Basic seed starting questions.

To cut straight to the point, how long after placing a germinated seed in soil should it sprout? After how many days should I start to worry?

Just kind of nervous because I was all set with the chosen seeds for the inaugural grow in my first tent, and my germination rates have been down lately, which of course adds to my worries.

In this scenario, I'm talking about seeds germinated in a paper towel and placed into soil with 1/8"-1/4" taproots.

Out of 4 seeds planted, 2 have been up for close to 3 days. The other two haven't shown any signs of wanting to make an appearance.

Also, in these circumstances. How moist do you keep the soil? I'm kinda of afraid I may have error ed towards been afraid of overwatering, and might have in turn not kept the soil moist enough.
I'll obviously be pretty frustrated with myself if I lost these due to letting them dry up.

 

[Mañ'O'Green]

Lots of good info there Man! I've started seeds before in organic seed starting mix that I had already been using for vegetable seeds, and had better luck than the paper towels so far. Good to know about the "root hairs".
I did recently get some rapid rooters. I've never used anything like that before, but will try on the next seeds.
I'm also concerned these seeds may be older than I think. My germination problems increased when I started dealing with this supplier.

Shyte happens. I just had 100% failure with a solid breeder but like you say we have no idea how many hands some of these seeds go through? I have grown out some seeds and the plants were not even close to the strain I purchased .

 

[Citadel]

You may have bumped the tap root tip and damaged it? I have had seeds germinate in 30 hours up to 21 days. Some Landrace Sativas from Africa take a long time to germinate.

I know that a lot of growers swear by it and their proof is the fact that many plants survive the technique but unless seeds are old or have been stored poorly soaking seeds is not needed and can drown them. Then because they need the instant gratification of seeing the tap root they germinate them in paper towels. If you look at a tap root under 200x magnification you will see the “root hairs” that grow laterally out from the tap root. These become the plant’s uptake roots. They will grow into the fibers of the paper towels and are ripped off every time the seedling is move or the towel is opened – ouch. Then when transplanting it is very easy to bump the tap root tip and damage it or kill the seedling – Why? Put the fresh or properly stored seed ½” deep in a Rapid Rooter, Root Riot, rock wool cube or similar. Keep moist – not wet, and ~78°F, 60% humidity with your lights running on 18/6 and they will germinate if viable. Most strains will germinate in 5 to 7 days. Some strains take longer than others.

I have the same regime pretty much except I use a mix of biobizz enhancers a heat mat and 150watt CFL to germ. Usually above ground in 48 hours last 2 seedlings popped up after 24 hours no pre soak ever. Always sanitizer on the hands and nitrile gloves [emoji1787] wife says I think I'm a Dr.

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Tapatalk

 

[LittleMT]

I water lightly as well.
So by day 6 should I be worried? Keeping in mind that I popped the taproot in paper towel and am on day 6 since placing in soil.

If it has been 6 days since you planted after seeing a taproot then yeah, i'd be worried. At this point I would advise you to be patient and allow a few more days to elapse, chances are you may have caused some kind of injury and exposed the young root to a deadly pathogen or something. IMO, as a grower since 1981, just plant the seed in your medium and lightly water, keep medium moist until you see life. I have never been a fan of this paper towel method or any other method that isn't simply planting the seed, which is what happens in nature. I understand that many are successful with a paper towel method, I also realize my way isn't the only way, and I hope I don't sound like an arrogant know it all, I am not trying to be that way, but just plant the seed, it is much easier and lessens something going wrong, let others be the master of the paper towel method ect, you can be the master of a healthy seedling method by doing what has worked in nature for thousands and thousands of years.

 

[Arthur]

You can also do the soak in a diluted humic acid. Have heard kelp works well to help energize things a little.

 

[The Iconoclast]

@NoviceProfessor,

To solve the problem with germinated seeds, I have found the best solution is to use an eazy plug or similar then you can open it up and place the germinated seed on the plug then close it up, so that the seed pod is right at the surface. Then put this in soil. The eazy plug will hold the correct amount of water and then disintegrate into the soil. This way every pregerminated seed no matter what shape it makes can have the perfect start.