Whats the best way to get seeds started?

[staffie111]

In cubes for alittle over 48hrs and got 11 out of 15 so far.

 

[think_fast]

Sorry about the late reply. While it isn't a science and seeds can easily sprout in many different conditions, some people simply get it, others don't. Proper method doesn't do harm.

i use coco only,so i should use distilled water?i thought since tap water has chlorine it can kill molds or bacteria?can i use distilled water with peroxide added?

You don't have to use distilled water. I use it because it has no trace elements that are found in tap water. I recommend it also because various regions have different levels of content in their tap water. Distilled water is cheap and from my experience it helps reduce mold. It will give you a few extra days before mold shows up, at least from my experience. You have to be very careful with the peroxide because if you add too much of it it will kill anything living. Just make sure your temps are good. Meaning not too hot, and not too cold. If you walk into a room where seeds are germinating and it feels uncomfortable to you, then you are likely out of acceptable range. Also make sure that the dome or whatever you are using is properly cleaned and the moisture isn't escaping.

also when the seed sink,should i insert in the coir,how long should the taproot be visible before planting,or as soon as they sink?

As soon as they sink drop the seed into the medium and cover with a very small piece of medium. The seed should only be roughly 1/8 - 1/4 inch deep. Sometimes you may see the tap root visible, but it's not necessary.

Whatever banana method you are using I have not heard of. But I think it is probably overkill, as germinating seeds requires NOTHING additional besides a little moisture. I would ditch the banana, but that's just me.

subsidy how long does it take for your seed to sprout?

After seeds sink it will take anywhere between 24 hours to a week. Don't be alarmed if nothing sprouts after 5 or 6 days. Some strains need the extra time.

Doesn't anybody just put seeds in rockwool cubes and place in a dome on top of a warming pad. I've barely lost any seeds this way.

warming pads are good if you have one. Avoid the ones that get hot spots. Also be careful some are very hot and will 'cook' your seeds. Warmth is key. There are a few ways to achieve this. Placing seeds on a warm computer or internet router or digital cable box work too as long as these devices keep running. Just be careful not to over do it with the heat.

 

[Rotti By Nature]

Thanks for the Tips everyone. This thread helped me out a lot!

Thanks again.

RBN

 

[JackJayUK]

Hi everyone, I'm about to start my first and I can't help thinking that if I'm to pay £150+ for 10 seeds then I obviously want to maximise their chances of success. Heated Propogators are readily available, are they a worthwhile investment? Or not really necessary?

Thanks for feedback.

-Jay.

 

[sweetestsin420]

1

 

[Goodkarma]

I trim the corners of a square bottomed 16-18 oz Solo cup, then fill with soil. Water the soil until it is moist.
Take a pencil or a pen and poke into soil between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. You can wrap tape around pencil to gauge depth. Drop in seed and pinch soil above seed.
Put cups in top shelf of closet. Turn portable heater with thermostat on until room is 90 degrees for a couple hours. I have thermometer on shelf with cups.
Drop temp to 85 and seeds should pop through soil within 2 to 5 days.

 

[JackJayUK]

I live in Northern England, where its around -3 at the minute. So maybe a Propogator is a worthwhile investment. Thanks for the info

 

[JackJayUK]

I suppose a lot of it is having the confidence to do the paper towel method etc which comes with experience, something I have little of at this present time.

 

[S_a_H]

For those that started them outside of a medium like dirt or coco but in say a wet paper towel or just a cup of water I have a question.


By starting them this way do you find that you have a hassle getting shells and the inner membrane off before it dries ? Because it seems when I start them like above I end up screwing with them using a toothpick.

But when I start in a cup of dirt I don't mess with them as much.

S_a_H

 

[rasputin]

Direct sow. No paper towels necessary.

If the seed is older than a year or has a particularly thick shell soak in water for 24 hours or until tails emerge. Then plant into your medium of choice.

K.I.S.S.

 

[offthehook]

First I water toroughly. Then I wait 2 days. (both in as well as outdoors)

After that I do exactly like SML:

best way is they way nature does it . put seed 1/4 inchunder soil cover,water lightly and let nature do its thing

But only when I have plenty of seeds.
When doing smaller amounts, like shitty expensive 10 packs, then I prefere the moist cotton methode. Gives me more control.

Also to pregerminate large amounts of seeds for outdoors I prefere the moist cotton methode.
1.5 days in moist cotton should kick most off, then off into the soil when seeds have cracked.
I would not wanna have long roots protruding to fiddle about.
The reason I do this would be to get even germination rates. Spring here is still rather cold.

The trick about moist cotton is that it should be verry dry for optimal succes.
I found it best to position moist cotton slabs inbetween two planks inside the jaws of my vice, then give it a firm squeeze untill water stops dropping out.

Old seeds get remarkeble better germ rates when put in a matchbox with some coarse glass paper inside that's glued to the bottom.
Shake gently for about 2 minutes untill some scale dust appears.

 

[sweetestsin420]

1

 

[Texan]

I get 100% germination when I drop seed in a cup of lukewarm water. When they sink to the bottom, I scoop them out and plant. Usually, I see sprouts within 3 days of planting.

 

[sweetestsin420]

1