For those of us northern climates who grow outdoors, this is an exciting time - It's just about time to start our seeds! I'd like to share a few seed starting tips to help you get your plants off to a roaring start!
The inside of my Lamb's Breath seed packs contain the following Germination Instructions:
"Place seeds in solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Stir or shake several times.
Drain seeds and: 1) Place in damp paper towel inside an unsealed plastic bag. Leave at room temperature until seeds sprout. Place sprouted seeds in seedling mix with root tip down and keep moist. Or 2) Place rinsed seeds directly in seedling mix. Keep wamoist, but not saturated, at room temperature. Happy Growing!"
A number of customers have asked, "Why soak the seeds in hydrogen peroxide?"
I recommend soaking seeds in hydrogen peroxide for several reasons. First, the hydrogen peroxide seems to soften the seed coat and helps with quicker, more uniform germination. It also helps oxygenate the seeds, giving them early vigor. Finally, the hydrogen peroxide helps kill any "hitchhikers" such as mold spores, fungi, bacteria ,and other possible seed-borne disease vectors. It is a safe, cheap and effective insurance policy.
A few years ago, I was at a cannabis expo, and traded some seeds for a CannaKan germination system, so I no longer use the paper towel method. Following the CannaKan instructions, I soak my seeds for 24 hours in a solution of 10 parts distilled water to 1 part hydrogen peroxide. I then drain the seeds and place a small amount of distilled water in the base of the germination unit. The unit sits on a small heating pad which keeps it at 80 degrees F. The seeds typically sprout within 24-36 hours! I get great germination results, and, with the unit's 8 chambers, I can sprout 8 different strains per batch. The system works like a charm!
One reason that the CannaKan works so well is because it keeps the seeds moist and at a consistent, warm temperature. If you plant your seeds directly in the soil, make sure that you keep the soil or growing media comfy warm, between 75-80 degrees F.
Sometimes, sprouted seeds have trouble emerging from their husks. Keep an eye on your seeds as they emerge from the soil or starting mix. When seeds are struggling to shed their husks, I've learned to carefully use a pair of tweezers to remove the husks and free the cotelydons, or first pre-leaves.
From this point forward, your seedlings should be off to a running start! Make sure to keep them watered, but not over-watered. Keep the humidity up by using a vented, clear plastic dome to retain moisture. Keep the space warm, but not hot. Make sure that you are using a high quality seedling mix or growing media and that you have proper lights for seedling development. Keep your strains identified, take lots of pictures, and enjoy your grow!