Germinator Protocol

Items Needed:

GERMINATOR Solution

GERMINATOR Shaker (optional)

A moist paper towel or cotton wool to germinate the seeds

A warm (75 F) and dark place to germinate the seeds

A germination chamber or a heating mat (optional)

Tweezers or a spoon to transplant the seedlings

Protocol:

• Step 1: Bring GERMINATOR Solution to room temperature. Soak seeds in solution for up to 24 hours. If using GERMINATOR Shaker, set RPM between 60-80 continuously and let it shake for up to 24 hours.

• Step 2: Drain the seeds and let them air dry slowly for 30 minutes. This will prevent them from rotting or molding. If the seeds have already started to germinate and crack open, skip this step and go to step 3.

• Step 3: Place the seeds in a warm (75 F), dark, and humid environment. You can use a plastic bag, a container with a lid, or a germination/incubation chamber. Keep the seeds moist but not wet. Wait until the taproot emerges and becomes visible. This may take a few days depending on the seed type and quality.

• Step 4: Carefully transplant the seedlings to your preferred growing media and provide a low nutrient solution. Avoid damaging the roots or exposing them to light or air. The seedlings are now ready to grow and develop.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Q: What is seed priming and why is it useful?

• A: Seed priming is a process of treating seeds with a solution and then providing optimal conditions for germination. It can improve seed performance by increasing germination rate, uniformity, speed, and vigor. It can also help overcome dormancy, stress, and diseases.

• Q: What kind of seeds can be primed?

• A: Seed priming can be applied to many kinds of seeds, such as vegetables, flowers, hemp, herbs, grains, and legumes. Different seeds may require different solutions or environmental conditions for optimal priming.

• Q: How long should I soak the seeds in step 1?

• A: The soaking time depends on the seed type, size, and quality. Generally, you should soak the seeds for up to 24 hours or until they start to swell or germinate. Seeds that absorb the solution tend to sink, while non-viable seeds will float. Do not soak them for too long or they may rot or lose viability. You can also monitor the water temperature and oxygen level to ensure optimal conditions. If soaking for longer than 24 hours, discard and replace solution with fresh GERMINATOR Solution every 24 hours.

• Q: How do I create a warm, dark, and humid environment in step 3?

• A: You can use various methods to create a suitable environment for germination. One simple way is to place the seeds in a plastic bag or a container with a lid and some moist paper towels or cotton wool. Then put the bag or container in a warm (75 F) and dark place such as a cupboard or a drawer. Another way is to use a germination chamber, incubator, or a heating mat that can control the temperature and humidity. Make sure to check the seeds regularly and keep them moist but not wet.

• Q: How do I transplant the seedlings in step 4?

• A: You should transplant the seedlings carefully and gently to avoid damaging the roots or exposing them to light or air. You can use tweezers or a spoon to lift the seedlings from the germination medium and place them in your preferred growing media such as soil, coco coir, rockwool, or hydroponic system. You should also provide a low nutrient solution to support the seedling growth. You can use a diluted fertilizer or a special seedling formula.