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Old 05-05-2007, 11:19 PM   #1
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Why germinate in water, not soil?

Why germinate in a glass of water or in paper towels instead of just going straight into soil? There would be no handling of the fragile seedling and it's one less step in the process. Are there advantages to the pre-germination? There is so much conflicting information to go through before my first grow. The time is getting near (just waiting on the seeds - anybody aware of Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds?)

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Quote:
Originally Posted by MandalaMike on another forum

For an optimal germination result the seeds should be planted DIRECTLY into the substrate.
We clearly advise against using pre-germination methods. Please do not place the seeds into a glass of water or in moist paper tissues. Due to the firm seed hull and size the seeds may require a slightly longer germination time. Some seeds sprout in record time and others take a bit longer. Once the seedling grows through the substrate it will develop vigorously.

What happens if one uses pre-germination methods?
Placing healthy seeds into water can lead to the development of fungi or bacteria on the seed hull. Lack of oxygen and contaminating substances in the water promote fungal growth which can be transported to the growing medium later on, or the seed simply rots away if left for too long in the water medium.
Once the seed sprouts in a glass of water or paper tissue it already has the taproot growing out of the cracked seed hull. While transplanting the germinated seed it is very difficult to prevent damage to the delicate taproot and also the seedling is "disturbed" in it's natural development. Many sprouted seedlings handled in this way show retarded development, some even fail to appear out of the substrate after transplantation.
Germinating cannabis seeds is not difficult. All you need is some basic information on what is important and everything should work out fine.
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Old 05-06-2007, 04:04 AM   #2
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It is not necessary to leave the seeds in water for longer than 24 hours. The soaking acts to "activate" the germ in the seed. Moisture is the trigger. Handling the seeds gently is not a problem. I fish my seeds out of the water with a pair of hemostats.

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Old 05-06-2007, 11:17 AM   #3
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I have always germinated my seeds by the "paper towel method" and had great success. Once the tap-root shows I use a regular butter knife to move the little (guy) hopefully girl into the medium. Never had any problem.
You could always try to germinate some bag-seed to see what method you like best. As always just my
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Old 05-06-2007, 11:23 AM   #4
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Quote:
What happens if one uses pre-germination methods?
Placing healthy seeds into water can lead to the development of fungi or bacteria on the seed hull.
Can must be the operative word. I've used a cup of water now for 5 years and never seen that happen.
Quote:
Lack of oxygen and contaminating substances in the water promote fungal growth which can be transported to the growing medium later on, or the seed simply rots away if left for too long in the water medium.
See above.
Quote:
While transplanting the germinated seed it is very difficult to prevent damage to the delicate taproot
Very difficult? I guess if you don't have opposable thumbs.
Quote:
and also the seedling is "disturbed" in it's natural development.
Anything beyond letting the plant grow naturally in a ditch somewhere in it's native land is "disturbing it's natural development".
Hell, hydro is probably disturbing the natural development of the plant, big time. Usually, in a very good way.

Now, I use a cup of water because if you let the tap root emerge, you now know you have a viable seed. If you plant it in the ground, you could be waiting anywhere up to a week or so before finding this out. As opposed to around 12 hours in a cup of water.
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Old 05-06-2007, 11:28 AM   #5
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The MEGA is budding up nicely.The MEGA is budding up nicely.The MEGA is budding up nicely.The MEGA is budding up nicely.

"paper towel method" is the only way Ive ever done it and its always worked great. If it aint broke dont fix it right? Im sure putting them straight in soil works fine, but the paper towel method allows me to have a better idea when theyll break through(not really important but Im curious like that), its never more than 1-3 days from putting a germed seed in soil.
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Old 05-06-2007, 12:41 PM   #6
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cup-o-watata with a dash of H2O2 for a little bubley action
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Old 05-06-2007, 12:43 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thebluyak View Post
cup-o-watata with a dash of H2O2 for a little bubley action
I sure hear plenty of conflicting stories about adding H2O2. Personally, wouldn't touch it without lots of preparatory research.
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Old 05-06-2007, 12:46 PM   #8
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you do know H2O2 is unstable in water, the hydrogen bonds break and refrom creating a very oxygenated water. If you leave peroxide bottle open it will turn to water
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Originally Posted by OldPhart
Basic cheat sheet:
Ec goes up, PH goes down=plants require less nutes.
Ec goes down, PH goes up=Plants require more nutes
Ec stable, PH goes up=Equilibrium=Good thang.

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Old 05-06-2007, 05:01 PM   #9
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i stick my seeds in the soil because it is quicker. just personal preference really, any of the above methods are fine. some people like to see the seeds crack open. i've had some crack in paper towel and then not make it up once planted but i've had the same thing happen with some planted directly in soil could see they cracked open but never made it for whatever reason. seeds don't go any slower paper toweled. planting directly in soil can be problematic if u pour water on because seed can sink down pretty far delaying sprouting,that maybe doesnt happen as much if it has a taproot...well maybe it does..... anyways keep soil good and moist with a spray bottle works for me..
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Old 05-06-2007, 10:16 PM   #10
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^^^^^^
what he said....

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