what is the best way to germinate seeds?

[cracker420]

hello everyone, i got my beans today and was wondering what the best/most reliable way to germinate them is? thanks!!

 

[cracker420]

i am using the paper towl and the ziploc bag method right now

 

[DKBuddy]

honestly i think all methods work good if the beans are quality ....

i simply put mine in a glass water and place them a dark place with high humidity .. works just fine!

 

[cracker420]

thanks DK! so dark is good, i have them in my clone tray right now cuz i thought the heat ma would speed things up

 

[cracker420]

does heat help?

 

[FreezerBoy]

Warmth helps. Say in the 75ºF range. Paper towels have no special powers. Whatever you think paper will do, a legitimate substrate will do better and, added bonus, you'll be planted. The only benefits to towels are mold, rot, starvation, root breakage and death.

Don't germ in what you can't grow in.

 

[highestground]

this works best for me.....

this works best for me.....

.....set germination heating pad to 75 degrees F, presoak Rapid Rooters in water with 1 drop Super Thrive per gallon, place Rapid Rooters on heating pad, place 1 seed in the hole in each Rooter, FILL IN THE HOLE WITH SOME SEED STARTING SOIL (important, helps separate the seedling from the seed shell) moisten the added soil, keep Rooters moist and in the dark until they pop.

 

[habeeb]

straight in soil, placed in a humidity dome with heat mat, not over 85F , get light on them, as the light will shine through the soil, and will pop out green and healthy

 

[Marshmello]

This worked for me....

This worked for me....

Soaked them in this little cup for about 18hrs on a shelf in the closet.

100% with tails showing:

Planted into cups of coco.

I dropped them on 9/17 and this is them yesterday:

Good Luck with whichever way you go!

 

[sirbudsalot]

I've had good results using the technique suggested by Mandala seeds:
http://www.mandalaseeds.com/html/germination.html

I've had two 5/5 germination runs with this method, plus this avoids any damage that may result from handling the fragile tap roots.

(I know, ten beans isn't a large sample size, but give me time...)

 

[b1oK0mp0St3R]

I second the opinion that if they are good genes and you throw 'em in a cup with clean water, you should see tap roots forming within 24- 48 hrs, as long as it is not below 70F in the room. It is nice to watch them germ.

Some seeds may need a light scuff-> done by placing in a match box with an emery board (nail file) inside.

Others, such as landrace genetics may take longer to come out of their shell, since they have acclimatized to their local areas, some that are very dry and hot, and then very wet ( i.e.-monsoon/ desert regions).

Peace,
BKompost

Good luck

 

[cracker420]

awesome thanks for the info everyone!!!! i think i will just throw them in my soilmix and see what happens. i dont really likr the paper towel idea..

 

[FreezerBoy]

As b1o mentions, scuffing or, scarification can speed things up. I scrape edges with an Xacto blade before germming in rockwool. I commonly see sprouts in 36-48 hours.

 

[furley]

As b1o mentions, scuffing or, scarification can speed things up. I scrape edges with an Xacto blade before germming in rockwool. I commonly see sprouts in 36-48 hours.

Are you talking of the actual seed shell that you scrape? Consistently scraped around, or will just some amount of scarring produce beneficial times?

 

[Seismic]

As b1o mentions, scuffing or, scarification can speed things up. I scrape edges with an Xacto blade before germming in rockwool. I commonly see sprouts in 36-48 hours.

I also use scarification, except in soil/soiless medium. An easy was to scuff the seeds if you don't want to use an Xacto blade, is to line the inside of a matchbox with fine grit sandpaper. Throw your seeds in, and give them a shake for about 30 seconds, then straight into the dirt. I have had really good success using this method, near or at 100% everytime.

 

[AKDrifter]

Another vote for the paper towels. Moist paper towel beans dropped on then fold her up and into a ziplock bag. Once the sprouts have tails into soil they go. My last attempt with 5 beans each of four strains I had 100% germ in 48hrs and ready for soil (had 18 crack in 24hrs). Leave the baggie in a warm dark place....hehhhaa not that warm dark place.

 

[FreezerBoy]

Are you talking of the actual seed shell that you scrape? Consistently scraped around, or will just some amount of scarring produce beneficial times?

I scrape the seam of the shell where the seed will eventually split open. Mother Nature has already made that area the weakest and most prone to absorption.

Note I've used Xactos professionally for years and thus know how to use them safely. They are SURGICALLY SHARP and can cause GREAT BODILY INJURY!!! Not kidding around here, they can cut your finger clean off! If that sounds a little scary (and it should) you may want to use sand paper, emery boards etc.

 

[furley]

That's really interesting, thanks for sharing the info

 

[Tony Aroma]

I also use scarification, except in soil/soiless medium. An easy was to scuff the seeds if you don't want to use an Xacto blade, is to line the inside of a matchbox with fine grit sandpaper. Throw your seeds in, and give them a shake for about 30 seconds, then straight into the dirt. I have had really good success using this method, near or at 100% everytime.

I do something similar. I took a small piece of sandpaper and rolled it into a tube, rough side in, and taped to keep it rolled up. I also taped a piece of sandpaper over one end. I put the seeds in the tube, cover the open end with the palm of my hand, and shake.

 

[b1oK0mp0St3R]

Nice, Tony kinda like the match box, but more fun to make; and you don't need a match box. che

Quality beans of a non- landrace nature (~inbred for indoor growing) should really sprout with a good throw down lazy germ style I call it.

Compared to glass, aluminum, or plastic cups... crystal seems to work best.
The Chinese mention something about vibrations of energy.
Yes, life energy is needed for seed germination IMO.

We do the seedy macarena with the matchboxes, and swear it helps...lol, the things stoners will believe!