What is the best way to germinate seeds?
- Thread starter rileius
- Start date
MountainManGanjaGrower
Active Member
Well you're going to get a lot of mixed answers. Some people are biased to just throwing it in the soil and let it be and others swear by the paper-towel method. I like the method where you just soak them in water overnight and then put the scalloped side into the soil until the seeds is about a 1/8'' underneath the soil, and then just cover it up with a little hump of soil, then water a tiny bit and then check on and off for a sprout throughout the next few days.
pokesalotasmot
Well-Known Member
Like MMGG said, you'll get a lot of different answeres, and mine is a little different than his. I feel that we shouldn't handle the seeds anymore than necessary, so my preferred method is just putting them in soil, and keep them warm and moist until they sprout. Truth is, most methods you read about will work. Try them all and do it the way you feel works best for YOU.
Theorys on seed germination are as varied as the people on this forum - read on until you find one that suits you.
This is my preferred method - I like to slightly scarify them first, dunk them in a glass of water for 12 hours & then plant em.
I find it very reliable.
T
dannyboy602
Well-Known Member
and i just plant them into warm moist medium and let nature do it's thing. i think bottom heat is really important.
True, I forgot to mention that I always use a heat mat.
ford442
Well-Known Member
why does everybody use paper towels? i have had bad experiences where the sprout get entangled in paper.. i just keep them in water until they crack - even if it means changing the water once or twice - then into the ground when they have a tiny tail - like a turtle or less.. i have great germ rates so far with just distilled water..
rd116
Well-Known Member
I do the paper towel method. Wet paper towel on a plate, drop seeds on and fold paper towel to cover the seeds, plastic wrap plate to keep from drying out and put them away in a cabinet or drawer. I have never had a seed not pop using this method. Usually seeds pop in 24-48 hours. I do not let the root grow out too long so that they don't grow into the paper towel. I then drop the seed into a pre soaked ph'd rockwool cube and wait for it to sprout. Let it build a good root system then transplant to soil or coco. I have never tried any other method because this one has worked for me every time. Everyone has their preference, find something that works for you!
BarnBuster
Virtually Unknown Member
in growing medium, 20 oz. foam cup
Indoor Sun King
Well-Known Member
put seed in medium (soil, rock-wool, peat plug, etc) with pointy end down......apply water..... place in dark warm environment.......wait until it sprouts......place under light source
I use an old modem for my heat source, not fancy but provides a constant warm surface
I use an old modem for my heat source, not fancy but provides a constant warm surface
Something you see in almost everyone's post is warmth. I've tried pretty much every response you've gotten. In each case though, warmth seems to be the key. Not hot, but warm. I put them under my laptop in toilet paper and a ziploc personally with something propping the laptop up so not to crush the seed. Almost always pop within 18-24 hrs.
The best way is the one that uses the least steps and the most compatible medium.
1. Soak unwrapped 1.5" rockwool starter cubes in a 1/4 strength nutrient solution for 24 hours (this step applies to clones as well).
2. Adjust solution pH and then remove cubes to a 10x20 flat w/dome and preferably a Gro-Smart tray insert. Place under the light of your choice but avoid excessive heat. (the only purpose of the dome here is to prevent the rockwool from drying out too quickly)
3. There is kind of a half-assed factory hole on top of the cubes. I use a toothpick to work up the wool around this hole leaving about a 1/8-1/4 hole with several bits of rockwool on the side. Place the seed in the hole and cover with a bit of rockwool.
4. If the seeds are viable they will germinate in 2-5 days.
5. Once the first set of true leaves starts to form, I will transplant. One of the great things about rockwool is you can transplant to any other medium with no problem.
1. Soak unwrapped 1.5" rockwool starter cubes in a 1/4 strength nutrient solution for 24 hours (this step applies to clones as well).
2. Adjust solution pH and then remove cubes to a 10x20 flat w/dome and preferably a Gro-Smart tray insert. Place under the light of your choice but avoid excessive heat. (the only purpose of the dome here is to prevent the rockwool from drying out too quickly)
3. There is kind of a half-assed factory hole on top of the cubes. I use a toothpick to work up the wool around this hole leaving about a 1/8-1/4 hole with several bits of rockwool on the side. Place the seed in the hole and cover with a bit of rockwool.
4. If the seeds are viable they will germinate in 2-5 days.
5. Once the first set of true leaves starts to form, I will transplant. One of the great things about rockwool is you can transplant to any other medium with no problem.