Propagation Supplies
Achieving successful germination of cannabis seeds and cloning of cannabis plants begins with having the proper supplies. Sprouts, seedlings, and clones are delicate and require favorable conditions and an appropriate climate. To ensure optimal results, we recommend acquiring essential Propagation Supplies such as germination media (rooting pellets), seedling pots, a humidity dome, and rooting hormones. If you seek to enhance germination and cloning efficiency, we also suggest investing in a Seedling Heat Mat and Controller. Fortunately, none of these products are overly expensive. They are one-time purchases that will greatly facilitate the process of germinating cannabis seeds or cloning cannabis plants, making it fast and effortless for numerous cultivation cycles.
Germination Supplies
The seedling stage represents a crucial and sometimes demanding phase of growth for home growers. To effectively navigate this stage, it is essential to have the right supplies on hand. Below is a concise list of products necessary for germinating cannabis seeds and nurturing young seedlings. Many of these items can also be utilized for cloning purposes. For more comprehensive instructions on germination techniques and the care of seedlings in coco coir, we recommend referring to our seedling tutorials.
Humidity Dome with Light
To cultivate healthy sprouts, seedlings, and clones, it is beneficial to utilize a humidity dome that facilitates the creation of an optimal growing environment. During the seedling stage, it is advisable to maintain a relatively high humidity level. The inclusion of a dome provides the flexibility to commence a new grow within the dome while the previous one is still in progress within the main grow tent. This allows for efficient use of space and a seamless transition between different growing stages.
Super Sprouter Deluxe Propagation Kit
For growing sprouts and seedlings, I rely on this propagation kit that offers excellent results. It consists of a 7″ dome and a dedicated light, making it ideal for the initial stages of growth. The dome effectively maintains high relative humidity, creating a favorable environment for the plants. This kit can be conveniently set up in various locations within the house. I keep my plants within the dome until they are firmly established in their 1/2-gallon containers during the second stage of growth. As the plants grow larger, I arrange additional CFL lights around the perimeter of the dome. Typically, by the third week from seed, the plants have outgrown the dome and are ready for the next phase of growth.
Seedling & Clone Heating Mat
Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat
While not essential, a seedling heat mat can greatly enhance the germination process and root development of seeds and clones. The application of heat promotes quicker germination and fosters more robust root growth. However, if a heat mat is not available, there are alternative methods to provide warmth for seed germination. Some growers opt to place their germinating seeds on a cable TV box or another appliance that emits gentle warmth. This makeshift approach can also help create a favorable environment for successful seed germination.
Heat Mat Controller
A heat mat controller comes with a thermometer sensor that you place on the mat. You plug the mat into the controller, and the controller will turn it on and off to keep the temperature where you set it (85F/30C to germinate cannabis seeds).
Germination Media
Germination media is very helpful to give plants an easier experience for the first few days. It provides a good buffered media for the plants to start their lives.
Jiffy Pellets
When it comes to germination and cloning media, my preferred choice is Jiffy Pellets. For germinating seeds, I typically start by sprouting them in paper towels. Once the seeds have developed tails within approximately 36 hours, I transfer them to Jiffy Pellets. I have found that this method provides a better experience for the seedlings, ensuring the roots grow downwards and preventing any potential issues of the seed getting stuck in the hole. When the roots emerge through the Jiffy Pellet, I transplant them into seedling pots filled with coco coir.
The kits provided in the links for customers in the US and Canada come with trays that are incredibly useful as small humidity domes, creating an ideal environment for seedlings.
Seedling Pots
Seedlings do best when they are started in small containers. This is true for both Autoflowers and Photo-period plants. To get the best growth, you should always keep the plant in an appropriately sized container.
Ventilated Solo Cups
Ventilated Solo Cups are the good choice for a starting pot, properly ventilated they create an ideal environment for early root development and offer convenience during transplanting. When it’s time to transplant, simply cut open the cup and slide the root ball and media into the fabric pot.
