How to Germinate Marijuana Seeds?
While germination of cannabis seeds is a relatively quick and easy process, there are a number of important factors to consider in order to achieve the highest possible germination rate. In addition, we are also interested that the seeds germinate as quickly as possible, and above all that there is no problem such as a fungal infection or a low germination rate.
Today we propose to know which are the main mistakes made during this process, mistakes that, as we will see, can be solved very easily. Let’s see how many growers fail when germinating their seeds, it will be a good way to learn what not to do if we want to make the most of our seeds.
Let the Germination Medium Dry
By placing the autoflowering cannabis seeds in a moist growing medium, it begins a series of reactions that will lead to germination in a few hours or days. Whatever the substrate on which we are going to germinate, we must ensure that it does not ever dry out completely, since the seed will most likely cease its activity by not capturing moisture around it and will never germinate.
Thus, it is convenient to check daily that the germination medium remains humid, especially when heat sources are used to achieve a higher temperature and therefore a better germination rate; the heat will cause the substrate to dry more quickly, something that must be kept in mind to avoid unpleasant surprises. Or you can also buy them from any online trusted shop. Such as marijuana seeds for sale available at Dutch Seeds Shop.
Germinating the Seeds for too Long
The subsequent transplant is very difficult, and it is very likely that we will damage the root when trying. In addition, the longer the root is exposed to air and light, the more damaged it will be, so it is preferable to transplant it before this happens.
To avoid problems, it is best to plant the seeds when their radicle is about 1cm, 2 at the most. It will be much easier for us to plant and also, we will not harm the development of the roots, which can be expanded by the new growing medium without setbacks.
Germinate Directly in the Soil or Pot
It is a common mistake that usually results in zero germination, especially if it has not been watered before putting the seed and it is done later. By burying the seed directly in the substrate, we run the risk of it being buried too deeply, especially if we water the crop medium after having put the seed to germinate.
We will achieve much better results if we germinate the seeds in kitchen paper, jiffies or blocks of the same that are used to root cuttings and transplant them to the ground or to the pot once the small seedlings have been born.
Temperature and Humidity for Germination
Cannabis seeds germinate well with relatively high temperature and humidity values. It will be necessary, especially during certain times of the year, to use a heat source to achieve a temperature of about 26-28ºC. For this purpose, there are many options on the market, such as heating cables or heated greenhouses. The latter are particularly interesting because they also provide a high level of humidity, ideal for seed germination.
Ideally, keep the germination medium at around 26-28ºC and 70% humidity. Lower values will result in slower and less successful germination, while higher values can lead to fungal or rot problems.
Planting the Seed, the Wrong Way
If you look closely at a cannabis seed, you will notice that it has a slightly oval shape, ending in a point at one end and forming a small “crater” at the other, which is called a crown. It is a seed already germinated on kitchen paper that you want to plant) you must bear in mind that this crown must always be looking up.Thus, you must plant the seed with the tip down and the crown up, facing you.
Depth to Bury the Seed
Often the seed is buried too deep (a problem that we have already seen in case of watering after planting the seed), so the seedling may never emerge. Otherwise, if we bury it too close to the surface, we may find that it germinates well but the stem grows weak, bending and not allowing a correct development of the small plant.
To avoid these problems, it is best to bury the seed about 2cm deep. In addition, as the seedling grows, we can gradually bury the lower half of the stem. This way we will be able to accelerate the growth of the plants.