Hi Bur,
There are so many factors that could come into play when it comes to seed germination. I am by no means an expert, but in my most humble experience I'd like to offer you a hard-learned, albeit, what some might consider a highly arbitrary/argumentive list, for your consideration:
1.
Consider the age of the seeds. Seeds over 2 to 3 years old are going to have issues with germination, as well as being easily susceptible to attacks from various molds.
2.
Lower temperatures are bad. A lower temperature leaves your seeds vulnerable to attack by various bacteria as well as lengthens the germination process. 70-80° F is best.
3.
Look to see if there are any visible cracks in the seeds. If so consider them nonviable for the most part.
4.
Heating mats are great IF you get one with a built-in thermostat. I have watched many a seedling perish due to the fact that there was no thermostat to regulate the temperature of the heating mat. Remember 80° F should be the maximum.
5.
Avoid humidity domes. Rooted cuttings do well in humidity domes, so it goes to reason that so would seeds. But this is not necessarily true. Its best to keep an ambient humidity below 50%. High humidity levels invite fungus such as pythium and fusarium. If you do use a humidity dome keep fresh air coming in.
6 .
Water quality is a must. Use mineral water if at all possible and check the pH level adjusting accordingly for soil, (6.5) or rockwool (5.
. Although municipality water is fine in many cases, we have all tasted water that is barely drinkable due to the high levels of salt, minerals, chlorine, and other additives. My reasoning is that if it tastes bad to us; imagine what it must be doing to a seedling!
7.
Dont add nutrient solutions. Again, this is a highly debatable topic, but I'm of the firm belief that good water that is of the proper pH is really all that is necessary. The seedling contains an ample amount of hormones .
8.
Be skeptical of starter plugs. Many are pre-fertilized, have high sodium levels, and also may have an improper pH to effectively meet the needs of your particular seedlings.
9.
If you live in a freezing climate where your seeds have been left in the mailbox for some time, then let your seeds slowly thaw in the refrigerator.
10.
Consider "scuffing" your seeds. Scuffing the hull of the seed with either an emery board or sand paper will help water to penetrate the hull and get to the embryo.
Last but not least, as much as I hate to say it, many growers seem to suffer from what I call O.C.D. (Obstructive Cannabis Delusion), in which the sufferer smokes so much that his/her arrogance takes precedence over logic. In other words, if I could receive a dime for every time I read, "100% success", I would never have to grow again. I would just have the dispensary deliver curbside for life. Scientifically speaking, NOTHING in life is 100% certain. So test, fail, retest, fail, test again, succeed and then retest once more because you don't believe the results of your initial success!
Good luck. Your brother in growing,
Gru
