How to Germinate Seeds in Hydroponics

Last Updated: December 19, 2019 References

Hydroponics is an ideal method for germinating seeds! An alternative way of growing plants will be to grow plants hydroponically. Hydroponics is a more hygienic and efficient method compared to soil based growing. It also protects your plants from root rot or insects. You can also control the whole system as everything is automated in this growing method.

Steps

1
Decide what type of starter you are going to use. Most people either use peat pellets or rockwool cubes. Either is a fine choice as they are both neutral so won't harm your seeds or seedlings and they both allow enough moisture and air to allow your seeds to grow.
2
Before you begin, prep your cubes or pellets in clean, distilled water for at least a couple of hours.^{[1]
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3
Lightly shake out any excess water and place a couple of seeds in your cubes or pellets. You want to place a couple of seeds in case any don't sprout and you can always remove any extra sprouts if you want to.^{[2]
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4
Place your cubes or pellets in a shallow domed or covered tray with about an inch or two of distilled water and place in a dark area until you see sprouts (about 5-7 days).^{[3]
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5
See to it that the water in your tray stays about 1-2" high. At the initial stage use plain and distilled water and later add nutrient- solution to keep your growing system moist. And, once the plant is 2 inches (5.1 cm) tall provide more and more food. Once the plant reaches a height of 2 inches (5.1 cm), apply full strength plant food.^{[4]
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6
Invest in appropriate hydroponics system according your plants needs and your budget. You can choose either an active or a passive hydroponics system. Active hydroponic systems use artificial method for germination process while passive hydroponic systems carry out germination process naturally. Water culture system is also one reliable system where there is no need of a growing media but you can easily grow plants in water.

Community Q&A

Question

How much light does the peppermint seed need to germinate?

Community Answer

Peppermint requires partial sun to grow well, it should take around 10-15 days indoors. Make sure the seeds aren't in too cold/warm or too moist/dry a place.

Warnings

If you are in a colder climate you may want to look into a heat mat to keep your seeds at the proper temperature.

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Watch your temperatures - too hot and your seeds won't sprout; too cold and they won't sprout either. An ideal range would be anywhere from 70–90 °F (21–32 °C).

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Make sure the pH of your water is not too acidic or too alkaline - anywhere in the range of 5.5-6.5 would be perfect.^{[5]
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