Entrain d'arroser les graines à faire germer

Seed germination

Seed Germination Techniques

The mentioned additives and stimulators are optional

1. The paper towel method (classic method)

Required materials :

  • Paper towel 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 the preparation of materials for the paper towel method, with two moistened paper towels on a plate, a glass of water, and a bottle of germination stimulator nearby

Optimal conditions:

  • 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 moistened paper towels 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 paper towel with this solution, then place the seeds between them.
  • Place everything in a dark and humid environment (between two plates or in a resealable plastic bag).
  • Maintain moisture by checking daily and ensure the paper stays damp. Seeds should germinate within 24 to 72 hours.
Image showing germinated seeds with small emerging roots, still between moist paper towels, ready to be transferred into soil or another substrate

After germination:

  • Once the seeds have germinated and been transplanted into 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

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

Required materials :

  • Small pots or seedling trays
  • Light and 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 watering water)

Optimal conditions:

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

Process:

  • Mix a germination stimulator like 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 stays constant between 22 and 25 °C. Use a mini greenhouse or a grow tent equipped to monitor and adjust temperature and humidity.
  • Monitor germination, which can take from 3 to 10 days.
Seedling pots placed in a mini greenhouse with temperature and humidity control, ideal conditions for direct soil germination.

After germination:

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

3. The water glass method

Seeds germinating with small roots emerging at the water surface, ready to be transferred to soil or another substrate

Required materials :

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

Optimal conditions:

  • Water temperature : 22 °C
  • Ambient humidity: 50-70% in the room
  • Lighting: Darkness or very low 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 start to open and show a radicle.
  • Warning: Remove the seeds as soon as they show a radicle to prevent them from drowning. Then transfer the seeds into a substrate like potting soil or a peat pellet.

After germination:

  • After transferring the germinated seeds into a substrate, you can start using a product like Clonex 3 in 1 to support initial root growth.

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

Required materials :

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

Optimal conditions:

  • 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 cubes or peat pellets in a water solution mixed with a germination stimulator like 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 warmth 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 strengthen root growth with a product like Clonex 3 in 1 or Bio Roots from GHE (General Hydroponics Europe).

5. Germination with rockwool cubes

Required materials :

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

Optimal conditions:

  • Temperature : 22-25 °C
  • Humidity : 70-80% in the 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 of the cube and keep the cubes moist.
  • Place them in a mini greenhouse or grow tent to ensure constant temperature and humidity.

After germination:

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

    General tips for successful cultivation using additives:

    • Product choice : Germination stimulators like Plagron Seedbooster Plus and BAC X-Seed are specially designed to improve germination rates and give young plants an optimal start.
    • Dosage compliance : Always follow the dosage instructions on products to avoid over-fertilization that could harm young plants.
    • Temperature and humidity control : As mentioned earlier, 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 avoid stretching, but as soon as they develop leaves, stronger lighting is necessary for vigorous growth.
    • Ventilation : Make sure there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases, especially in humid environments.
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