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My Seeds Sprouted but the Seedlings Died — What Went Wrong?Updated 2 days ago

If your seeds germinated but the seedlings quickly died after sprouting, it’s understandably frustrating. The issue usually isn’t with the seeds themselves being “small” — cannabis seed size can vary naturally — but with early-stage environmental stress or handling.

🌱 Common Reasons Seedlings Fail After Sprouting

Even strong genetics can struggle if conditions aren’t right. Here are some possible causes:

1. Overwatering or Poor Drainage

  • Seedlings need light moisture — not soaked soil.

  • Roots can suffocate or rot if water doesn’t drain well.

2. Lack of Light

  • Stretching followed by collapse (called “damping off”) is often due to weak or distant light.

  • Use a full-spectrum grow light 2–4 inches above the seedlings.

3. Soil or Medium Too Hot

  • Fertilized soils can “burn” tender sprouts.

  • Use a gentle, seed-starting mix for the first 1–2 weeks.

4. Temperature and Humidity Stress

  • Ideal temp: 70–78°F (21–25°C)

  • Humidity: 60–70% for seedlings

💡 About Seed Size

  • Seed size doesn’t determine plant quality. Small seeds can grow just as strong as large ones.

  • More important is genetic stability and proper handling after sprouting.

🔄 What to Do Next

If your germination was successful but the seedlings failed shortly after, we recommend:

  • Reviewing your germination and early grow setup

  • Taking photos and reaching out to customer support if you believe there’s an issue beyond grow conditions


We're here to help troubleshoot and guide you through a better start on your next grow. Let us know what your setup looked like — and we can help you dial it in!


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