Germination Problems, Help Please

[GetThisOrDie]

Whats up Phant0m...

This is how I have 100% germ rate so far. I take 2-3 paper towels and soak them in tap water then ring it out but not too much. I then begin to fold it over itself many times until its a thick square of moist folds( if that makes sense). Put the seeds in the middle and put the stack in a ziplock baggie. I put the bag inside of a black dvd case and sit the case on something warm like a tv or computer monitor. I even sometimes put the case close to a light bulb to warm it up because the light wont penetrate the dvd case.
Usually within 24-48 hours they have a good root coming out and ready to be planted.

I have also used the water in a shotglass or whatever method but it seemed to take a few days longer. Have had seeds take up to 5 days as well so be patient and goodluck.

[Phant0m]

Whats up Phant0m...

This is how I have 100% germ rate so far. I take 2-3 paper towels and soak them in tap water then ring it out but not too much. I then begin to fold it over itself many times until its a thick square of moist folds( if that makes sense). Put the seeds in the middle and put the stack in a ziplock baggie. I put the bag inside of a black dvd case and sit the case on something warm like a tv or computer monitor. I even sometimes put the case close to a light bulb to warm it up because the light wont penetrate the dvd case.
Usually within 24-48 hours they have a good root coming out and ready to be planted.

I have also used the water in a shotglass or whatever method but it seemed to take a few days longer. Have had seeds take up to 5 days as well so be patient and goodluck.

Thank you sir! Jesus, 100% :O This will most defiantly be my next attempt method, if the two seeds that have soaked in water then straight into a jiffy don't work! And if they do, yay! I don't want to start up more seeds just in case this does work, only have room for ~2 plants (closet growing).

Its good having more than one input, seeing other peoples methods.
Thanks all that have helped

[TheChameleon]

I tend to not go for the paper towel thing because of the shock factor... Why take another chance of acclimating open air sprout to dirt???

[Phant0m]

I tend to not go for the paper towel thing because of the shock factor... Why take another chance of acclimating open air sprout to dirt???

Yeah fair enough, seems alot more natural to just pop a seed in dirt.

UPDATE: Keeping the jiffys in a cup, gladwrap over top, moist, dark, and at around 26°C (78°F). No sign of anything as of yet. Been around 36hours.

I just want the little plants to start growing

[TheChameleon]

Hahahaha,,, it's like watching water boil...

[Dutch Pimp]

I planted 7 Nirvana Papaya seeds over 7 days ago. None sprouted.....

...so, I planted 7 homemade Nirvana WW seeds...next to the papaya seeds...and they popped in 4 days...as usual...:thumbsup:...I can tell they are the WW's because of the location in the cup....a little off center.

If the papaya pop later?...they have to beat the WW's to the draw...imp:

winner takes all

[Rusty Trichome]

Things I know i did wrong: Tap water, if this is a big problem i will use purified next try?

Seeds prefer a slightly acidic enviornment to germinate. That's why most peat based seed starting mixes are unbuffered. (peat moss is acidic)

Am I meant to keep them dark?

Yes, keep them in the dark till they crack.

Is there anything else I can do? I heard something about shaking the seeds around in a match box. Soaking the seeds in water for 24hours.

You're missing part of the matchbox technique. (the sandpaper lining) Some harder to crack seeds benefit from scuffing the shell a bit. This removes some of the seed's waxy coating and allows moisture in. The seed absorbs the waqter making it swell and crack-open. But don't overdo it with the sanding.

PS. Sorry, couldn't seem to get previews working for the pictures so you'll have to open up the links.

Did you try to upload the pictures as an attachment? (the paperclip symbol)

Have patience. Sometimes they just take a while.

[Phant0m]

Woohoo, lots of interest now! Thanks!

Darn, 7 days! It has almost been 60 hours for me, so I'm still awhile off you.

Cool, well the seeds are in the jiffy so hopefully they're slightly acidic.

And no, I didn't know about the paper clip attachment button, next picture I up I'll try it out (hopefully of some little plants popping up to say Hi).

Thanks!

[TheChameleon]

Woohoo, lots of interest now! Thanks!

Darn, 7 days! It has almost been 60 hours for me, so I'm still awhile off you.

Cool, well the seeds are in the jiffy so hopefully they're slightly acidic.

And no, I didn't know about the paper clip attachment button, next picture I up I'll try it out (hopefully of some little plants popping up to say Hi).

Thanks!

Jiffy's are peat...

[Phant0m]

Jiffy's are peat...

Ahh then I should be set then.


Its been 4 days (I think), still nothing. Doing as I have been doing, warm, moist and dark.

To get some soil acidic if I wanted to try just planting the seeds straight into a little pot, what could I use that I'd have a home? I've done basic chemistry at school. Vinegar?

Oh, are all MH lights the same? I found this on an auction site, "TRANSFORMER / BALAST FOR METAL HALIDE LAMP AND LIGHT - ALL WIRED UP READY TO BE PLUGED IN. 70W"
But the title reads: "ROUND MH (HPS) DOWNLIGHT AND CONTROL GEAR 70W", MH and HPS are defiantly different, right?
[attachment=o246217]

Would it be ok for a closet grow? So far I have 120+W of CFLs, I thought it'd be enough for a single plant, but I have room for two now and am worried it won't be enough light. (Budget is tight so I can't just go out and buy a 250W HPS)

Thanks