What's the best germination method? |
Q: What's the best way to germinate cannabis seeds?
A: Volumes have been written and wars fought over the best way to germinate cannabis seeds. :-) The paper towel method still seems very popular, but many growers say it's too fickle. After much experimenting, we decided to launch our own Germination Kit - a foolproof system to make sure your precious seeds get off to a great start!
Each Germination Kit consists of ten peat moss (sphagnum) tablets and a sachet of Bacto, a highly concentrated mix of beneficial fungi and bacteria. The Bacto is simply dissolved in some water and the resulting liquid is used to soak the peat moss tablets. Now you can gently push one seed into each prepared tablet.
The Germination Kit has been designed especially to provide a rich and nurturing germination basis with a balanced pH of 5.3, and the best part about it is that once your seedlings start growing, you can simply plant them, tablet and all, in your regular soil. The advantage over the paper towel method is clear: no need to transplant the delicate seedlings and run the risk of damaging the tap root!
Germination Kit
Also check our Germination Kit Website for more information, or order directly from the Nirvana Online Shop.
Pros: Healthy seedlings, no risk of damaging roots while transplanting, easy to use, seed husk will soften, making it easier for tap root to break through.
Cons: we honestly can't think of any! :-)
It's clear why we recommend using the Germination Kit, especially if you're still quite new at growing. However, for the sake of being inclusive, here's a brief overview of other common methods.
Paper towel
Soak some paper towels or cotton wool in water (some use distilled water) and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Put seeds between layers of damp paper or cotton wool and place the whole between two plates. Check back regularly, and when tap roots show, take seeds out and plant the way you normally do. Warning: the taproot develops microscopic little roots that set out looking for purchase and food right away. These can easily be damaged when using the paper towel method, as they attach themselves to the paper, then are torn off when you remove the seeds to plant them. This is one of the reasons why the Germination Kit often results in bigger plants more quickly.
Pros: Cheap, easy.
Cons: Potentially damaging to roots, hard to regulate humidity, meaning it's prone to drying out or can cause seed rot if too wet.
Planting directly in soil
Planting seeds directly in soil will work for most any type of plant, so this method is quite commonly used by cannabis growers as well. Simply plant the seed in your preferred soil type and water regularly. To prevent the seed from drying out, you can put some cling film (saran wrap) or a humidity dome over the top of the container.
Pros: Reliable, no need to transplant until seedling is strong.
Cons: Waste of soil if seeds don't sprout, can be hard to regulate humidity.
Water Germination
Put the seeds directly in a glass or cup of water, preferably distilled. Place the container in a warm, dark environment. Wait till the seeds split and the taproots show, then plant as normal.
Pros: Easy, good way to check if seeds are viable, seed husk will soften, making it easier for tap root to break through.
Cons: Seeds may be affected by fungi or bacteria, seeds may rot if left in water too long.
Other techniques
In addition to choosing one of the methods above, some people swear by additional techniques to help the taproot emerge from the seeds.
Nicking
Using a pair of nail clippers or a sharp knife, carve a tiny little nick in the seed husk, as far away from the 'eye' as possible. This may work for harder-shelled seeds especially. Be very careful not to damage the seed itself inside the coat.
Scouring
Using an emery board, nail file or some fine sandpaper to lightly scour the seed's husk, thinning it enough to facilitate the taproot breaking through. Again, be very careful not to damage the seed itself - use a light hand!
Soaking
Similar to the water germination above, only shorter. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 1-5 hours, then germinate as normally. This will soften harder shells enough for the taproot to break through. This is only really necessary with older, harder seeds.
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David on Tue, Aug 17th, 2010 at 3:13 AM
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| With a ph of 5.3 it would seem that your germination kit could work in a DWC hydroponic set-up. Just germinate and after the seedling pops out put the plug into your grow medium and watch it go. I’ve actually seen people pot the plug into their grow medium before the seedling popped out. Have you tested this kit in anything other than soil. |
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