Maintain high seed germination for a long time! Find out tips and tricks from SEO experts. Let your garden grow!

06. 09. 2023

If you are a cannabis enthusiast, you know that the key to success is quality germinating seeds. In this article, we'll take a look at the key factors that affect seed germination and give you tips and tricks to keep it as high as possible. We'll teach you how to properly select and store seeds, how to perform the germination process, and how to care for germinating seedlings so they grow into healthy, strong plants. In addition, we'll look at how to protect germinating seeds from diseases and pests, which is important for a successful start.

Contents:

Choosing quality seeds

Proper seed storage

Preparing seeds for germination

Germination methods

Caring for germinating seeds

Protection against diseases and pests

Selecting quality seeds

Importance of seed quality for successful germination

Seed quality is the cornerstone for successful cultivation. High germination ensures that all your efforts and care are not wasted. Seeds with high germination have a higher chance of growing quickly and healthily, which will later be reflected in the quality and quantity of the harvest. No matter what your growing skills, if you start with low quality seeds, you are more likely to have problems during germination and growth.

What factors to consider when choosing seeds

Source: choose a reliable seed supplier. Check their reputation and reviews from other growers. Quality seeds often come from reputable seed banks with a long track record.
Appearance and integrity: Seeds should be whole, undamaged and without visible defects. Cracked or damaged seeds are less likely to germinate successfully.
Colour: Mature seeds are usually darker in colour, while immature seeds may be lighter. Choose seeds with a consistent colour that indicates maturity.
Size: Larger seeds usually contain more nutrients, which can positively affect germination and initial growth. Choose seeds of sufficient size.
Genetics: plants grown from good quality, genetically stable seeds are more likely to germinate and grow as expected.
Expiry date: Avoid old seeds. Older seeds may have lower germination and emergence success.

Proper seed storage

Optimum conditions for seed storage

Temperature: store seeds in a cool, dry environment. The ideal temperature is usually around 5-10 °C. Cooler temperatures slow down seed ageing and increase the likelihood of successful germination.

Moisture: Seeds should be kept in a dry environment. Too high humidity can lead to mould and rotting of the seeds, which reduces germination. A suitable solution may be to add dry rice or silica gel to the seed container to absorb excess moisture.

Light: Seeds should be stored in a dark area. Direct sunlight can adversely affect seed germination.

Preparing seeds for germination

Seed soaking: When and how to do it

Seed soaking is an important step in preparing seeds for germination. The aim is to encourage the seeds to start the germination process, release enzymes and increase their hydration. Here are some steps to follow:

Time frame: It is usually recommended to soak seeds overnight or for a minimum of 8-12 hours.
Container and water: Use a container that is large enough for the seeds you plan to soak. Fill it with clean, non-mineralised water. The temperature of the water should be room temperature.
Soaking: Add the seeds to the water. Most of the time, just cover the seeds with water. Pour off any excess water.
Soaking Time: Let the seeds soak for the specified time. Then you can plant them for germination.

Why it is important and how to do it

Milking the seeds is the next step in preparing the seeds for germination. This process consists of creating optimal conditions for the seeds to germinate. Here are some steps on how to do it:

Substrate: Use a good quality substrate for germination, such as a special germination soil or mat. This will ensure that the seeds have sufficient access to oxygen and moisture.
Spread the soaked seeds on the surface of the substrate. Make sure they are not too close together so that air can move freely between the seeds.
Cover: You can lightly cover the seeds with a layer of substrate if this is recommended for a particular plant species.
Moisture: Keep the substrate slightly moist at all times. However, do not fill with too much water so that the seeds do not rot.

Germination methods

Different seed germination methods and techniques

There are several different methods and techniques for germinating seeds. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the most suitable one for a particular type of seed.

Cotton germination: This method involves placing the seeds between moist cotton slices or in a damp cotton swab. The seeds are then placed in a sealed container to maintain moisture. This method is suitable for smaller quantities of seeds.
Germination in a paper napkin: The seeds are placed between layers of a damp paper napkin. Fold the napkin so that the seeds are well covered. This method allows easy control of germination.
Germination in a jar of water: The seeds are placed in a jar of water. In this way you can monitor the progress of germination and root growth. Once a certain root length has been reached, you can plant the seeds.
Germination in a jar with moist substrate: The seeds are placed in a jar with moist substrate such as germination soil or coconut fibre. This method provides the seeds with nutrition for the first stage of growth.

Advantages and disadvantages of each method

Cotton germination: The advantage is that it is easy to monitor the progress of germination. The disadvantage may be greater susceptibility to mould if cleanliness is not maintained.
Germination in a paper tablecloth: Suitable for checking germination, easy to monitor. May be prone to drying out if moisture is not kept constant.
Germination in a jar of water: Easy to check for roots, suitable for seeds that germinate quickly. Disadvantage is that some seeds may float and unreduced moisture can lead to rot.
Germination in a jar with moist substrate: Provides nutrition for the seeds, suitable for seeds that need longer to germinate. Requires more precise moisture dosage.

Care of germinating seeds

Once the seeds have started to germinate

Seed germination is the first step to growing plants successfully . Once the seeds have germinated and the first roots and shoots have appeared, it is important to prepare them for the next stage of growth. Here are some important steps and tips for caring for germinating seeds:

Transplanting into a substrate: Once the first roots and shoots have appeared, it is time to transplant the germinating seeds into a suitable substrate. Choose a substrate with good air and water permeability that will give the plants the support and nutrition they need. Gently place the germinating seeds in the substrate and water lightly to keep the substrate moist but not too wet.
Proper spacing: If the germinating seeds have germinated together, it is important to space them at the appropriate distance to allow enough room for root and leaf growth. This ensures that the plants do not crowd each other.
Proper light conditions: After transplanting, it is important to ensure that the plants get enough light. Germinating plants need soft and diffuse light, ideally from artificial light sources or from a location with plenty of natural light but no direct sunlight.

Stages of germination and first growth

The first stage is the tillering stage, when the first two leaves, known as sprouts, appear. At this stage, the plants mainly need light and the right moisture in the substrate.
Growing phase: As the sprouts begin to grow and gain size, more leaves and shoots develop. It is important to keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged and to gradually increase the light intensity.

Protection against diseases and pests

How to avoid disease and pest problems in germinating seeds

Germinating seeds and young plants are particularly susceptible to various diseases and pests. It is therefore important to take precautions and follow the correct procedures to minimise the risk of plant loss and adverse effects on growth. Here are some important points to consider:

Clean environment: Provide a clean and hygienic environment for germinating seeds. Avoid locating plants near sources of contamination and remove residual organic material that could be a potential source of infection.
Proper humidity: Maintain appropriate substrate moisture. Excessive moisture can lead to mold and fungal infections.
Quality substrate: Use a quality substrate that is free of pathogens. Avoid using substrates that have been contaminated with diseases.
Pest control: Although pests are less common in the germination stage, they can still cause problems. Use gentle control methods, such as biological sprays, to minimise the risk of negative effects on plants.

Precautions to keep plants healthy from the start

Quarantine new plants: if you are bringing new plants or seeds into your growing environment, give them a period of quarantine. This will allow any diseases or pests to be detected before they can spread to other plants.
Regular inspections: Make regular visual inspections of plants and seeds. If you see any signs of disease or pests, react quickly.
Adequate lighting and ventilation: Ensure adequate lighting and good air circulation . Excess humidity and lack of light can promote disease.

Cultivation articles are for informational purposes only. They are not intended to encourage the cultivation or distribution of cannabis as a drug.

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