HOW DO I POP THESE PRECIOUS BEANS?
There are many ways to skin a cat. Germinating cannabis seeds is no different.
Here at Just Cannabis we only make use of Jiffy pellets, seed trays or small pots of Just Cannabis soil – with the moisture content juuuust right.
We are not fans of the ‘germinating-in-tissue-and-replanting’ method. We’re not saying it can’t be done; we’re saying it’s very ‘finicky’ and requires some attention that we’d rather direct towards smoking our bud.
The time frame is of monumental importance when germinating cannabis seeds in wet tissue; the moment that the cotyledons appear it means you have possibly let it go on too late. Also, the longer that the teeny-tiny little taproot is exposed to air, the more likely it is to suffer damage. A newly sprouted cannabis seedling is vulnerable and sensitive, like a human foetus that should still be inside it’s mother’s tummy. You wouldn’t handle a human foetus, would you? All in all, we prefer to let nature do it’s thing. (This is a common theme with us, you see). Nature knows what to do with that seed. Nature knows that the seed wants a dark, damp bed to sleep in so that it can figure out up from down. It’s hard letting your babies grow up without being a smothering and over-involved parent, but somehow we get through it.
The goal is to maintain the germination medium at about 20-28ºC, and at 70% relative humidity. Lower temperatures and humidity will result in a slower and less successful germination, while higher ones can bring challenges with rot and fungus.
Always try to plant the seed with the tip down, and the crown facing up towards the sky. (The crown is the fattened side with the ‘crater’ in it). The crown of the seed acts as a kind of hinge when the seed germinates, and allows the tap root to exit out of the opened tip. and grow straight down. If you plant your seeds upside-down you might run the risk of the taproot growing upwards, in which case your seedling will die. You don’t, however, need to fret about getting it precisely upright. Again we want to remind you that nature has a funny way of knowing her way around.
Planting your seeds too shallow or too deep can also have detrimental effects. Too shallow and the stem will weaken and break; too deep and the seedling may never emerge. We experience a depth of 1 – 2cm to be just right.
GERMINATING SEEDS IN JUST CANNABIS SOIL
Use a seed tray or small pot, and fill with Just Cannabis soil. Level off and firm lightly. Never compress the soil. Water thoroughly using a watering can with a fine spray, and allow to drain. Make a small hole in the medium of approximately 1 – 2cm in depth, and carefully place the cannabis seed in the hole. Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater – especially during the early stages immediately after germination. Once the seedlings have rooted successfully, remove the root ball from the seed tray or small pot, and transplant into the final container.
GERMINATING SEEDS IN JIFFY PELLETS
Soak the jiffy pellets in lukewarm water, or as per manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that the jiffy bag is not overly wet; we prefer to squeeze the jiffy softly around the sides and from the bottom to get rid of excess water. Make a small hole in the medium of approximately 1 – 2cm in depth, and carefully place the cannabis seed in the hole. Cover it up. Some Jiffy trays come with a plastic dome which should be opened for a few minutes twice a day. Once the seedlings have sprouted, remove the plastic dome.