Tricks to germinating older seeds
If you have been growing with cannabis seeds for a while now you might have noticed most seeds will germinate in 24-36 hours. On some occasions seeds can take 48 to 72 hours right up to 1 week to germinate. This 9 times out of 10 is due to the seeds being old or improperly stored. The older the seed the harder they are to pop. If you purchased an old pack of seeds that come out 2 or 3 years ago and your not sure how they were stored one of these tricks below might just be for you. If you’re interested in learning how to properly store your seeds click here and check out our seed storage blog.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture
When seeds are stored improperly or have been around for a few years they get harder and harder to germinate as each year goes on. One trick you can do to speed up the germination process is to use 1 to 2 drops of 99% hydrogen peroxide in a shot glass of water. After soaking the seed in the peroxide mixture for 24 hours it will soften the shell up enough for the seeds to germinate.
Dilute 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide with 6 parts water.
Dilute 1 part 4.5% hydrogen peroxide with 9 parts water.
Dilute 1 part 6% hydrogen peroxide with 12 parts water.
Dilute 1 part 30% hydrogen peroxide with 60 parts water.
Gibberellic acid Mixture
Gibberellic acid is a natural plant hormone used to speed up the germination process for seeds. Gibberellic acid can also be used on seeds that are difficult to germinate but must be used properly or it can cause your plants to start flowering prematurely. When using simply mix 150 mg of powder acid with 1 Liter and soak seeds for 24 hours or until seeds start to germinate.
Sanding the shell
Sanding the shell is method most old school growers use. The first time I seen this method done an old guy I know grabbed a match box and started sanding his seeds he had on the table with it. When asked he mentioned the seeds were so old they would not germinate any other way. The trick here is to give the shell of the seed a bit of a sanding not to sand directly though the seed but to make the shell thinner and easier to germinate. After sanding the seed soak your seeds for 24 to 48 hours and they should pop.
Scaring The Seeds
Scaring the seeds is another popular trick growers similar to sanding and often used on seeds that are older with harder shells. The trick here is to line a match box or any small box with some sand paper and put your seeds in the box and give it a shake. This will scar up the seeds allowing the water to be absorbed easier helping the seeds to germinate at a faster rate.
Carbonated Water
When we mention carbonated water it might make you thirsty but the CO₂ in the water will help the seeds to absorb more moisture. This is a trick I first seen being shared on Instagram and seems to have great results.
Recommended Temperature
Temperature: Overall, cannabis seeds germinate in temperatures from 70°F–90°F (21°C–32°C) and grow best at 78°F (26°C). Temperatures below 70°F (21°C) and above 90°F (32°C) impair germination. Low temperatures delay germination. High temperatures upset seed chemistry causing poor germination. Seeds germinate best under the native conditions and temperature ranges where they were grown.
Seeds Need Darkness
Make sure your seeds are in complete darkness well being germinated. Cannabis seeds can be inhibited by light and can slow the germination stage.
Heavily Connected Seedbank is Not responsible for how you handle your seeds. Follow blog instructions at your own risk.
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