How do you Germ?
What is Your go to germ method, your personal secret sauce of pop-pop-popping bean popping.
I recently took a small poll to ask just that.
A variety of folks, all different gender, ages and professions responded.
Sandy said, "Depends on the seed type. Big seeds can be scored (( with sandpaper)) and soaked overnight. Small seeds should be lightly covered by soft substrate. Light lose soil, with good driange, and watch it so it never dries out."
Kelly responded by saying, "Plant in soil water and watch come up. I have never done fancy stuff and have always had almost 100% germination from all types of seeds. Less is always more in garden. The seed knows exactly what to do if planted in soil and given some water."
Scott replied, "Distilled water in a souffle cups/jello shot cup. Add a drop or two of peroxide. Place in dark (not cold, just dark) for a few days!
James retorted, "Spongepot All-in-one is a great way to go ."
Chris had the response of, "Wet paper towel in a cup covered in a dark place. Place in root riot pod and watch it grow. "
Bryn says, "Shot glass with distilled water, add seed(s). Put it on a saucer and invert a coffee mug over the shot glass on the plate (so that it is dark) . Set on water heater and check in 48 hours. "
William also repiled, "I just soak the seed in water till I see taproot. Then plant into the container that I plan on finishing it in. That way there is less stress and your not limiting how much it can grow by doing so. Or, if I'm doing it in the ground, I just plant it in it's spot. "
Greg responded, "Sing them love songs and tell them happy stories."
Here at The Seed Cellar, a germination guide was complied based upon the books written by the grow gods, I mean experts, such as Ed Rosenthal , Jose Cervantis , the Rev and Green.
Our first tip and trick is to line the inside of a matchox with the fine grit sandpaper. Place seeds inside and shake for a minute.
Next we recommend to mix 1 oz 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 cup water to a make a solution that is approximately 0.5% hydrogen peroxide. Wet a paper towel and place scuffed seeds on the paper towel.
Fold the paper towel to cover the seeds and place into a plastic bag. Place the bag in a warm spot and check daily for signs of germination. As soon as the tap root has emerged from the shell, the seed is ready to be planted. Pre-mix soil to be damp, but not soggy. Using a grow pot or cup with drainage holes, gently pack the dirt into the cups taking care to avoid air gaps.
We also recommend to make a shallow impression and place your seed in it with the root tip down. Cover the seed with a think layer of moist dirt. Do not water from the top until the seedling has emerged. Until the seedling is larger and heartier, help ensure adequate humidity by loosely covering the cup with a plastic bag secured with a rubber band. Place the cup in a warm room clsoe to a grow light.
The seedling will emerge and the round cotyledon leaves will open in 2-7 days. Avoid watering until the seedling has emerged .
Once the first set of true leaves has emerged, gradually remove the plastic bag over the course of several hours to harden off the seedling. Take care to avoid over watering.
There are few more Key Tips we here at The Seed Cellar recommend, ;
*Cannabis seeds typically germinate the fastest when the soil temperature is between 78-80 degrees. ( Rosenthal 319)
*The air temperature should be kept between 72-75 degrees. (Cervantes)
*The seed should be planted when the root tip is less than 1 cm to avoid the slowing of root growth . (Cervantes)
*To promote directional root growth , hang the bag verically.
*Cannabis seeds germinate best when moisture is between 60-70%. (Cervantes)
*The seed should be planted twice as deep as it is wide, so a 3mm wide seed should be planted 6mm deep.
Popping doesn't have to be scary, it can be fun and consistent . Seems like there are more ways to pop seeds than not.