To germinate marijuana seeds, whatever your choice is: feminized, regular or autoflowering ones, our intention is to get 100% germination ratio. To get so, SantYerbasi recommends the classic method for germination. In this post we will explain all methods to germinate cannabis seeds with best results taking note of our experience.
There are many methods to germinate seeds properly. Due to some of them can reach better results, from SantYerbasi we will focus on those germination techniques that get better results and also are easy to do.
Germinate seeds between wet papers
This germination method is, in our opinion, the best formula to get all your seeds germinated in less time. The process is simple, you just need to put the seeds between two wet kitchen papers, so they can absorb humidity, open their shield and develope its root.
To germinate seeds between wet papers we'll need:
Two plates.
Paper towel.
Bottled water.
*Atention: We specially do not recommend using destilate water, nor Reverse osmoted water, for this step due to its low minerals content. Even seeds don't need much minerals, for this step it is recommended to proceed with bottleled water.
How to germinate marijuana seeds step by step
1.- Place one plate on a table.
2.- Take two pieces of paper towel fold them as a square making 1 thicker piece.
3.- Dampen the paper towel with water (Atention! once dampened place the paper in vertical position and, with the help of your fingers slip the paper so all the extra water slips.
4.- Place the dampen paper over the first plate.
Place the seeds on the paper, with certain distance between them so they won't mix when sproud,
7.- Take two more pieces of paper towel (and as in step 3) dampen it and place it over the seeds.
8.- Place the second plate (up side down) over the first one so you'll create a "greenhouse" that conserves humidity.
9.- Leave the plates in a warm place at home, checking every 24 hours how the germination process is going, and the humidity of the paper. If the paper dries dampen it again. If it's still wet leave it as it goes. If you water it again, make sure you don't over-water it, too much water could roten the seeds.
10.- Once the seeds are germinated (1-2 cm root) fill the pots with good quality soil, water the substrate and make a little hole in the soil with you finger (the hole should be the same deep the root has). Place the root looking down and the seed looking up, covering all the root with soil but leaving the seed under light (so it can follow its process without any problem.
Advantages of germination using papel towel
This method allows the grower to control the exact stage of the germination process before putting them in the susbtrate, no leaving any chance about if it's germinated or not.
Using no substrate, there is no danger to loose seeds in the susbtrate because putting them too deep.
Probably the fastest method. Germination within this method usually takes: 3-5 days.
Germinate seeds in jiffys
Even our favourite method to germinate marijuana seeds is described before, there are many growers that choose to germinate their seeds within jiffys. Jiffys are dried peat bags. This is a valid method, but not too good if we like to germinate autoflowering seeds, wich can be negative affected by the bag that envolves the peat.
How to germinate seeds in jiffys
1.- Take a container and fill it with bottleled water and root booster.
2.- Put the jiffys in de conteiner soaking the water until they are completely swollen.
3.- Take the jiffys out and squeeze the so they drop the unnecessary water.
4.- Place the jiffys in a tray with the hole looking up.
5.- Put one seed in each jiffy, placing the seed about 2-4mm deep and covering it with the peat.
6.- Leave the in a warm place at home until we see the seeds sproud showing out the first pair of leaves (5-7 days). Re-hydrate if necessary during the process.
7.- Once the plant has developed its first pair of leaves we can transplant to pots undertaking the whole jiffy in soil, leaving just the two leaves on the surface.
Advantages of seed germination in jiffy
Jiffys are an easy way to germinate, specially to choose the proper moment to move them to their future pots.
Peat absorbs more water than paper towel, so needs less atention until germination.
Plants germinated in jiffy can develope more before placing them in pots.
Disadvantages of germinating seeds in jiffy
Being pressed peat, jiffys are so dirty to work with.
It can't be used for hydroponics.
Like seeds placed directly in soli, once the seed is in the jiffy we won't know what's exactly happening until germination occurs and we seed the root system growing out.
Autoflowering seeds can be negatively affected due to the thin fabric that covers the peat, wich can cause that some plants become dawrfs.
Germinate marijuana seeds in rockwool
Hydroponic growers usually use rockwool to germinate seeds due to cleaning needdings of these systems, that require a clean susbtrate.
The process to germinate seeds in rockwool is similar to the one we use with jiffys, with only two differences:
- Rockwool must be cleaned, and also pH corrected to pH 5,8, before using.
- Rockwool retains less water than peat, so you don't need to squeeze it one soaked in water.
Advantages of germinating seeds in rockwool
Rockwool is a clean, and secure, substrate specially for those hydroponic and aeroponic growers, where jiffys could be a problem.
Much quicker propagation. Root system penetrates faster in rockwhool than in any other substrate.
Disadvantages og germinating marijuana seeds in rockwool
Rockwool must be cleaned and pH corrected before using for seedlings.
Rockwool requires to be soaked in water oftenly (2-3 days) due to its low water retention.
Once seeds have germinated, due to being humid, light can create some green mold in the susbtrate (Silicates like Mineral Magic can be very helpfull to solve this problem).
From Santyerbasi we wish you to have 100% satisfaction germinating seeds, and hope these explanations help you to reach your goals.
Best regards