There are several methods with which you can germinate your seeds succesfully. The main principle to understand during germination is the seed is looking for a constant moist dark environment around 85F. Seeds can be placed between folded, wet paper towels that are kept moist and warm in an area between 70-85 degrees, such as on the top of the refrigerator. After a period of 48 hours to 2 weeks, the vast majority of viable seeds will crack open with a white root tip emerging. At this point, the seed is gently placed in the growing medium approximately 1/2 inch deep with the root tip pointed downward.

GERMINATION FOR DUMMIES

If you have never planted a seed before and don't want to risk screwing up your prized seeds, then the most idiot-proof method is to use a propagation mat to start your seeds in. Propagation mats were designed to provide a constant temperature & moisture to the soil. They can be purchased at most nurseries for about $35. Simply place your soil in the small plastic containers it comes with (you can have 72 plants germinating at once), place about 1/8 cup of distilled water on the bottom of th mat, place humidity dome on and plug it in. After about 3 hours the mat is ready to receive the seeds. Simply make a small hole in the soil about 1/4 inch deep, drop the seed in, cover with a little bit of dirt and replace humidity dome. Most viable seeds germinate within the week.

AFTER SEEDS HAVE SPROUTED

Sprouted seeds should be placed directly into the grow medium with the root tip facing down. The medium should be kept uniformly moist, warm (85F) and dark until the young seedling emerges from the surface. It is important to have a grow light present from the moment the seedling emerges forward to prevent excessive stem elongation. Fluorescent lighting works great for this stage higher color temperature tubes (6500K) being preferable.

PAPER TOWEL METHOD 1st - Get two plates (one should be a little larger than the other) and three pieces of paper towel. Place the paper towels on eack other on top of the larger plate. 2nd - Fold the paper towels in half and then half again. The paper towels should look like a book. Wet the paper towels with distilled water so they are saturated then fold them so that they will fit under the smaller diameter plate. Squeeze excess water from the towels so they are no longer dripping. 3rd - Place the seeds on the paper towel and fold the top half back over the seeds. 4th - Add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, pour it over the paper towels, about 1 to 2 mls. this will kill any fungus and bacteria that will stop the germination process and to provide oxygen for the sprout. 5th - Place the smaller plate onto the larger one with the paper towels/seeds in it. This is to provide wet growing conditions. ie to keep them from drying out. 6th - Place on top of your TV or other warm place. The seeds should start to germ in about 24 to 36 hours. When they have grown to the right size (24 to 48 hours) carfully place them in a 1/8 inch hole in your growing medium and carefully cover.