Germinate seeds

Nullis

Moderator
Yes, and technically Cannabis seeds were designed to be started\grown in soil. Cannabis is not an aquatic plant.

Use a decent starting mix in containers at least 4" tall, like plastic Solo cups (obviously holes need to be drilled in them). Pre-moisten the mix, plant the seeds, water thoroughly and put the containers under a good light source that doesn't create a lot of heat and isn't overly drying... like say a T5 fixture, of CFL bulbs, both of which can be put within inches of the plants.
 

bigsteve

Well-Known Member
No. They look like they've been germing for 2 days. You want at least an inch lonf foot so put them back in the germ set-up and figure on getting into dirt in 24-48 hours. I bet they'll be ready tomorrow.

Works for, BigSteve.
 

Nullis

Moderator
No. They look like they've been germing for 2 days. You want at least an inch lonf foot so put them back in the germ set-up and figure on getting into dirt in 24-48 hours. I bet they'll be ready tomorrow.

Works for, BigSteve.
I just want to get this straight here... You're saying that a seed itself isn't ready for planting until it is unnaturally and sufficiently germinated? So, you (et al) soak a seed in water, or put between paper towels for 3-4 days... preoccupy yourself with it until you see an inch-long tap root, fuss with it some more, put it in soil and then what? Wait another day or two or three for it to break through?

I am curious how long the whole process takes. Going straight into soil-less, for me, typically results in a seedling on or before day 4 (with less fuss). Usually the first ones start to come up just after 72 hours and the rest follow (like clockwork).
Other than that I don't see what paper towels offer that a quality soil-less mix does not. A soil-less mix will hold more air when wet than a paper towel. With the PTM you just might be able to see a bit sooner that the seed "sprouted".
 

screediu

Well-Known Member
I have to agree with nullis, ive never done a cup of water or the paper towel and have had 100% success with them sprouting, i either put the seeds straight into dirt watering it twice once for the first two days or use a plug. But yes as soon as you see the seed has popped open they are good to plant, there is no need to wait for a 1 inch taproot, doing that you risk drowning the little things
 

BenFranklin

Well-Known Member
Imagine this... I use DWC, I sow directly into the hydraton, then i fill the bucket up near to where the seeds sit, turn on air, and wallah, the water agitates up into the seed, bringing enough moisture to it for it to germinate.

Usually I see a seedling by day 2, sometimes day 4..
 

Happygirl

Well-Known Member
I am trying the water method at least for 8 hrs to soften then I will use the the paper towel then when it pops with a good root it goes into seedling mix. :leaf: Just my 2 cents.
 

Cali.Grown>408

Well-Known Member
Been growing for ten years and plenty of people have too; who still germ a seed with a wet paper towel. TO EACH HIS OWN. STOP BEING FOLLOWERS and do what u feel works best.

I germ a seed in a wet paper towel for 2 days. Tap root pops out then I plant it and it pops above the soil in 2-3 days top.

AND ITS ALL ABOUT HOW POWERFUL YOUR LIGHT IS NOT HOW YOU germ or if you germinate at all.
 
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Nullis

Moderator
I disagree; seedlings started direct in mix totally tend to be healthier and sprout\grow faster initially. Not to mention it is just plain simpler. More to growing than light, and I don't think that this has anything to do with being a "follower". If anything, all the newbs starting in paper towels and using humidity domes are being followers.

Try this: start some direct in good soil/less media, start some in paper towels. See which ones fare best.

That's how we progress. Always doing what "works for you" is fine I suppose, but it also seems a bit mediocre.
 

Merlin34

Well-Known Member
Easiest and least likely way to screw up germinating a seed:

Place soil in small container.

Place seed in 1\2 inch deep hole.

Cover seed with soil.

Water lightly.

Place on warm window sill.

Watch small plant emerge from soil in 2-4 days.

Why complicate things?

Sent from Northern Colorado.
 

Happygirl

Well-Known Member
Hah I just received my beans yesterday and I did the soak method for like 7 hrs then put it in paper towel looked this morning and its already popped not fully but you can start to see the white of the root. I am doing a roadrunner strain because it grows quick and here in Vt the grow season to start really has passed but this is a fast finisher so what the heck!:hump: :leaf:
 

Nullis

Moderator
Seeds do need to breath when germinating. A good, fresh seed should sprout with no soaking required. After a few years the embryo within the seed may begin to dry out.

If you have a seed that is older than 3-5 years, it may benefit from soaking for a brief period (like under a couple hours). Otherwise though, Cannabis isn't an aquatic plant. The most important thing is that it be put somewhere warm enough and not allowed to dry out.
 

Cali.Grown>408

Well-Known Member
It doesn't make a difference.

And YES seeds will pop above the soil faster with more intense lumens. That's a fact "moderator"
 

Nullis

Moderator
Oh, alrighty then "well-known member".

Totally. Paper towels under a 1000 watter is the way to go. We all know seeds needs them lumens. :lol:
 
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