Germination of your weed Seeds: What You Need to Know
When growing your weed plants at home your first step after ordering your seeds is the weed germination stage of growth. There are a few different tried and tested methods to do this, and in this blog post, we will be discussing those methods. You may want to try a few different ways to find the one that works best for you and your ladies.
Always remember to order feminized seeds if you are want to grow a smokeable product. Below I will explain in detail our favourite germination method. I will also suggest other useful methods of germination to get you on your way. It’s helpful to know that weed seeds do not need light to germinate. However, a humid environment and an ambient temperature of about 20 ° C is essential.
To germinate a weed seed, there are various methods. Here are the top three general ways to germinate a weed seed:
- Using a moist medium in a plastic bag
- In a cup of water
- Directly in the soil
Our favourite go-to method to put them in a wet paper towel and then in a zip-lock bag.
Whichever method you choose to grow your seeds the ideal temperature should be between 20 and 25 ° C; otherwise, the seeds will not germinate optimally or at all.
Method #1: weed Germination Stage of Growth Using a Moist Medium
For the first method of germinating in a cup of water: fill a water cup and add the weed seeds. After 12 to 14 hours, remove the seeds from the water and spread them on a plate between two layers of damp paper towel. Next, place the plate in a dark and sheltered place. It is essential that the paper towel stays moist at all times. Daily I will check its moisture level and add water if necessary. Do not use too much water here. The seeds only have to be moist. Within two to four days, the seeds should burst. But be patient, because it may take longer up to a maximum of 6 days.
After about a week you do not notice any change in the seed then it may be possible that you have a dud or a unsproutable seed. This is possible and is why we always order a couple of extra seeds just in case some do not germinate. When roots become visible on your sprout anywhere between 4-6 days, it is essential that you plant your germs into the soil. If they are starting to grow roots from the sprout, then they are beginning to require more nutrients which they will need from the soil. At this point, if you wait too long, the shoots will start to rot.
Helpful Hints:
Always ensure your hands are clean when touching the plants or sprouts. When spreading the seeds on cotton wool or paper towels, make sure you moisten the surface well and keep it moist during the germination process.
Method #2: weed Germination Stage of Growth in Water:
Again your ideal temperature to germinate here should be between 20 and 25 ° C; otherwise, the seeds will not germinate optimally or not at all. Fill a cup with water and add the seeds. After about 3-5 days the seeds should burst open, and a small root should be visible. Once the shoot is 2mm to 3mm in size, carefully remove the seeds from the water and plant them in. Place the sprouted marijuana seed 0.5 cm – 1 cm deep, with the root down in the soil, so that the root can grow easily downwards. Pack your soil, compost, or medium around the germinated sprout loosely and add water right away to give your plants the best chance at growth.
Method #3: weed Germination Stage of Growth in Soil/Compost:
The direct germination of hemp seeds in the soil is also a popular method. You do not have to handle the fragile sprout, which is why it is not disturbed in its growth process. However, the chances of the seeds germinating are slightly less than with other methods. If you choose this method, it is essential to use good soil. You can find out about the different types of soil, compost, or growing medium in other posts on Weed Grow weed.
For this method just put the hemp seed in damp soil about 1 cm deep.
Cover it lightly with soil and always remember to keep the area moist but not too wet. A healthy seed should germinate with sufficient moisture after about 1- 7 days. With good seeds and proper handling, this method is promising, but the overall germination rate is lower. The soil must be loose so that the plant can quickly grow to the surface. Dense soil is hard for the roots to penetrate and can lead to delays.
Using Peat Bales or Starter Pods:
Peat bales (peat pots) are very useful for growing a hemp seedling or cuttings. The peat bales are sold in pressed tablets when you buy them and must swell in water before they can be used to grow anything.
To start, place the peat bales soaked in water and let them absorb and fully expand in the water. When they are soaked in water, the pills expand to bales and a net around the bale holds it together. This net can and must also stay around the bundle. Since the roots can grow through the thin netting, this also poses no problem for the growing root system.
Place the pods is a mini greenhouse or use a plastic cup you can purchase at the dollar store and place your pods inside. In a sunlit place and put the weed seeds with the pointed side down in a 1cm hole at the top, so that the moist peat bale surrounds the seed.
Tips:
Always practice your patience! The time needed for the seed to germinate may vary from species to species. We found that overall our Sativa strains took 2-4 days longer to sprout, so it’s helpful to keep that in mind.
As soon as the first two seedling leaves emerge the seedling needs regular and lots of light (about 14-18 hours daily). It is always best to have your seedlings close to a well light area or under your lights to ensure for the best possible start.
After 1-2 weeks, the seedling has grown into a small plant with 2-3 pairs of leaves. At this point, the roots have developed and should protrude through the net to the outside or be visible. Do not disturb the root system at his point leave it alone and let mother nature work its magic.
From this point on, the hemp plant is ready to be potted into its final destination with the peat bale, net, and all.
Mini Greenhouses and Growboxes:
Mini greenhouses offer an ideal growing climate and help protect the young and still very sensitive hemp plants against the excessive wind a fluctuation in temperatures.
Since liquids in a greenhouse can escape more easily after evaporation, the percentage of humidity remains higher and more ideal for growing seedlings.
If you are using a grow box or tent it can be useful to transfer your seedlings into your growbox at this point. Now you will be able to control the climate and environment your plants are in which is always important.
Whichever way you choose to germinate always remember that this is the first start of your plant so make sure to take care of your babies so that they have the best start possible.