Seeds are a crucial part of the cannabis growing process. They are the starting point for all future plants.
The quality of seeds has a huge impact on the end result of your crop. That’s why it’s important to know how to germinate cannabis seeds properly.
How to germinate cannabis seeds
Getting your cannabis seeds to germinate is essential to establishing a healthy seedling. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do it.
One of the most popular and effective methods is to put your seeds on wet paper towels. However, it is vital to make sure that the medium does not dry out or get too soggy because this will halt germination activity.
Another common germination method is to use soil plugs or starter cubes, which are specially designed to help your seed germination process. These plugs come pre-filled with the right kind of planting mix and have a hole in the middle for placing your seeds.
If you are unsure whether your seeds have germinated, you can place them in a glass of water to see if they sprout. This is an easy and fast way to germinate cannabis seeds, but you need to keep the temperature warm enough (around 70-85 F).
Using stone wool blocks to germinate cannabis seeds
Stone wool blocks are a popular growing medium for cannabis plants. They provide excellent drainage and facilitate root aeration for efficient growth.
They also prevent pathogens from multiplying in the medium. However, they need to be prepared properly before being used for cannabis cultivation.
Unlike other substrates, rockwool takes up water instantly when it’s partially dried out, preventing the plants from wilting. This makes it an ideal grow medium for hydroponic cultivation.
Another popular method for germinating weed seeds is to soak them in hydrogen peroxide. A 1% solution has been shown to accelerate germination of marijuana seeds and seedling development.
In addition to ensuring the seeds are moist, growers should ensure they don’t soak for too long. They should also keep the temperature between 75deg and 85degF.
Testing the genetic potential of cannabis seeds
When you choose to grow cannabis it is important to know the exact genetics of your seed variety. This will help you to determine the type and quality of your final harvest.
The genetic potential of seeds is not only determined by their shape, colour or size but also by the environmental growth conditions you supply. Optimum light levels and optimal photoperiod lengths are crucial for good results.
Modern breeders often take the best strains and cross them in a process called ‘selective breeding’ to improve their properties. This is an expensive and time consuming process but it allows the skilled breeder to push the limits of their cannabis genetics.
Buying cannabis seeds
You can buy cannabis seeds from seed banks, dispensaries, or online. Buying seeds will allow you to grow a variety of different strains, as well as help you determine which genetics will thrive in your climate and grow to full maturity.
When it comes to seed banking, you want to be sure to buy from a reputable seed bank that offers stable genetics and reliable customer service. The best seed banks also offer germination guarantees and fast, secure shipping.
A good seed bank should also offer an easy checkout process and a range of payment options. These include cash, check, credit card, and Bitcoin.
Moreover, some seed banks will offer discounts and promotions. These can be a great way to save money, but you should be wary of deals that sound too good to be true.
The best seed banks will ship seeds in discreet packaging so that they don’t draw attention to their contents. This is particularly important if you’re shipping to countries where weed is illegal.