The Best Way To Germinate Seeds
When it comes to germinating cannabis seeds there are many different ways to get those tiny jewel boxes of prized genetics to pop. In response to my scientific investigations exploring different methodologies for germinating seeds, Marijuana Seed Breeders conducted a survey of experts and home growers to ask about their preferred method of germination. I wanted to share the results of this survey as well as some of my own tips for spouting your seeds. Let’s give our plants the best chances possible to grow into their full potential by starting them off right.
-ED
The Most Common Way to Germinate Cannabis Seeds
Every spouted seed counts. The more plants the better, right? In the survey we conducted Marijuana Seed Breeders set out to understand how marijuana growers around the world germinate their cannabis seeds.
We asked:
What is your preferred seed germination method?
Glass of water
Wet Towel
Directly in soil
Stone wool blocks
Using a starter kit
Other, please explain:
Here are the stats on the other answers.
#1. Wet Towel (37.3%).
#2. Other. 21.1% of the growers follow another germination routine.
#3. Directly in Soil. A surprisingly high percentage (19%) put their precious seeds directly in soil!
#4. Starter kits. 10% use starter kits
#5. Glass of water is the best way for 8.5% of the growers.
#6. Stonewool (3.5%).
Next, we asked a great grouping of experts to see how they germinate their seeds. Our experts were
#1. Dr. Dina, The Queen of Cannabis, Co-Owner of AHHS WeHo
#2. James Loud, Founder of Loud Genetics Loud Seeds
#3. Jennifer Martin, Founder Cultivation Sector Consulting LLC
#4. Jesce Horton, Founder and CEO LOWD
#5. Melanie Carruthers, Director of Propagation 7ACRES
#6. Ryan Douglas, Cannabis Growth Consultant Ryan Douglas Cultivation
#7. Rudy Ellenbogen, Founder and CEO Whole Grow
Let's dive right in!
Dr. Dina, The Queen of Cannabis, Co-Owner of AHHS WeHo
When someone gets a nickname from Snoop Dogg and when that person is referred to as the Queen of Cannabis, the Mona Lisa of Mary Jane as well as the Queen of Weed and the main character of the eight season series Weeds is based on them, then you know that you are dealing with a true expert. I prefer to germinate My seeds in root gel (clonex) and stick them in cubes. Paper towels work well too, but I think the root gel gives the seeds the extra push to become a strong plant. Happy gardening!
- Dr. Dina, The Queen of Cannabis
James Loud, Founder of Loud Genetics
Well it’s a loaded question because it depends on scale. I sterilize in an h2o2 Soak then germinate in a jiffy #7 typically. However, large scale I prefer a needle/vacuum seeder to place the seeds evenly in the substrate. Well and with autoflower I believe direct sow in optimal conditions can yield better results.
- James Loud, Loud Seeds
Jennifer Martin, Owner Cultivation Sector Consulting LLC
I use coco plugs. I gave up the wet paper towel method years ago because managing the moisture was too cumbersome.
I buy coco plugs that come in the 50-cell sheet, make a light nutrient mix, put all of the plugs in a pitcher of the nutrient mix, squeeze them to fully saturate them with the mix, put them back in the cell sheet, push a seed into each hole, and put a dome on the tray under the light.
Then I just keep the plugs moist. The seeds start to pop in about 3 days. Some take up to a week. I leave them in there until they overgrow the tray, then transplant into 3" pots.
- Jennifer Martin, Cultivation Sector Consulting LLC
Jesce Horton, Founder and CEO, LOWD
I’m a water glass guy. I like to know before planting which seeds are more vigorous and then assess based on that benchmark throughout the growth process.
I carefully pull the seeds with a spoon and drop them into a coco mixture a day or two after they pop.
- Jesce Horton, LOWD
Melanie Carruthers, Director of Propagation, 7ACRES
Our processes at 7ACRES for seed germination use a combination of a glass of water and wet towel.
- Melanie Carruthers, 7ACRES
Ryan Douglas, Cannabis Growth Consultant Ryan Douglas Cultivation
I prefer to start seeds in a seedling tray
- Ryan Douglas, Ryan Douglas Cultivation
Ed Rosenthal, author, educator, social activist, and legalization pioneer.
Thanks to all for sharing your advice. I use starter trays and plugs from iHort – EXcel T-50 and 32 Star Excel trays to start seeds. They come pre-moistened, with a little hole to drop a seed. I use the 50 per tray when I will be transplanting within two weeks and the 32 per tray for growing up to 3 weeks.
I like them because:
• They are sterile
• They cut prep time to zero-Just drop the seed
• They hold water but have plenty of air space, so they can’t be overwatered.
• Roots grow well in the medium
• The entire cube with roots can be planted without disturbing the roots.
When I’m using fresh seed, I just drop them into the hole in the cube. With stale seeds, first I soak them in a 0.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution for 3-4 hours. The recipe is 1 part drugstore 3% H2O2 to 5 parts water. This sterilizes their surfaces. Then they soak in mycos and liquid kelp solution for about 6 hours. Then they are placed in the cubes. Upon first signs of germination, I water them with mycos and kelp to promote root growth. The next day they are watered with a weak combo of veg and flowering formula about 400 PPM.
Ed Rosenthal by Dabsel Adams