Best seed germination method - cup of water or damp towels?

[proteus]

I've seen two approaches to germinating cannabis seeds.

1. CUP OF WATER method: Drop the seeds into a cup of distilled water, and put the cup in the dark, and wait.

2. PAPER TOWELS method. Place the seeds between damp layers of paper towels (but not too wet), and put them in a zip lock bag or between two plates, and wait.

There seems to be a contradiction between the two methods. The paper towel method claims the towels should be damp but not soaking wet, which implies that the seeds might get waterlogged (or not able to get oxygen if you make the towels too wet).

The cup of water method puts the seeds completely underwater and hasn't the least concern for too much water. In fact, the people who use this method say that the seeds should sink to the bottom of the cup after a few hours, implying that the seeds floating on the surface aren't going to germinate.

Both methods work, but the question is, which one works the best to insure germination?

Any thoughts, theories about why one should work better than another? What's your experience? Are there any other methods that work even better?

IMPORTANT: I'm not asking which method you use, I'm asking WHY you use the method, and why do you think it works better than another method.

[Recluse420]

I've tried both and like the paper towel the best.

[katana2k9]

i agree paper towels and use distilled water like evian at room temp. check every 12 hours until taproot is half a cm and place in soil quarter inch deep cover and lightly i mean very lightly spray with water to stop it drying and leave for 2 day chazzzah u have sprouts. hope this helps

[BakedBFWork]

Paper towel

[The Grim Reefer]

i do both, cup of water till the seeds sink once touched down (not long) then transfer to paper towels.

[proteus]

Thanks guys, but I'm not really looking for a vote. No doubt more people use the paper towel method as it is the most advertized. No doubt both methods work but 99% may use one method but the 1% method may actually be better, but just saying which one you use doesn't explain anything. See what I mean?

I'm trying to find out which has the best germination rate and why. Recluse420 has used both but he likes the paper towel the best. I assume that's because the paper towel works best. But why does it work better?

The Grim Reefers uses a combination of the two. Interesting. Why does letting the seeds sink before transfering them to paper work better than just putting them in damp paper towels (or vice versa)?

Is there a botanical reason for the two methods? A theory? A hypothesis? What are your thoughts? Do you have a link to a reference article that explains it all?

[powrd]

Paper towels.

[Windlizard]

Why don't you just go grow some weed !!!!

[The Grim Reefer]

My own personal reason for using my method (a combination) is that once the seed sinks its been penetrated and is starting the germination process, i then transfer to paper towels so as to lessen the chances of drowning the seedling lol. I also find it easier to transfer from paper towels with minimal damage, and easier to keep control over them.

The main thing with germination is minimising damage and stress you cause to the seedling. Whatever method u use just be careful and itll be successfull. The reason youll find so many differeing opinions is that all methods are essentially correct - that is they all work. What will usually mess up the germiantion is planting too deep, over watering, using nutes too early or having wrong temps lol. If you want you can just moisten the soil and place the seed about 3mm deep, then it will germinate and sprout straight from soil. This is another avidly pushed method, as it reduces the chance of harming your taproot and seedling. Use whatever you feel comfortable with, most people stick with the method they first try, because it works and they dont want to change for fear of messing up. So germinate a few more seeds than you need just for safety sake (i have had a 100% germ and sprout ratio so far) and then take the strongest when your going further. Easiest solution.

EDIT: I dont have a link to any articles but i can type 1 up for you if you'd like a bit more info on the germination process

[proteus]

Thanks Grim Reefer, that was informative and it makes sense. In the past I used paper towels, but I've never been sure why it works.

Are the seeds that don't sink, dead?

The reason I'm asking why a particular method works best is for two reasons: It's interesing in its own biological light, but mostly because some of the seeds I'm looking for are *expensive* and I want to insure the best germination rate to get the best bang for my dollar. If I had the money, I would do an experiment with lots of seeds and use both methods, and then just count the method which has the best germination success rate.

Anyone else?

[Crutch]

I have tried both. The paper towel seems to work best for me. It just seems that you get alot better of a taproot using paper towel than a cup of water.

[amoril]

bump grim reafer

i soak in water w/ a touch of superthrive, when they sink, theyre ready for a moist towel

[bonbonbondia]

I think you have it mixed up. You can't just leave it in a cup of water, the seedling will drown before it sprouts. The cup of water method usually entails leaving it in water for 12-24 hours (or until it sinks) then planting it or putting it in paper towels.

I've done both with decent results but nowadays I just make sure to have a supply of rapid rooters. Those work better and leave less chance of screwing things up.

[Smokey-eyes77]

They are the same method.

just once extra step.

Imo
Just put it in the soil and let it do its thing.
Natures intended way.
Why change it?

[knr117]

I'm new but i took time & tried both over 2 wks. I tried towels & water both by themselves, what works for me is a mix of both.

I mix a gal of Dis. water to a half teaspoon of FF grow big and put my seeds in & let sit for 24hrs. Also I germed both seeds that float and 1's that sink. Then I put the beans into a papertowel soaked in the very same water for another 24hrs inside an air tight container & put the container on top of the vent holes that vent my DVR and leave it on the entire time. DVR is motrola from time waner.

I always have sprouts and it's rare that i loose more than 1. I also use the water method for tomato seeds but use water method only.

Key really is to find what works for you.