Resources & Germination Tips

The Aurora+ performs a critical part of the germination process, but it is still only a part. The following tips can be used to maximize your success. Not all recommendations will work for all types of seeds. We encourage all customers to observe local laws regarding propagation and cultivation.

 

Germination

This step will work for seeds with a thick pericarp. Start by lining a clean pill bottle or match box with fine grit sand paper. Place your seeds inside and gently shake them for 30-60 seconds. The goal is to make small scratches in the outer layer of the pericarp(shell) to help moisture penetrate.

Now let's talk about your germination solution. You can use tap water(varying by location), distilled water, a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution, an Epsom salt solution and many others. You should be careful with tap water. Unless you are on well water, your tap water could contain too much chlorine. Leaving it out and uncovered for 24-72 hrs will let some of it dissipate. An air stone will speed the process and aerate the water. Well water(also varying by location) can have a higher pH, especially in areas with a lot of limestone. Distilled water is good as a sterile base and starts at a neutral pH of 7. But that can fluctuate based on how long it has been exposed to the air as it absorbs carbon dioxide, often times falling to a pH around 5.8. However, water on the slightly acidic side can aid in breaking down the pericarp. Using a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution can also aid in breaking through the outer shell as well as sanitizing and oxygenating. Just combine 2 parts distilled water with 1 part hydrogen peroxide 3%. Epsom salt for seed germination is an old school method not found in many modern gardening publications. Magnesium sulfate activates enzymes within the seed, instructing it to consume the nutrients stored within, thus starting germination. A solution of 1 tsp per gallon of water should be sufficient.

At this stage, some like to soak their seeds for a few hours up to an entire day. You can if you like, but depending on the type of seed, it may have adverse effects. Once your seeds are placed on the cotton pads inside the Aurora+ and covered, add 2ml of your germination solution to each occupied pod and gently press down the top pad. You could also skip the cotton and place the seed directly into the pod. Use extra caution with your solution amounts to avoid spilling and water damage. Depending on the type of seed, you may want to check every 12-24 hours for potential tap roots. Based on the type and age of the seed, this can take anywhere from hours to several days, weeks, months. Other types of healthy, properly stored seeds usually germinate in 24-72 hours. Older seeds, or those not stored properly, can take 7-10 days. Various types of pepper seeds can take weeks or MONTHS to germinate. The longer the germination period, the more vulnerable they are.

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Adding more solution should be done in small amounts and will vary in timing and amount depending on the environment the Aurora+ is in (ie air temperature, relative humidity, circulation etc). The cotton pad should look saturated but not pooling with liquid and never spilling over the sides of the pod.

Temperature selection is based on the type of seed being germinated and personal preference. Many seeds have a germination range of 70-90 F (21-32 C). The Aurora+ allows you to select between two settings: 82-86 F (28-30 C) and 76-80 F (24-26 C)

***Root Nerds is not liable for any failed seed germination*** There are many factors that can influence the outcome. Proper preparation, seed storage and sanitation habits are some of the keys to success. It is your responsibility to select the proper temperature, add the correct amount of solution to keep your seeds hydrated and select the proper method based on the type of seed you are germinating. Excessive removal of the lid can lead to temperature decrease and/or accelerated evaporation of your germination solution.

 

PCT International Patent Application No. PCT/IB2022/053634