The Best Way To Germinate Seeds

When it comes to germinating cannabis seeds there are many different ways
to get those tiny jewel boxes of prized genetics to pop. In response to my
scientific investigations exploring different methodologies for germinating
seeds, Marijuana Seed Breeders conducted a survey of experts and home
growers to ask about their preferred method of germination. I wanted to
share the results of this survey as well as some of my own tips for
spouting your seeds. Let’s give our plants the best chances possible to
grow into their full potential by starting them off right.

*-ED*
*The Most Common Way to Germinate Cannabis Seeds*

Every spouted seed counts. The more plants the better, right? In the survey
we conducted Marijuana Seed Breeders set out to understand how marijuana
growers around the world germinate their cannabis seeds.

We asked:
[image: MSB-Preferred-Germination-Study_1607629887.jpg] What is your
preferred seed germination method?

1.

Glass of water
2.

Wet Towel
3.

Directly in soil
4.

Stone wool blocks
5.

Using a starter kit
6.

Other, please explain:

Here are the stats on the other answers.

#1. Wet Towel (37.3%).

#2. Other. 21.1% of the growers follow another germination routine.

#3. Directly in Soil. A surprisingly high percentage (19%) put their
precious seeds directly in soil!

#4. Starter kits. 10% use starter kits

#5. Glass of water is the best way for 8.5% of the growers.

#6. Stonewool (3.5%).

Next, we asked a great grouping of experts to see how they germinate their
seeds. Our experts were

#1. Dr. Dina, The Queen of Cannabis, Co-Owner of AHHS WeHo

#2. James Loud, Founder of Loud Genetics Loud Seeds

#3. Jennifer Martin, Founder Cultivation Sector Consulting LLC

#4. Jesce Horton, Founder and CEO LOWD

#5. Melanie Carruthers, Director of Propagation 7ACRES

#6. Ryan Douglas, Cannabis Growth Consultant Ryan Douglas Cultivation

#7. Rudy Ellenbogen, Founder and CEO Whole Grow

Let's dive right in!

[image: dr-dina-photo_1602097490.jpg] *Dr. Dina, The Queen of Cannabis,
Co-Owner of AHHS WeHo*

When someone gets a nickname from Snoop Dogg and when that person is
referred to as the Queen of Cannabis, the Mona Lisa of Mary Jane as well as
the Queen of Weed *and *the main character of the eight season series Weeds
is based on them, then you know that you are dealing with a true expert. I
prefer to germinate My seeds in root gel (clonex) and stick them in cubes.
Paper towels work well too, but I think the root gel gives the seeds the
extra push to become a strong plant. Happy gardening!

- Dr. Dina, *The Queen of Cannabis*

[image: James Loud Seeds Photo_1602098290.jpg] *James Loud, Founder of Loud
Genetics*

Well it’s a loaded question because it depends on scale. I sterilize in an
h2o2 Soak then germinate in a jiffy #7 typically. However, large scale I
prefer a needle/vacuum seeder to place the seeds evenly in the substrate.
Well and with autoflower I believe direct sow in optimal conditions can
yield better results.

- James Loud, *Loud Seeds*

[image: Jennifer Martin Photo_1602099161.jpg] *Jennifer Martin, Owner
Cultivation Sector Consulting LLC*

I use coco plugs. I gave up the wet paper towel method years ago because
managing the moisture was too cumbersome.

I buy coco plugs that come in the 50-cell sheet, make a light nutrient mix,
put all of the plugs in a pitcher of the nutrient mix, squeeze them to
fully saturate them with the mix, put them back in the cell sheet, push a
seed into each hole, and put a dome on the tray under the light.

Then I just keep the plugs moist. The seeds start to pop in about 3 days.
Some take up to a week. I leave them in there until they overgrow the tray,
then transplant into 3" pots.

- Jennifer Martin, *Cultivation Sector Consulting LLC*
[image: Jesce Horton Photo_1602100005.jpg] *Jesce Horton, Founder and CEO,
LOWD*

I’m a water glass guy. I like to know before planting which seeds are more
vigorous and then assess based on that benchmark throughout the growth
process.

I carefully pull the seeds with a spoon and drop them into a coco mixture a
day or two after they pop.

- Jesce Horton, *LOWD*

[image: Melanie-Carruthers Photo_1602085392.jpg] *Melanie Carruthers,
Director of Propagation, 7ACRES*

Our processes at 7ACRES for seed germination use a combination of a glass
of water and wet towel.

- Melanie Carruthers, *7ACRES*
[image: Ryan-Douglas-CC_1602067292.jpg] *Ryan Douglas, Cannabis Growth
Consultant Ryan Douglas Cultivation*

I prefer to start seeds in a seedling tray

- Ryan Douglas, *Ryan Douglas Cultivation*
[image: Rudy-Ellenbogen-Photo_1602071031.jpg] *Rudy Ellenbogen, Founder and
CEO Whole Grow*

Wet towel.

- Rudy Ellenbogen, *Whole Grow*
*Ed Rosenthal, *author, educator, social activist, and legalization pioneer.

Thanks to all for sharing your advice. I use starter trays and plugs from
*iHort** – EXcel T-50* and *32 Star Excel* trays to start seeds. They come
pre-moistened, with a little hole to drop a seed. I use the 50 per tray
when I will be transplanting within two weeks and the 32 per tray for
growing up to 3 weeks.

I like them because:

• They are sterile

• They cut prep time to zero-Just drop the seed

• They hold water but have plenty of air space, so they can’t be
overwatered.

• Roots grow well in the medium

• The entire cube with roots can be planted without disturbing the roots.

When I’m using fresh seed, I just drop them into the hole in the cube. With
stale seeds, first I soak them in a 0.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution
for 3-4 hours. The recipe is 1 part drugstore 3% H2O2 to 5 parts water.
This sterilizes their surfaces. Then they soak in mycos and liquid kelp
solution for about 6 hours. Then they are placed in the cubes. Upon first
signs of germination, I water them with mycos and kelp to promote root
growth. The next day they are watered with a weak combo of veg and
flowering formula about 400 PPM.
[image: Ed Rosenthal by Dabsel Adams]

Ed Rosenthal by Dabsel Adams