Growing Cannabis: The Different Techniques of Germinating Seeds
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Germination is a process you perform before you plant the seeds. Whether you choose to plant indoors or outdoors, this step is essential for the growth of your crop, which is why you have to do it properly.
Before germinating costly cannabis seeds, I suggest you try germinating regular seeds first. Practice might not make it perfect, but it sure can make the proper technique permanent. Germinating common seeds first is also beneficial to avoid wasting expensive ones.
After practicing with regular seeds, you’re now ready for the real deal.
The Different Techniques of Germinating Marijuana Seeds
The Soaking Method
This is by far the most trusted and effective method of germinating seeds especially cannabis. For this technique, you’ll need a regular coffee cup filled with warm water. The first step is to place the seeds inside the cup and remove any seeds that float. Those that float aren’t viable, so better stick with the best seeds. Next, cover the cup using a lid. This will inhibit light from reaching the seeds. Let the seeds germinate for 48 hours or more. Take note that some seeds might demonstrate the sprout in a matter of 24 hours, but that depends on the other factors that affect the germination process.
Germination in soil
Many growers favor germinating seeds in soil because it’s also easy and efficient. For this method, you’ll need a pot filled with soil. Once you have that, add water to the pot and allow it to drain from the hole at the bottom of your pot. Then, dig soil from the surface and poke the soil using a pointed tool and let it go beneath a quarter inch. Put the seed in and fill up the hole with soil. Sprinkle water for moisture and keep it damp until you see a tiny sprout emerging. Bear in mind that the seed will need a normal room temperature to germinate in soil, that’s around 78° Fahrenheit. If you use this method, the seed will germinate after 5 to 7 days.
Paper Towel Technique
For this approach, you’ll need two paper towels, two dishes, and water. First, you have to boil some water. Using the boiled water, rinse the two dishes to make sure there are no bacteria left on them. Next, submerge the paper towels in hot water and squeeze them. The towels should be damp and warm. Now put one paper towel in a dish and add some seeds. Cover them using another paper towel then place the other plate to conceal the seeds. Remember that you need to hide them from sunlight or any other source of light from their surroundings during germination. The seeds will take 2-5 days to germinate using this method. Be careful not to leave the sprouted seeds on the towel longer than they should. As soon as the sprouts show up, remove the seeds from the paper towel.
Using propagation kits
Using these affordable kits is also an effective way. The first thing you’ll do is to pour the seeds from small holes then add the germination hormone provided in the kit. The process will start right after that. Just adhere to the directions that come with the kit, and you’ll see good results.
Germination in Peat Briquette
You’ll need water and a peat briquette for this method. First, soak a peat briquette in water and allow it to expand. Second, put a seed into a hole. Remember that it should be kept in a hot temperature such as in 95° Fahrenheit. Keep it damp and again, wait for the sprouts to appear. This method is believed to be the safest way to germinate a cannabis seed.
Turning into a Seedling
Once the sprout is a quarter inch long, you have to replant the seed in a pot or a rockwool tray. They can’t stay where they are forever. The pot will be the seed’s abode until it grows up to be a cannabis plant. The seedling of marijuana is simply a couple of two leaves called cotyledon or seedling leaf. The cotyledon is the storage of food, and it is responsible for the health of the upcoming plant. It will turn pale, yellow, then drop down once the actual leaves turn up in the plant. During this time, the young plant will require delicate. At this stage, the leaves of the plant have three laminae. Whatever you do, don’t overwater the marijuana plant and remember to give them the right amount of light only.
Don’t fret if the growth of your plant is slow at this stage. It’s still empowering itself from the inside. At this point, the roots are still developing and strengthening themselves as preparation for the growth of the marijuana plant. Never overwater or over fertilize your plant thinking it’ll escalate the growth rate. You might kill it. Also, remember not to expose it to too much light. A marijuana seedling only requires about 16 hours of light every single day.
Transplanting
The next thing you’d want to do is to transplant your seedlings, in a pot or rockwool tray, into a hydroponic system or garden where they can grow to yield high-quality weed. For transplanting, you’ll need to dig a hole in the soil or wherever and carefully add the seedling inside. Don’t worry if you accidentally dropped the seedling along with the rockwool tube; it won’t affect the growth of the marijuana plant in any way.
Learn more about transplanting in this video.