Seeds first
All plants start as seeds and the marijuana plant is no different. What looks like a tiny pebble is an entire plant. This tiny pebble conveniently stores enough food for a few days to support itself during the germination process. The food is converted into sugars. The plant then uses this to break through its shell and starts forming its roots.
From this point onwards the young seedling will depend on the environment to provide the necessary nutrients it will require to ensure survival.
Germination
Germination will bring the seed out of its fallow state and will trigger the start of the growth process. As soon as the seed has received enough moisture it will begin germinating. This is the point that the seed increases in size and starts breaking open its shell. An opening will form, and a small taproot will become visible, this root will enable the plant to start absorbing nutrients from the earth. Mother Nature and the downward force of gravity will ensure that the root grows downwards and the stem upwards. So amazing, creating a young seedling that can survive off the earth and light.
Knowing how to identify a healthy seed is important, it can be quite a challenge to tell if a plant will be healthy based on its seed alone. There are a few signs that could indicate a healthy plant.
Generally speaking, here are a few different things to look at:
- A Darkened Colour: A good cannabis seed will either be brown, black, and/or grey. Immature seeds will either be white green seeds and unlikely to sprout. Good seeds should also have stripes or spots all the way around, however, some strains produce seeds that stay a green colour and are just as viable as a "darker" seed.
- A Waxy Coating/ feel: A thin waxy coating around it will indicate a good seed. This coating should appear to have a slight sheen to it.
- A Hard Shell: Your seed should be able to withstand being squeezed between your fingertips and if the seed crushes easily then the seed is more than likely to be weak or dormant and will not grow well.
- No Cracks: Your seed should not have any small crack or holes. This will most likely cause the seed not to sprout.
Germination planning
Seeds have been designed by mother nature to germinate; however, they are more likely to thrive if they are given the most ideal environment. With all the various germination methods the fundamentals are the same.
- Moisture to enable the seed to expand and break through its shell
- Very little interference to the delicate structures to ensure they aren’t accidentally broken
- The Temperature which should mimic springtime (between 20°-22° Celsius or 68°-72° Fahrenheit)
If you keep those three fundamentals in mind your germination attempts are more likely to be successful.
Successful germination is important. As the seed is the foundation for your plants. This is why many growers start with high-quality cannabis seeds. By soaking your seeds in 1% hydrogen peroxide or a compost tea solution for 12 hours before using them will improve your germination attempts and very possibly speed up this process. This process will kill any infectious agents.
Germinate Your Seeds 3 easy ways:
As most growers want, keep it simple and natural. A personal preferred method is to germinate seeds by soaking them for 24- hours in spring or bottled water and then this is followed by soil germination. Everyone will find their own method best suited for their grow. These are the three easiest ways to germinate cannabis seeds.
Direct Soil germination
Planting your seeds directly in the soil you plan on growing them in is the most common and successful method of germinating marijuana seeds. This method has minimal interference with the fragile root. This is also the most natural way for marijuana plants to grow.
When planting in soil use mildly fertilized potting soil or a seedling soil to start. The soil should have a ph. level of approximately 6. This soil type will contain spores and minerals that will help the young marijuana plants thrive. You should not add any additional nutrients as the potting soil contains enough nutrients for at least the first two weeks of the plant’s life. Adding additional nutrients could possibly kill your seedlings from a nutrient overdose. Place your soil in a small pot.
Preparing your soil for your seed by pushing your finger into it, creating a small hole that is up to 1.5cm deep. Place one seed into each prepared hole and cover lightly with soil. If you are planting an already germinated seed place the root facing downward. Once you’ve covered the seeds with loose soil do not tamper with them, do not push them down further into the soil as this will happen naturally as you water it.
Moisten the soil using a plant sprayer and place your pots under a fluorescent lamp.
You may be tempted to leave your pots on a windowsill, however, don't do this, the temperature is not stable for the germination process. The adequate temperature for your soil should be around 22° Celsius or 72° Fahrenheit which is easy to achieve with lighting.
Continue to monitor your soil to make sure it stays moist. Within a week you should notice stems emerging from the soil. You now have a cannabis seedling. Once your plants reach 5 to 10 centimeters, they can be transplanted into a larger pot. At this point, your plant will now have many roots that will support it for the rest of its life.
Water Germination:
Germinating in water is a favored method to start the germination of seeds. It has been found to be 90% effective, even though there is more water and light than what is recommended. The key is not to leave your seeds in the water for not too long. 12 to 24 hours is adequate for the seeds to show their tail.
Germinating in water is useful. It assures that the seeds get the right amount of moisture to start germinating. The process of germination is shortened by using this method and making it easier for the plant.
To germinate with water, fill a glass with store-bought bottled water and allowing it to reach room temperature. You do not need to add any additional nutrients. Place 2 to 3 cannabis seeds into the water and watch for any changes. Ensure that you refill the glass with fresh water every second day and try to maintain the temperature.
After about 2 to 4 days the seeds should start to split. You can place your seeds in the soil at any point, but once the roots are 3 to 5 mm (.1 to .2 inches) long, they must be planted.
Germinating seeds in water do have a downside at some point, you will be required to handle your seeds, this is could be potentially risky during the germination process as the seeds are delicate, and the roots are especially fragile. If they are harmed the plant might not develop well. When placing your sprouted seeds into the soil utmost care must be taken and place the roots facing downward.
Cotton Pads Germination:
Germinating your seeds using cotton pads is another simple yet effective method. This is a very common way of germinating because the cotton pads ensure the seeds are moist and protected. While cotton pads are the best for this method. Be sure to use eco-friendly cotton pads, any bleach more cause damage to your seeds.
Using cotton pads to germinate, place a few seeds between two cotton pads, and ensure the cotton pads are moist. Keep the temperature around 22° Celsius and refrain from placing the seeds on windowsills, you should notice in about 2 to 5 days, the seeds will start to split open, and a tiny root should appear. Place them in the soil when they are 3-5 mm.
Your growing environment plays a huge role in successful germination. Ensure that your seeds are provided with the correct temperature and levels of moisture to enable them to sprout into a strong, healthy plant.
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