How to Germinate Seeds

There are a few different methods for germinating seeds.

Let’s take a look at the most popular ones.

1. Paper Towel Germination

To do this, you’ll need paper towels as well as two plates. The first step is to dampen one of the paper towels and set it on one of the plates. You want the paper towel to be completely wet, but not so much that it’s dripping water or pooling on the plate.

You’ll then place the seeds onto the damp paper towel. Don’t crowd the seeds together — spread them around the paper towel and leave plenty of room between them.

Then place another moist (not soaking or dripping wet) paper towel on top of the seeds. Gently press the paper towel down on top of the seeds to ensure they are completely enveloped between the paper towels.

Finally, place the second plate upside down over the seeds in a clamshell-like fashion. This will provide the dark environment your seeds need to germinate.

Check on the seeds every day to monitor their progress and ensure they don’t run out of moisture. If the paper towels start to dry out, dampen them again with a spray bottle.

Germination time can vary. Once the radicle roots have emerged and grown to a few millimeters in length, you’ll be ready to transfer your seedlings.

2. Grow Medium Germination

Another common germinating method is to place the seeds directly into a grow medium. Common media for seed germination include rockwool cubes, coco coir pods, or a seedling starter fertilizer.

The basic idea here is the same as the paper towel method: You’ll dampen the media, insert the seeds, then keep them in a warm, humid environment until the radicle root emerges.

Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can transfer them directly to your hydroponic system or soil.

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