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Please help me germinate my seeds

billyboy

billyboy

New member
I have been using the paper towel method, successfully, for two grows. I get a couple of layers of the paper towels and put the seeds in between and add water. I put them in a warm, dark place (a cabinet that is underlit so the bulb acts like a warming pad).

But I have so far, in two tries, failed to sprout anything. Different genetics. Like 14 seeds wasted. Seeds purchased at different times. All within the last 20 months.

If anyone would like to share how you germinate, what I am doing wrong, counsel, advice, guidance on getting seeds to sprout I am all ears - and thanks in advance.
 
I dont use the paper towel method. I do a 3 min H2O2 soak then soak in shot glass of water until taproot comes out enough for me to see which direction to plant seed. This is usually 24-48 hrs. They float in the beginning and sink when germinated usually but i like to wait until i can see the taproot. Dont soak longer than 48 hrs as this can kill the seed. When the taproot is out i plant seed and move to lighting. I have very good germination even with 2-3 year old seeds.

It could be getting zapped by customs if nothing has germinated. Where are you getting seeds from? I have read that sometimes customs will x-ray seeds and kill them but still let them through, though i have never experienced it myself.
 
I'm p'rt nigh 99% on the paper towel method. However many I've sprouted, only one dud comes to mind. One part H2O2 to four parts water is my method. I leave them on my dresser in my bedroom, whatever the light and temperature, it doesn't seem to matter. The towels and seeds and liquid and such stay in a clear Tupperware with the lid on but loose. I only have to wet the towels the one time at the beginning. Never a need for a second.
 
I use my wife's old Aero Garden. 100% germination every time.
 

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I use the paper towel method as well with a very good success rate. HOWEVER, I have found that certain strains do not like this method particularly strains that are hydroponically inclined. I can name a few strains-even called up the company and had a chat about their seeds because they wouldn't sprout in my paper towel method. if the strain, in its review, states that it is best for hydroponic growing then do not do the paper towel method. and if the strain company states a certain germination method then follow that. genetics and hybridising.
 
Be careful to not get them too warm. Or too wet once the tap root shows and you've transferred them to your growing medium. I use peat plugs. 10 plugs plus enclosure for $3-$4 at lowes home depot Etc. I soak my peat plugs (as many as I'm planting) in ph'd water and then squeeze a bit of the water out. You don't want them soaking wet. Poke a hole with the end of a ball point pen 3/8" or so deep drop in the seed and lightly cover with the peat plug material. I also soak a empty one just as a moisture reservoir then set the enclosure across my cable modem or router. Never on the warmest spot. If you can just bridge the enclosure between them with the seeds in the middle that's good. If some condensation shows up in the enclosure that's good. I've drowned a few seeds before realizing too much water or warmth is not good. I've also just dropped the seeds in a shot glass and waited for the white tap root to show and then transfer to coco or peat pot or dirt whatever. Are you in a legal state? Keep asking the questions. You'll get there.
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I forgot about these. I tried three of my bagseeds and none even grew a taproot. My only unsuccess compared to dirt and towels.
 
hey@kingfish, with that Aero Garden do you sprout seed first or just add directly to grow pod? thats a neat little unit. seeds get everything they need to germinate.
 
i soak my seeds first,12-15 hrs then use the paper towel method, keep them warm ..99% success rate. only had one seed just never do anything..probably a dud.
 
My favorite subject. I have rotted and otherwise destroyed poor little seeds hundreds of times. It in itself is an art, whether veggies, herbs or Herb. After what seemed like millions of bits of advice, videos and experiments I have to say temp seems to the #1 issue. I use a seed mat to ensure temp stays around 74 deg F. Either shotglass method or 2 ceramic saucers with a paper towel between them and use a bottle filtered water with a capful of hydrogen peroxide in it (H202 as mentioned above) and I literally have 100% germ in 48 hrs everytime. this is a combo I have used from lots of good advice and after seeing pro seed germination for veggies. If you want or need more info of pics I'd be happy to provide!
 
I germinate my seeds directly in their final destination: the pot. I simply fill my pot with soil, insert a germination bag to help retain moisture around the seed, and then water the whole pot in (soak, but not to runoff if you’re in supersoil like me). Then plant the seeds and watch them grow! 100% success rate. Dead simple/easy.
 
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This past summer whilst starting my seeds in spring, wish I could of taken better note from whom I purchased what from way back when I bought them. I had to restart many seeds do to old or radiation? I don't know but my tried and true soak and papertowel was giving me problems with these seeds. So sometimes I think age and storage also what they go through from supplier to us has a role. My 2 cents;)
 
Yep, I just read an article on the exact same topic. Oddly, the author said two yrs is the average while some will germinate 10yrs from now but it depend on handling, storage and anything that could have happened between the shipper and the receiver
 
Thank you for all the great posts - much appreciated. I have been traveling for work all week and just got to catch up. It was great to come home to.

Since I do not hit the road again until 12/2 I am determined to get a crop going. The definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different result. So with that in mind I am going to abandon the paper towels. (Nothing against it. I had 95% germination with that method up to now).

Going to try the soak'em until the tap root shows and get'em in peat/soil method.

Please send out your good vibes as well as any additional counsel, advice and guidance for this method. :-)
 
Why not try just straight to soil? Less things to mess up, really. Just pre-water and plant for me. Though germination bags do help!
 
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