TUTORIAL SERIES: 1 GERMINATION STAGE CARE TUTORIAL

By: Uriel Advance Grows

Objective:
To sprout your cannabis seeds and prepare them for planting.

• Cannabis seeds
  The starting point for any grow.
• Distilled water
  Ensures no contaminants affect germination.
• Paper towels
  Used in the paper towel method for seed germination.
• Two plates
  Helps create a dark, moist environment for seeds.
• Jiffy pellets, Root Riots, or similar products
  Popular choice for starting seeds indoors.
• AC Infinity Germination Kit (optional)
  Domed germination kit designed to improve seed starting and cloning inside a high humidity space.
• Seedling heat mat (optional)
  Maintains a consistent warm temperature.
• pH meter (optional)
  Checks the water’s pH to ensure it’s suitable for seeds.

Steps:

1. Soak your seeds in distilled water for 12-24 hours.
2. Moisten two paper towels with distilled water.
3. Place the seeds between the two moist paper towels.
4. Place the paper towels between two plates to create a dark, moist environment.
5. Keep the setup in a warm (70-85°F), dark place. Check daily to ensure the paper towels remain moist (not soaking wet).
6. Once the taproots are about 1/2 inch long, they are ready to be planted.

Pros:

• High visibility of seeds.
• Easy to monitor moisture levels.
• Generally high success rate.

Cons:

• Seeds are vulnerable to damage when being transferred.
• Risk of mold if paper towels are too wet.

Tips for Success:

• Maintain a stable temperature.
• Ensure paper towels are damp, not soaking wet.
• Handle seeds and taproots gently.

Steps:

1. Fill small pots or seedling trays with a light, airy soil mix.
2. Make a small hole (about 1/4 inch deep) and place the seed inside, taproot down.
3. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
4. Place the pots under a humidity dome or plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

Pros:

• Less risk of damaging the taproot during transfer.
• Natural environment for seeds.

Cons:

• Harder to monitor seed progress.
• Germination rates can be lower if soil conditions aren't optimal.

Tips for Success:

• Use a high-quality, light soil mix.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Monitor for any signs of mold or fungal growth.

Steps:

1. Place seeds in a glass of distilled water and leave them in a dark, warm place for 24-48 hours.
2. Seeds that float can be gently tapped to sink. If they remain floating, they may not be viable.
3. After taproots appear, transfer seeds to soil or a paper towel setup.

Pros:

• Simple and effective for determining seed viability.
• Less handling of seeds required.

Cons:

• Higher risk of drowning seeds if left too long.
• Requires careful monitoring to avoid waterlogged seeds.

Tips for Success:

• Check seeds regularly and transfer as soon as taproots appear.
• Use only distilled water to avoid contaminants.
• Ensure seeds are not left in water for too long to prevent drowning.

Steps:

1. Soak Jiffy pellets, Root Riots, or similar products in water until fully expanded.
2. Place a seed in the center hole of each pellet or cube.
3. Keep the pellets or cubes moist and in a warm, dark place.
4. Place under a humidity dome to maintain moisture levels.

Pros:

• Easy transplanting directly into larger pots.
• Good moisture retention.
• Versatile and can be used with various growing mediums.

Cons:

• Can dry out quickly if not monitored.
• Needs to be kept consistently moist for best results.

Tips for Success:

• Keep an eye on moisture levels and rehydrate pellets or cubes as needed.
• Maintain a stable, warm environment for the seeds.
• Handle the expanded pellets or cubes gently to avoid damaging the seedlings.

Steps:

1. Set up the AC Infinity germination kit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Fill the germination tray with the provided growing medium or a light, airy soil mix.
3. Moisten the growing medium with distilled water.
4. Place the cannabis seeds in the designated seedling slots, about 1/4 inch deep, taproot down.
5. Cover the seeds lightly with more growing medium and water gently.
6. Place the humidity dome over the tray to maintain optimal moisture and temperature.
7. Set the heat mat to maintain a stable temperature between 70-85°F.
8. Use the grow light to provide a gentle light source for 18 hours a day.

Pros:

• Provides a controlled environment for optimal germination.
• Easy monitoring of temperature and humidity levels.
• High success rate due to consistent conditions.

Cons:

• Initial cost of the kit.
• Requires space for the setup.

Tips for Success:

• Monitor temperature and humidity levels closely.
• Ensure the growing medium remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Gradually introduce seedlings to more light as they grow.

Successfully germinating cannabis seeds is the critical first step in any grow. By choosing the right method and following these detailed steps and tips, you can ensure a high success rate and healthy seedlings ready for transplanting.

What is the best temperature for germinating cannabis seeds?

• The optimal temperature range is 70-85°F to ensure successful germination.

How long does it take for cannabis seeds to germinate?

• Germination usually takes 24-72 hours, but some seeds may take up to a week.

Can I use tap water for germinating seeds?

• It’s best to use distilled water to avoid contaminants that might hinder germination.

What should I do if my seeds don’t germinate?

• Ensure that you’ve maintained proper moisture, temperature, and that the seeds are viable. Try a different method if one isn’t working.

How deep should I plant germinated seeds in soil?

• Plant them about 1/4 inch deep, with the taproot facing down.