by Jorge Cervantes
Germinating and Planting Seeds
To germinate, seeds need moisture, warmth, and air (oxygen).
Moisture
Soaking seeds in water allows moisture to penetrate the protective seed shell within minutes. Moisture continues to wick in to activate the dormant hormones. In 24-72 hours, hormones activate and send signals to produce a small white rootlet (radicle).
Moisture is critical now. There must be a constant stream of moisture to transport nutrients, hormones, and water in order to carry on life processes. For best results use distilled water. Letting germinated seeds suffer moisture stress now will stunt seedling growth.
Warmth
Cannabis seeds grow best at 78F (25C). Low temperatures (below 70F [21C]) delay germination. High temperatures (above 90F [32C]) cause poor germination. Once germinated, move seedlings to a slightly growing area and increase light levels. Avoid high temperatures and ow light levels, which cause lanky growth.
Air (oxygen)
Seeds need air to germinate. Moist, soggy growing mediums will cut off oxygen supplies and the seed will literally drown. Planting seeds to deeply also causes poor germination. Seedlings do not have enough stored energy to force through too much soil before sprouting. Plant seeds twice as dep as the width of the seed. For example, plant a 0.125-inch (0.3mm) seed 0.25-inch (6mm) deep.