to dig around to “check” on it. It’s not a roast chook—it doesn’t need basting.

Timing Your Green: When to Plant Germinated Seeds in Aussie Regions

You’ve got that taproot pokin’ out, ready for action. But when’s the best time to tuck ’em into their first pot? Well, mate, even if they’re stayin’ indoors, there’s a bit of Aussie savvy in timing things right. For outdoor growers, it’s absolutely crucial; for indoor legends, it’s about makin’ life easier and savin’ a few bucks on the power bill.

Timing for Thriving (The Aussie Way)

Cannabis loves warmth, so the golden rule is to avoid the freezing cold. Optimal soil temperature for those tiny roots to really take off is above 20°C.

Southern Australia (Think Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart): For the best outdoor start, get your germinated seeds into pots from late September to early December. This lines ’em up to be strong seedlings by the time summer’s in full swing, ready for flowerin’ in the new year and harvestin’ in late summer to early autumn. If you’re startin’ indoors, this is still a top time to kick off, as ambient temps usually play nice.
Northern Australia (Think Darwin, Cairns): You tropical legends have a longer window! The summer months of December and January are spot on for planting germinated seeds, with temperatures hoverin’ between 25°C and 32°C. You can practically grow year-round, but watch out for mold during the wet season – keep that airflow movin’.
Central Australia (Think Alice Springs): It gets hotter than a bitumen road in summer out here! Spring to early summer, roughly August to December, is your best bet for those initial seedling stages. You’ll need careful water management and maybe some afternoon shade if they’re headin’ outdoors.
East Coast (Think Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast): Spring to autumn, September to April, offers a good long run. Coastal areas are generally milder, giving your seedlings a solid chance.
West Coast (Think Perth, down south): Similar to the East Coast, September to April is your window. Many areas are drier, so humidity management for seedlings is key.

Indoor Growers: Your Flexibility Advantage

While outdoor growers are playin’ by nature’s rules, you indoor gurus have more wiggle room. You can technically start any time you like. However, startin’ in spring or early autumn can mean your plants are battlin’ less extreme ambient temperatures in your home. This can save your fans and heaters (and your wallet!) a bit of grief, makin’ the early stages smoother.

When to Transplant

Once your seedling has:

At least one set of true leaves (the jagged cannabis-looking ones)
A decent little stem (1–2 weeks after sprouting)
Outgrown its starter pot (roots poking from the bottom or slowed growth)

…it’s time to transplant to a bigger pot.

📦 Matty’s Rule of Thumb: “If the leaves are wider than the pot, it’s ready to graduate.”

Matty’s Quick-Glance Seedling Checklist

✅ Germinate your seed (wet paper towel or starter cube)
✅ Prep your pot with light, fluffy, moist soil
✅ Plant it taproot-down, just under the surface
✅ Keep it warm & humid (22–28°C, 70–90% RH)
✅ Light it up! 18–24 hours of gentle LED or sunlight
✅ Watch for true leaves (after ~7–10 days)
✅ Transplant time once roots peek out or leaves widen

Final Thoughts from Matty

Treat your seedlings like baby kangas—warm, fed, and protected—and they’ll grow up to be absolute bloody legends come harvest.

Planting Cannabis Seeds in Aussie Soil: Matty’s Foolproof Guide from Pop to Pot
Last Updated on: June 9, 2025