It’s frustrating to see your seedlings start strong and then die soon after planting — especially when you followed the directions. We understand how disappointing this can be, and we want to help you figure out what might have gone wrong and how to improve the next round. 🌱

Here are the most common reasons why young cannabis seedlings fail in the first days or weeks after sprouting:

1. Overwatering

This is the #1 cause of seedling death. Small seedlings need very little water — soaking the soil can drown roots and cause “damping off,” a fungal condition that kills young plants.

What to do:
Keep soil just slightly moist, not wet. Water sparingly around the seedling base only when the top of the soil feels dry.

2. Too Much Light Too Soon

Young seedlings are sensitive to intense light. If placed too close to powerful LEDs or HID lamps early on, they can suffer light stress or burn.

What to do:
Start with your light higher (24–36 inches for many LEDs) and reduce distance gradually as plants grow stronger.

3. Wrong Soil or Medium

Rich or “hot” soils can be too strong for fragile seedlings. Heavy soils can also suffocate roots.

What to do:
Use a light seed-starting mix or mild potting soil for the first few weeks. Avoid heavy fertilizers or enriched soils until plants are well established.

4. Temperature Swings

Seedlings prefer steady warmth around 70–78°F (21–26°C). Cold nights or sudden temp changes can shock or stall growth.

What to do:
Keep temperatures stable and avoid placing seedlings near cold windows or drafty spots.

5. Pests and Disease

Even early on, seedlings can fall prey to fungus gnats, mold, or disease.

What to do:
Keep your space clean and well-ventilated. If you see gnats or fuzzy mold, reduce watering and improve air flow.

Summary

If your seedlings died after planting, you’re not alone — this happens to growers of all experience levels. Cannabis is a hardy plant once established, but the first 2–3 weeks are the most delicate phase.

Learning from this round will give you a much better shot next time. Review your environment, watering habits, and soil choice — small adjustments can make a huge difference.

Need more help? You can always reach out to our team for growing advice: https://seedsupreme.com/contact. 🌱