Wow I am really stupid

[soundslikewill]

So I started germinating my seeds right in their pots. (I'm using hydro, I trust the medium's water retaining properties enough to germinate in the pot) But my problem is, I have left my 400W metal halide on for like 20 hours or so. I had no idea I was supposed to germinate in the dark. Should turn the light off?

[babystarbud]

in a word, yes.

[Weedhound]

I germinate mine in the same room with my vegging stuff and have not had any light problems--my understanding is that you do not need light to germinate but it won't hurt either. I think when people grow outside they just stick a seed in the pot in the sun....no worries. I just started a brand new group of seeds in a lighted room and they all popped fine.

[soundslikewill]

hmmmm

well greenhouse seeds says that seeds need 3 things to germinate: moisture, warmth and darkness. i just figured that i'd make sure i wasnt messing up my expensive seeds. so the light doesnt matter?

[Weedhound]

I personally have not had a problem with it. I use those rapid rooter starter plugs so maybe they are protected from light etc....however I can easily see the sprouting seeds if I look so I'm sure they are not light protected. You are right to want to do things the correct way and I'm not helping you with that am I? But I have honestly never had a problem with it. You might start your darkness now and just tell the seeds that the pre germinating party is now over and they need to get to work.

[gornik]

By "darkness" they mean submerged under a coat of soil.

[Perp]

Plus there is no need for light until the plant has leaves. So, until then you are just wasting money.

[soundslikewill]

well they keep the room nice and hot. the soil is moist and its not cookin so i might just leave the lights on

[babystarbud]

what??? !!!you should geminate seeds in the dark, :error:

[soundslikewill]

i mean, the seeds are buried so they are kind of in the dark, i have no idea what lack of light has to do with germination.

[stinkyattic]

The seeds themselves are better off if they are shielded from light... so under the soil or other wise buried in medium.. if you are germing in a cup with just water, then yes, the dark is much better.