How to easily germinate seeds in 3 steps

Germinate seeds

To germinate seeds water is vitally important here, for as soon as the seed has absorbed an adequate amount of water, the seedling begins to create its root system. Next it breaks through its outer shell. During seed germination the seed awakens from its dormancy.

Preparation

To germinate seeds, place some damp paper towels on a plate. Place the seeds on top of them and then put a layer of damp paper towels on the seeds. Cover the plate with another upturned plate so that the seeds are in darkness and the environment remains moist. Place the covered seeds in a warm (21 deg C) spot. Check the seeds every day, wetting the paper towel when necessary. Transplant the seeds when they open and the root tip can be seen. Gently place the seed in a rockwool propagating block (2×2 or 4x4cm), to a depth of approximately 5mm. Carefully cover the opening with rockwool and moisten the block once more.

Care

Frequently sprinkle the rockwool blocks with water. Ensure that the blocks do not become too wet. The seedling uses the spare food present in the seed for growth development. Oxygen is essential for its metabolism. One of the advantages of rockwool is that it retains a high percentage of air. Ensure that the blocks are not standing in water and that the excess water is able to drain away freely. Rockwool propagating blocks have an optimal climate for the seeds. Keep the seeds warm and damp (21 deg C) in a sturdy propagating box. Remove the cover immediately the seedlings grow above the rockwool blocks.

Young plants

The young plants at this stage are still very fragile. Do not therefore place them in direct sunlight or below a 400 watt lamp. Ideally place them under fluorescent bulbs, colour Philips 33. Position the light system 5-10cm above the plant tops.

Not only the humidity, but also the temperature is essential when germinating.

A high air temperature forces the seedlings to grow upwards. All the available nourishment will be used for this purpose while the seedling should be utilising its energy for the development of roots. Bottom heating is therefore essential. The best way for the seedlings to take root is at a bottom temperature of 21-24 deg C. The speed of the root development is very important. The longer the seedlings take to root, the greater the chance they will not survive.

As the first roots have become visible you can gradually increase the EC to 1.2ms.