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Germinating Marijuana Seeds

There are many simple methods for germinating marijuana seeds that prove successful… providing you are using good, viable seeds and every step is executed correctly. Most quality seeds will show their taproots within 24 hrs, and all marijuana seeds should show taproots within 72 hrs!

Pre-soaking your seeds before planting them is a terrific way to ensure a greater germination percentage and faster germination rates. There are a few different methods of soaking marijuana seeds; the two most popular being the “Paper-Towel ethod” and “Standard” (soaking in a cup or similar object), both of which yield similar results if done correctly (taproot emerges in approx. 24 hrs.)

Paper Towel Method:

MATERIALS:

Paper-towels (at least 2 sheets), 2 plates/dishes (or similar object), warm water.

PROCEDURE:

This method involves placing the seeds between folded, wet paper towels that are kept moist and warm in an area between 75-85 degrees, such as on the top of the refrigerator. For best results, use water that is a bit warmer than room-temperature to compensate for any drop in temperature), and place the paper towel on a small plate and cover the plate with another plate/dish (to prevent heat from escaping, as well as protect the seeds from light). Also, using more than one sheet of paper-towel above and below the seeds will yield better results, as well as adding more warm water to the paper-towel and bottom dish before covering the whole arrangement with the second plate. After a period of 48 hours and up to 1 week, the vast majority of viable seeds will crack open with a white root tip emerging. Be careful not to allow the new sprout to dry out, so check it daily!

WARNING: It is imperative that the seeds are removed from the paper-towel as soon as the taproots as/have emerged; If the seeds are left to soak for too long, delicate micro-roots can be torn when the seeds are removed from the paper-towel, which will temporarily retard germination/growth as well as stress the plant (which could possibly result in an unfavourable male/hermaphrodite).

Standard Soaking Method:

MATERIALS:

Cup/mug (one that retains heat well; i.e. ceramic coffee cup), plate/dish/lid (big enough to cover cup/mug/etc.), warm water.

PROCEDURE:

In this method of germinating marijuana seeds, the grower places his/her seed(s) in a cup/mug of some sort, which is filled with warm water. I use a ceramic coffee cup – as it is a good conductor of heat – and I cover it with a ceramic plate (again, to prevent heat from escaping, as well as shield seeds from light).

For best results, use water that is a bit warmer than room temperature (again, to compensate for any drop in temperature). It is normal for the seed(s) to float on the surface; just let the them soak for a while then give them a little tap to make them sink (the best, most viable seeds will sink to the bottom). Although it is virtually impossible to over-soak seeds using this method, seeds should only be soaked until the taproot has emerged.

At this point, the seedling is gently placed in the growing medium approximately 1/2 inch deep with the root tip pointed downward. Seeds can also be placed directly into the grow medium with the pointed end facing upwards to germinate without the transplanting step. The medium is kept uniformly moist until the young seedling emerges on the surface.

TIP: (for soil-growers) If you want to further increase your germination rates, simply plant your seed(s) shallow; approx. 1-2 cm. deep. The seedling(s) should break the soil-surface within 24 hrs., or 48 hrs. for most (again, assuming you are using good viable seeds – otherwise, it may take another day or two). Once the seedling(s) has/have sprouted, add a little extra soil at the base of the stem(s) for additional support and root-protection.

NOTE: Regardless of which method you use, seeds should be soaked in a dark, warm environment for the best results. Once the taproot (tiny, white root-tip) emerges from the seeds, they are ready to be planted.

Start with good Marijuana Genetics

Before germinating marijuana seeds, it is extremely important to start with good genetics. Potency, aroma, growth speed, maturation period, resistance to fungus and pests, all of these factors are considered by the seasoned gardener and you will benefit enormously by finding a strain that is bred for your local climate and/or growing environment.

If growing indoors, you should make sure to begin with some quality Indica/Sativa hybrid marijuana seeds as they have the best characteristics for indoor growth. A good hybrid indica/sativa mix will have the energetic, cerebral high of the sativa and the early maturation tendencies of the Indica plant.

The Indica plant is easily recognized by its extremely broad leaves that are very rounded on the sides. The Sativa plan has very narrow, finger-like leaves and generally takes longer to flower. A hybrid will have qualities of both and have leaves that are a cross of these two types, thinner leaves than an Indica, but much broader than a Sativa. It is possible to recognize a good hybrid by
the leaves once you know what to look for. Look for seeds that are dark brown or light grey. Some may have dark lines inset into these colors, like tiger stripes. White, small seeds are immature and should not be planted.

“>Medical Marijuana Seeds for the Medical Marijuana Community.

About the Author

Medical Marijuana Seeds offers medical marijuana seeds for the medical marijuana community.

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