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Article: Seed germination

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Seed germination

Seed Germination Techniques

The additives and stimulators mentioned are optional.

1. The absorbent paper method (classic method)

Required materials:

  • Absorbent paper or cotton
  • Two plates or a resealable plastic bag
  • Distilled water or tap water left to stand for 24 hours
  • Recommended additive: Plagron Seedbooster Plus or BAC X-Seed
Image showing preparation of materials for the paper towel method, with two pieces of moistened paper towels on a plate, a glass of water, and a bottle of germination stimulator nearby

Conditions optimales :

  • Temperature: Between 22 and 25°C
  • Humidity: 70-90% in the immediate environment
  • Lighting: Total darkness during germination
Image showing generic seeds placed between two dampened pieces of paper towel on a plate, ready to be covered

Process :

  • Prepare a water solution with a germination stimulator like Plagron Seedbooster Plus (a few drops per liter of water) or BAC X-Seed.
  • Moisten two pieces of absorbent paper with this solution, then place the seeds between them.
  • Place everything in a dark, humid environment (between two plates or in a resealable plastic bag).
  • Maintain humidity by checking daily and making sure the paper stays damp. Seeds should germinate in 24 to 72 hours.
Image showing germinated seeds with small roots emerging, still between damp paper towels, ready to transfer to soil or other substrate

After germination:

  • Once the seeds have germinated and been transplanted into the soil or another substrate, you can start using a root stimulator like Clonex 3 in 1 or Root Booster from Terra Aquatica.

2. Direct germination in soil

Equipment for direct germination in the soil: seedling pots, well-drained potting soil, watering can, thermometer/hygrometer, bottles of additives for seed germination

Required materials:

  • Small pots or seedling trays
  • Light, well-drained potting soil
  • Mini Greenhouse or Grow Tent with Temperature and Humidity Control
  • Recommended additive: Plagron Seedbooster Plus or BAC X-Seed (for preparing the watering water)

Conditions optimales :

  • Temperature: Between 22 and 25°C in the mini greenhouse or growing tent
  • Humidity: 70-80% to promote germination
  • Lighting: Soft light once the young shoots emerge
Filling seedling pots with light, well-drained potting soil, first step in direct germination in the soil

Process :

  • Mix a germination stimulator like Plagron Seedbooster Plus in the water you use to water the potting soil before planting the seeds.
  • Fill the pots with potting soil, make a small hole about 1 to 2 cm deep, place the seed, then lightly cover.
  • Water gently with enriched water to keep the soil moist.
  • Temperature control: Make sure the temperature remains constant between 22 and 25°C. Uses a mini greenhouse or grow tent equipped to monitor and adjust temperature and humidity.
  • Monitor germination, which can take 3 to 10 days.
Seedling pots placed in a mini greenhouse with temperature and humidity control, ideal conditions for direct germination in the soil.

After germination:

  • Once the seedlings have emerged, start using a root stimulator like Clonex 3 in 1 or Root Juice from BioBizz to help with root development.

3. The glass of water method

Germinating seeds with small roots emerging on the surface of the water, ready to be transferred to soil or other substrate

Required materials:

  • A glass or small container filled with water (ideally distilled water)
  • Recommended additive: BAC X-Seed or Plagron Seedbooster Plus

Conditions optimales :

  • Water temperature: 22°C
  • Room humidity: 50-70% in the room
  • Lighting: Darkness or very dim light

Process :

  • Fill a glass with water at room temperature (about 22 °C) and add a few drops of a germination stimulator like BAC X-Seed or Plagron Seedbooster Plus.
  • Place the seeds in the glass and let them soak for 24 to 48 hours until they begin to open and show a radicle.
  • Caution: Remove the seeds as soon as they show a radicle to prevent them from drowning. Then transfer the seeds to a substrate such as potting soil or a peat pellet.

After germination:

  • After transferring the sprouted seeds to a growing medium, you can start using a product like Clonex 3 in 1 to support initial root growth.

4. The germination cube or jiffy method (peat pellets)

Required materials:

  • Peat pellets or coco (jiffy) or cubes
  • Water
  • Mini greenhouse to maintain conditions
  • Recommended additive: Plagron Seedbooster Plus or BAC X-Seed

Conditions optimales :

  • Temperature: 22-25°C
  • Humidity: 70-80% in the mini greenhouse
  • Lighting: Soft light after germination
Placement of seeds in rehydrated peat pellets (jiffy), ready to germinate. The pellets are placed in a tray to facilitate germination.

Process :

  • Soak the peat cubes or pellets in a solution of water mixed with a germination stimulator such as Plagron Seedbooster Plus or BAC X-Seed.
  • Place the seed in the small hole at the top of the substrate, then keep it moist.
  • Place it in a mini greenhouse to maintain humidity and heat until the seeds germinate.
Young shoots emerging from peat pellets (jiffy) after successful germination, placed in a mini greenhouse to maintain optimal humidity.

After germination:

  • Once the seeds have germinated, you can enhance root growth with a product like Clonex 3 in 1 or Bio Roots from GHE (General Hydroponics Europe).

5. Germination with rock wool cubes

Required materials:

  • Rock wool cubes
  • Water pH adjusted (around 5.5 to 6.0)
  • Mini greenhouse or grow tent
  • Recommended additive: BAC X-Seed or Plagron Seedbooster Plus

Conditions optimales :

  • Temperature: 22-25°C
  • Humidity: 70-80% in growing environment
  • Lighting: Soft light after germination

Process :

  • Prepare a pH adjusted water solution (5.5 to 6.0) with a stimulator like BAC X-Seed or Plagron Seedbooster Plus to soak the rock wool cubes.
  • Place a seed in the hole pre-made in the cube and keep the cubes moist.
  • Place them in a mini greenhouse or grow tent to ensure consistent temperature and humidity.

After germination:

  • To promote root development in rock wool cubes, use a stimulator like Clonex 3 in 1 or Root Juice from BioBizz.

    General tips for successful cultivation with the use of additives:

    • Product selection: Germination stimulators like Plagron Seedbooster Plus and BAC X-Seed are specially designed to improve the germination rate and give young plants an optimal start.
    • Respect dosages: Always follow the dosage instructions on the products to avoid over-fertilization which could harm young plants.
    • Temperature and humidity control: As mentioned before, maintaining a constant temperature between 22 and 25°C and a good humidity level is crucial for successful germination. Additives can help, but do not compensate for poor environmental conditions.
    • Adequate Light: Young plants need soft light to prevent stretching, but as soon as they develop leaves, more intense lighting is needed for vigorous growth.
    • Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation to avoid fungal diseases, especially in humid environments.

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