Sativa Seeds

[drumin]

Has anyone noticed if Sativa strains take longer or need anything different for germination? I'm having a hard time getting them to pop. I had 5 indica seeds and 5 sativa and the indica popped withing 3 days while nothing on the sativa yet. Last batch of 10 sativa never popped at all. Could they require more heat?

[RedEyezzzzz]

I have never noticed any diff. between indica or sativa... but I have had quite the number of seeds that just never germ'd... Used the paper towel method btw. Maybe they will just take longer? Some seeds are more ripe (usually white) and would have a tougher shell to break through.

[CB]

whats the temps inside your germination vessel ?

[peakguy]

but I have never noticed any difference. Just finished a Kali Mist grow and they all popped fine, although operator error managed to kill off a couple sprouts. How old were they?

[Chronic007]

whats the temps inside your germination vessel ?
Yeah ya might need to bump the temps up!

[drumin]

I'm not sure of the temps, I'm using the ziplock baggie method and I set that on top of my 400watt HPS. Like I said 5 indica popped but so far 5 sativas have not.

I don't know how old the seeds are. I got them a couple weeks ago from Nirvana.

[Elephunt man]

I can't answer your question on sativa seeds, I haven't noticed a difference though, but not enough experience to say that means anything.

I know how frustrating it is though, to have that one or five beans that you really want to grow make you worry. So I hope you will allow me to offer what little experience I can with stubborn seeds...as I have a few.

The first thing I have to say is, if you really want her, don't give up. I hear alot of peeps say 'I toss em' after 5 days or so'...I do too most times, but I make seed and most don't. Just now I'm happy to say after 2 weeks, I finally got my second sprout out of a few really stubborn beans. Here's how I did it, not that this method is perfected or anything, just where I am now.

I use a seedling heating pad under tupperware containers. Cordless drill charger works a mint too, as I hear computer moniters do too. Dunno why I use the tupperware, just seems easier than baggies to me, but I put the same thing inside as everyone else...water, piece of clean white or recycled brown paper towel.

This is usually sufficient for me to get a tap root in 24 hours or less. After a few days, if it takes that long, sometimes things go wrong...if they smell funky or there are brown spots on the towel, they have. I found a few things can help before that happens:

Rolanterroy recommends spring water, because of the traces...I would have to agree, but since I have them, I tried a few things with my reverse osmosis water. Kelp or seaweed extract, like at foliar strength...probably helps soften the shell or maybe just really empowers that initial tap root to bust out of there. I am not exactly sure, but I use Botanicare Liquid Karma brand, it has recommendations for germinating right on the bottle. Another I just about have to have to clone here, is Hydrogaurd by the same company. I have added that at the same strength, and it seems to keep my window for success open much longer.

Lastly, with the most recent small black stubborn beans I had, even after at least 5 days in tupperware, I figured I might as well stick it in a 'jiffy thingy' soaked in the same solution. After a week more and basically giving up and letting the thing nearly dry out completely, I look today and low and behold...a sprout! So I guess 2 weeks might seem like a long shot but don't give up hope brother, hate to see your hard earned dollars spent on seeds going to waste...ya know?

:coffee:

[peakguy]

In my current grow (all indicas, though) I had one that I just put in a bit too far and once the other seeds came up, I went digging w/ a sewing needle and there was my girl struggling to get to the surface. I just lifted her up a bit gently and she is doing fine. Good luck, fuck I hate seeds that don't germ.

[drumin]

I've also heard some people "score" the seed so as to make it easier for stubborn seeds to open. I've popped a couple seeds in the past by giving them a little squeeze, will they germinate if you crack the shell or is it done for after that?

[peakguy]

I have heard of scoring older seeds to get them to germ, but as far as squeezing the seeds, I would only do that as a last resort, although you are probably approaching that now. I know the guy from Mandella seeds says not to soak his because they are so fresh that will actually retard their germ rate, but with older seeds, I guess anything goes. However, using tweezers with deft fingers, you can get the seeds to crack a bit to let the tap root out if it wants out. At this time, what have you got to lose? Good luck.