Article: Seed germination
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
Conditions optimales :
- Temperature: Between 22 and 25°C
- Humidity: 70-90% in the immediate environment
- Lighting: Total darkness during germination
Process :
- Prepare a water solution with a germination stimulator such as 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.
After germination:
- Once the seeds have germinated and been transplanted into soil or another substrate, you can begin using a root stimulator such as Clonex 3 in 1 or Terra Aquatica Root Booster
2. Direct germination in soil
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 irrigation 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
Process :
- Mix a germination booster such as Plagron Seedbooster Plus into 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 cover lightly.
- 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.
After germination:
- Once the seedlings have emerged, start using a root stimulator like Clonex 3 in 1 or BioBizz Root Juice to help with root development.
3. The glass of water method
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 room temperature water (around 22°C) and add a few drops of a germination stimulator such as 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 or coconut pellets (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
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.
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 rockwool cubes.
- Place a seed in the pre-made hole 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 rockwool cubes, use a stimulator such as Clonex 3 in 1 or Root Juice from BioBizz.
General tips for successful cultivation with the use of additives:
- Product selection: Germination stimulators such as 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.