New Grower Quick Germ question

[wileywilly53]

I am a new grower and so far only one kind of plant (Northern Lights) and I did 3 grows. All 3 grows I just sank the seeds in some 6.5 pH water and waited to see lil tail then put in soil. All 3 did fine. So I was ready to move on and try something different. I ordered some Stone Dragons and they came with some Sweet Caroline. I know they are mixed and not all fem's SOoo I figured to just keep it simple and drop one of each seed then wait till I saw sex and proceed. BUT the Sweet Caroline popped a lil tail and went in the soil, the dragon never popped a tail. Soooo I dropped another Dragon and it has been 4 or 5 days and again still no tail on the dragon. Are the dragons that different or am I doing something wrong ? here is a pic kind of sad to think they dropped at same time

 

[az2000]

It could be the dragon's shell is harder. You could line a matchbox with sandpaper (220-grit, fine) and shake the seed in the box for a minute to scuff up the outer shell. This can help it absorb water.

I've read about people using a razor blade to scrape off the little seam on one side of the seed (to help it break open). I've never done that.

Another thing you can do is add 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 5 parts water. Soak the seed in this. I do it. It seems to add some strength to the via an unstable oxygen molecule. Oxygen bubbles will form on the seed which help keep the seed from drowning if you need to let it soak for more than 24 hours. The bubbles prevent the seed from sinking. This can throw you off if you expect the seed to sink. But, I think it's not so bad for the seed to float on the surface, getting air.

The temperature of the soak water matters too. 75-78 F and keep it in a dark place.

 

[GoAuto6]

I prefer 82 to 85*. But I also always sow into my medium, maintaining my 85*.....Iv grown out many Stone D's now and have not had any Germination issues I'd give them some more time.

 

[wileywilly53]

OK Thanks for the reply. I remember reading about the sandpaper trick. Well I do not know what the temp is in the linen closet BUT it sure is not 82-85 probably more like 70-74 maybe that could be a issue. Do you think it would hurt to just go ahead and put this seed that has been soaking for a week in my medium and raise temp, even put my little dome over the top. OR should I use a new seed.

 

[wg]

I prefer the 82-85 range myself. I'm also a fan of sowing to medium and putting a cup over where I had sown the seed and putting it by something warm.. Almost to keep the "paper towel effect" happening in the medium that a lot of growers use. I'd always give the seeds at least 7 days before I called it a complete bomb.

I would do both to be safe if you have the room - but definitely sow the soaking seed into the medium and put a little humidome over it.

 

[wileywilly53]

OK Guys thanks. I put it in the medium 2 days ago, and as a experimenting rookie, I could not resist. Touching the seed it ws hard as a rock. so I mashed it a little bit (oooops) all it did was crack a little. I saw something white maybe a tail so I stuck it in the dirt with a dome and put it under the light so we will see. If nothing soon I will try number 3 Dragon.

 

[wileywilly53]

well sorry to say but nothing has popped up, from the SD. so that is 2 seeds down and nothing to show. The sweet Caroline is doing great and looking good. Now I am skeeered to try another dragon I hate to keep wasting them. Any ideas ?