What is germination?
Germination is the development of a plant from a seed.
Imbibing
Imbibing is the process whereby the seed soaks up the water, eventually resulting in the seed coat splitting.
Choose Your Germination Techniques:
Towel propagation: seeds can be germinated in cloth; cheesecloth is most common but even paper towel will do.
- Size – depends on how many seeds you want to germinate
- Keep the cloth damp! Never let it dry out!
- Check Daily for new Growth
- Avoid breaking the root (radicle)
- Once root is 3x the length of the seed, it should be transplanted to grow medium soon!
Soil Propagation: seeds are placed in soil about 3mm from the surface (about the length of the cannabis seed).
- The soil is kept moist (not soaking wet).
- There are many soils advertised as “germination soils” seedlings tend to need a fertilizer that high in phosphorous, phosphorous stimulates root development and is a component of photosynthesis. Look for a 1-2-1 NPK ratio (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium).
Rockwool propagation: cubes and kits
- You will need to spend about 50$ on a propagation kit = rockwool cubes / tray, clone dome.
- On the bottom of the tray there’s a small area where water or germination hormones can be poured.
- Place small rockwool cubes (1.5inch) into slots in the tray which automatically dips the rockwool cubes into the solution.
- Place seeds into tiny holes in the rockwool cubes (the holes covered with rockwool particles to prevent direct exposure to the outside environment.
- Place cloning dome over top with slots you can open to allow air exchange.
Tips:
- -Even seeds in water can germinate although transplanting in cubes or soil is easier.
- -Seedlings will automatically lift the shell (coat) out from the medium
- Cotyledons open, forcing the shell away
- -Shell is shed and cotyledons are open to receive light.
- Do not use high doses of fertilizers with seedlings, low ratio of germination fertilizer is needed as incorrect mixture can burn your seedlings causing them to fail.
- Keep your germination area warm, a cold room can inhibit germination rates.
- Do not disturb the soil of your seedling, you may want to check progress but be patient shifting of the seedling can cause damage to young roots.
Weak stem? – stick support. Tie the stem to the stick using a piece of thread, never tie the thread above a growing shoot or the seedling will push up against the thread possibly damaging itself, outdoors the wind will help shake the stem causing it to develop stronger. Give a gentle shake or indoor fans work too.
