New Grower Best Germination method for Autos

[SlayerX]

It's nearly time for my first grow/journal, i'm awaiting my 2nd order of seeds to arrive then my germination process can begin. There are many debates (at least in my searches) as to the best way to germinate autoflower seeds.

The general rule of thumb seems to be that autos hate being transplanted. I want to know the best method for germinating seeds, some people place them straight in the soil and hope for the best while others use the wet paper towel method but what really works best for autos?

If placing seeds directly in potting soil is the best method then how wet should the soil be? Sorry if this has been answered before.

My seeds:
5x Heavyweight Fast & Vast Autoflowering Feminised
3x Auto Candy Kush Autoflowering Feminised
1x World Of Seeds Northern Lights x Big Bud AUTO Feminised (Free)

 

[Jonesy]

Hey SlayerX, I usually use a very small plastic container with damp paper towel and put it above my cable/freeview TV box for a gentle heat. I have found it to work very well in the past. These weren't with autos but I am interested to see if the experienced growers here have noticed a difference with autos.

 

[Trapper]

So here's what I did:

Scuffing (optional):

get some medium/fine grit sandpaper, roll it into a tube about a quarter inch in diameter, tape it so it will remain in cylindrical form.
put the seed in the tube with a finger over each end.
shake 20 or 30 times
this scuffs the surface of the seed to allow water to get in more easily.

Soak

drop the seed into room temperature filtered water
allow to soak for 6-24 hours (I went with 6 IIRC)

Plant

plant seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in soil with a little shot of Great White Mycos
Cover with soil
Keep moist but not wet or soaked, use a spray bottle
seedling will pop the surface in 3 or 4 days if viable

OR

Take seeds from the room temp water soak and place in moist (wetted then wrung out) paper towel
fold the paper towel to make a little "folder" with the seed(s) between top layer and bottom layer
place paper towel inside a ziploc bag and seal
Place bag w/ seed(s) on something warm (not hot) like a wifi router or computer box
leave for 24-48 hours
check to see if taproot has cracked through, if it has
plant seed 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in soil with a little shot of Great White Mycos tap root down (generally)
Cover with soil
Keep moist but not wet or soaked, use a spray bottle
seedling will pop the surface in 2 or 3 days if viable

I did both these methods on my first grow (long story)...100% popped and are still kicking.

 

[SlayerX]

I just tried the scuffing/soaking method, lets hope for the best!

 

[Eyes on Fire]

Most times ya wont need to scuff at all.thats mostly if your seed husk is thick or just really tough...or both.I find a small match box and a small piece of 120 grit at the bottom and roll it around for 15-30 seconds will do ya just right imo.and I personally plant right to soil after I soak them for a 12-18 hour period in bottled water or even decent tap water seems to work for me,but I have a well,then right to soil.Ive actually had some up as quick as 36-48 from sowing to soil with this method.Heres some germination Karma for ya. :tiphat:

 

[SlayerX]

branching off topic a bit but how long should I have the light going for seedlings? meaning would it be beneficial for an 18/6 if nothing has sprouted yet?

 

[Trapper]

It's not a seedling yet if it hasn't popped through the surface. Pre-pop, the light is just a heat source. After it surfaces, move the light up, well away from the tender youngin' (distance is based on what type of light you have, I don't remember)...

I, personally, am running 24/0 until flowering. But that's a personal choice based on my environment. I'm barely maintaining 80º F with the light on all the time. I drop to ambient room temp (70º F) if I turn them off.

 

[Eyes on Fire]

and just remember,air flow on even a small level is very helpful.even in germing stage.not much,just a little.to maintain temps and to aquire zero hotspots on your soils surfaces."My 2 cents"

 

[SlayerX]

It's not a seedling yet if it hasn't popped through the surface. Pre-pop, the light is just a heat source. After it surfaces, move the light up, well away from the tender youngin' (distance is based on what type of light you have, I don't remember)...

I, personally, am running 24/0 until flowering. But that's a personal choice based on my environment. I'm barely maintaining 80º F with the light on all the time. I drop to ambient room temp (70º F) if I turn them off.

Ah that clears up things, what would the distance be for a 400w HPS once they pop? I have it at a fair height at the moment, gentle warmth on the back of my hand at soil height

 

[Trapper]

EoF definitely knows what he's talking about...

- - - Updated - - -

Ah that clears up things, what would the distance be for a 400w HPS once they pop? I have it at a fair height at the moment, gentle warmth on the back of my hand at soil height

Sorry, IDK for incandescent...Someone will know though...