Clarification on sprouting seeds please

[giggletwig]

Okay, I've read everything I can find and when you start doing that, you find many ways people tell you to do a simple thing. And being a newb and an impatient nerd, you try them all at the same time (you try one way, 2 hours later turn around and try another way...). I've killed two seeds so far, so I'd like to keep from killing my next 3.

How much root should I see on my germinated seeds before I stick them in the dirt? (I have coco pills) If the roots are curled, plant them root up? If root is straight, put it root down?

Lights! I have a T5. When the seeds go into the dirt should the lights come down to 2-3 inches of them or stay up? How high? Should I put a heating pad under the seedling cups and tray until I see green heads peeking out? Should I cover the pots/tray until they come up? With my lights at 2-3 inches, it seems to get way too hot in there covered.

I need Growing for Dummies. :/

giggletwig Reviewed by giggletwig on 04-18-2013. Clarification on sprouting seeds please Okay, I've read everything I can find and when you start doing that, you find many ways people tell you to do a simple thing. And being a newb and an impatient nerd, you try them all at the same time (you try one way, 2 hours later turn around and try another way...). I've killed two seeds so far, so I'd like to keep from killing my next 3. How much root should I see on my germinated seeds before I stick them in the dirt? (I have coco pills) If the roots are curled, plant them root up? Rating: 5

[HipsterDoofus]

I seed directly in the Light Warrior mix from Fox Farm. Most seeds will pop in five days. My failure rates were huge before switching to direct seeding.

[Shovelhandle]

Use a reliable thermometer to make sure the plants are under 80ºF and the soil should be less than that.
As far as root showing, as soon as the seed cracks is good. It doesn't help to let it get any longer. Many of the better growers put seed right in the medium. I put them in a damp paper towel in a baggie in a warm place (not over 80ºF) and 24 or so hours later they should be starting to crack. That's the time to put 'em in the medium. I use T5HO lamps about 3-6" over and I run a fan across the light/plants. My plant temp is about 70º this time of year. They are growing very well. Don't put them too deep, just barely cover the seed with medium.

[giggletwig]

Hipster - Do you put a heating pad under your direct seeded pots? Any cover or just under the lights?

I actually did direct seeding on the 3 remaining seeds. It's been 4 days (impatience) so I dug them out to examine. One looks to be germinating, so I left her in, but the other 2 didn't look like they were doing anything at all. So I've removed them and put them into baggies with paper towel, on a heating pad in the dark to see if they're still viable. If so, I'll replant them.

Shovelhandle - thanks a bunch. How long after you put the sprouted seeds in dirt until you see green coming up? 2-5 days?

[32yrslater]

Being a NOOB, I would say try the Auto flower variety. I tried to kill mine last winter with horrible fluctuating temps and Miracle Grow under a 90 watt LED and still harvested. This time around My 3 Pack AK Auto from Royal Queen are 0/3. None poped :-( Also either my SAD-Sweet Seeds, Bid Devil or Afrodite won't pop.

Black Jack Auto from Sweet Seeds appears to be out performing all others and various other brands are doing fine. Definitely do a few auto's so you won't be disappointed and a couple regular fem.

[Shovelhandle]

Shovelhandle - thanks a bunch. How long after you put the sprouted seeds in dirt until you see green coming up? 2-5 days?

One day, sometimes three days. Cannabis is a lot quicker than any other herbs I start. I think the difference is the day in the paper towel. Parsley took two weeks to pop, basil, 5-7 days.

Use a thermometer! Careful, heating pads can be much warmer than seeds like. Top of the refrigerator is usually a perfect temperature. Computer or CTV modems, power supplies plugged into the wall for phone chargers etc. can be ok, make sure they are not too hot, if so don't put the seeds right on it.

[giggletwig]

Thanks, Shovelhandle. The heating pad I have is ancient and not too hot. It's wrapped in a towel also. Just barely warm.

[HipsterDoofus]

nothing, man - room temperature on a table by the window - to the lights when they're up.

Hipster - Do you put a heating pad under your direct seeded pots? Any cover or just under the lights?

[Shovelhandle]

nothing, man - room temperature on a table by the window - to the lights when they're up.

Hmm...room temp here can be 60º. By the window = even cooler. Not to cozy for starting seedlings.

[giggletwig]

Okay. (unplugging heating pad) Got the seeds from a reputable dealer, I think. The one in England that will send you one seed if you want to try different kinds (are we allowed to put names?). Anyone had any trouble with old seeds, bad seeds from them?