I just can't figure this one out. I have grown for years and never had problems germinating. I've always used the paper towel method and it always worked fine. Last year I tried to germinate some seeds using Bounty towels moistened with RO and put in a baggy then kept in a warm dark place. Always worked before. The seeds popped but then seemed to just stop with the tap root not even getting 1/4". I thought it was a freak thing so I tried it again same thing. Then I tried putting the moisted towels in a tupperware dish wraqpped it in a bath towel to keep it dark them put on that on top of the fish tank to keep it wqarm same thing. Then I used just a napkin thinking maybe Bounty was putting some chemical on their towels that killed them. That worked. But I had wasted at least 20 expensive seeds. Last month I did that napkin thing again but they did the popping then dieing thing again. Tried it another 3 or 4 times. Same results. Another bunch of seeds wasted. This year I have changed napkin brands to the recycled kind that probably uses a lot of chemicals in them. So I ordered more seeds thinking I'll just use fresh everything. My current thinking is to do nearly all the same things (tupperware, RO, dark, on fishtank) but use some other kind of towels. Any ideas or input. This is getting expensive.
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Germination problems
- Thread starter qdavid
- Start date
I says to the doctor...."Doc, it hurts when I do this.", and the doc says, "Don't do that!"
Seriously, if it ain't working, why keep trashing expensive seeds to try to prove a point? Change methods. I never liked the paper towel method. I believe that there is too much potential for damaging the sprout when handling. Mom designed it right that when the seed falls into place and sprouts, it is not disturbed and grows to a big plant.
I put my seeds in straight coco, one watering with 1/4 strength bloom to feed the new roots, plain ph'd water after that with humidity dome and 7-14 days later sprouts are breaking the surface and the remain roots undisturbed.
Use coco, seed starting mix, peat pellet (cut off the screening from bottom to almost top so it doesn't strangle roots. It does not biodegrade quick like they claim), rapid rooter, whatever....just don't touch the seed once you plant it.
Seriously, if it ain't working, why keep trashing expensive seeds to try to prove a point? Change methods. I never liked the paper towel method. I believe that there is too much potential for damaging the sprout when handling. Mom designed it right that when the seed falls into place and sprouts, it is not disturbed and grows to a big plant.
I put my seeds in straight coco, one watering with 1/4 strength bloom to feed the new roots, plain ph'd water after that with humidity dome and 7-14 days later sprouts are breaking the surface and the remain roots undisturbed.
Use coco, seed starting mix, peat pellet (cut off the screening from bottom to almost top so it doesn't strangle roots. It does not biodegrade quick like they claim), rapid rooter, whatever....just don't touch the seed once you plant it.
L
LolaGal
I agree, seeds are not meant to germ in paper towels! I just pop em into cups of ProMix and perlite. They do fine, no presoaking, etc.
Also, try germinating with the Moon's signs, works 100% for me! April 11th great day for cloning and germing! Hope your luck improves.
Also, try germinating with the Moon's signs, works 100% for me! April 11th great day for cloning and germing! Hope your luck improves.
Just plant the little beggars. That's what I'll do. Thanks. I do feel real stupid doing the same things over and over and it keeps screwing up. Doh! I can't figure out why it always worked before but not now, though. That had me confused. Maybe it's the newer hybrid strains? The end product has been really potent after curing. I don't know. Don't really care. Whatever works.Thanks.
I consider myself to be a seasoned grower and have the same issues this year I don't know what it is I am perplexed...I use peat pots(hate the pellets only use the pots,cause they are easy to put into 4inch pots and then ground) I use a combo of triple mix and seed starter or just regular potting mix..I have NEVER HAD this many problems germinating seeds...I started 3 Chemdog they are doing great, started 3 Bangi Haze x SSH they are doing great also...then i started 3 Atomic NL and 3 C-99 from GNO3...nadda not one came up since March 10..then I started more on March 24 (diff kinds of genetics) more failures...the only plants that have made it were the original 6 that started...I am so confused...and mad lol...Oh well i am gonna wait a bit longer till it gets warmer and start them outside..hopefully the heat and sun will make these lil beans sprout...Anyone have any other issues this year
peace
Chefboy
peace
Chefboy
GreenDream
Member
We have our best luck when we pre-soak seeds in a cup of warm water overnight and then plant directly into b'cuzz coco. We use a typical propagation tray with 6-pack inserts, a humidity dome, and a heat mat set to 72f. If the seeds are viable, they will come up.
We also like to plant by the moon.
We also like to plant by the moon.
Well, it's not the paper towels, because I still use that method and have 100% germ rate, with most seeds sprouting in less than 24 hours. I use my own seeds, and therein lies the secret. I think many sellers are pumping out seeds as rapidly as possible, and the seeds aren't given time to fully develop. So they don't have their full vigor.
Also, for me, waiting 7-14 days for seedlings to push through the soil is out of the question. By that time, my seedlings are small plants. I guess that only works for small grows, though.
Also, for me, waiting 7-14 days for seedlings to push through the soil is out of the question. By that time, my seedlings are small plants. I guess that only works for small grows, though.