Seedling Watering
Providing water to plants in small containers can pose a challenge that many new growers may not anticipate until they face their first watering session. In my experience, the most effective tool for this task is a catheter syringe. This specialized syringe allows for precise and careful application of water, ensuring that plants in tiny containers receive the right amount of moisture without causing any damage or overwatering.
60ml Syringes
For watering sprouts and seedlings, these large 60ml syringes are an ideal choice. They offer the ability to accurately administer small quantities of nutrient solution without causing any disruption to the delicate plants. I personally rely on these syringes for watering purposes until the plants are transferred into their final containers. Furthermore, even after the plants have been potted, I frequently employ these syringes to extract samples of the run-off from the saucers for testing purposes. Their versatility makes them a valuable tool throughout various stages of plant growth and care.
Cloning Supplies
One of the cool properties of cannabis plants is our ability to clone them. Vegetative propagation allow us to maintain our favorite cultivars and can be a central aspect to a grow operation. If you are interested in cloning, check out our cloning tutorial! Here, we offer a condensed list of the products that we recommend for cloning cannabis plants in addition to the products listed in the Germination section above.
Rooting Hormones
Rooting hormones encourage cuttings to produce roots. It is possible to clone without supplemental rooting hormones, but to increase speed and reliability, we recommend using the “double dip” method with both rooting gel and rooting powder.
Clonex Rooting Gel
This is for the first dip. You take a fresh cutting and coat the bottom portion of it with this gel.
Rooting Powder
This is for the second dip. After coating the bottom portion of the cutting with rooting gel, cover it in this powder. The gel helps the powder to stick, and the two products work together to stimulate the production of roots.
Pruning Scissors
Cloning is not the only time that you will use these snips!
Fiskars Non-Stick Softgrip Microtip Pruning Scissors
These Fiskars scissors are really the best on the market, and every grower owes themselves a pair. We linked the non-stick version because that feature really helps when trimming up sticky, resinous colas. However, if their primary role is for cloning, you could save a little and get the regular version.
pH Meter
This is another product that you may already have. However, pH is important for clones, so if you don’t have a way to measure and adjust, you will need to get one! The importance of setting the proper pH is examined in our article titled, “Measuring and Adjusting pH“.
Bluelab PENPH pH Pen
I have personally utilized and highly recommend the Bluelabs pH meter. This pH meter stands out due to its user-friendly interface, reliability, and accuracy. I have been using this pH meter for over two years, and it has consistently delivered precise readings without requiring frequent calibration. Additionally, it includes small jars of calibration fluid, which provide convenience compared to the traditional powder form. The Bluelabs pH meter strikes a great balance between quality and price, making it an excellent choice for pH monitoring in home cannabis cultivation.
Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Accurate measurement of Electrical Conductivity (EC) is crucial for effectively managing your fertigation strategy and determining the strength of your nutrient solution. Fortunately, the technology involved in measuring EC is relatively straightforward, meaning that you do not necessarily need to splurge on an expensive meter. However, if you do opt for a dedicated EC meter, it is important to note that the water being measured should ideally be at a similar temperature to that which is applied to the plants, typically around 68°F (20°C).
By investing in an EC meter or utilizing alternative methods of measuring EC, you can ensure precise monitoring of nutrient solution strength. This information is invaluable for adjusting your fertigation strategy and maintaining optimal nutrient levels for your plants. Remember to take temperature into account when measuring EC to obtain accurate and reliable readings for effective nutrient management.
Bluelab Truncheon Nutrient Meter
The Bluelab Truncheon nutrient meter allow you to quickly monitor for precise up and down adjustment of your nutrient (TDS) level in solution to maximize your grow and ensure plants get the balanced feed they need; Measures while mixing nutrients in your tank. General uses include gardening, hydroponics growing tent and reservoir. Comes factory calibrated (no calibration required) and is fully waterproof; Automatic Temperature Compensation provides consistent reading regardless of any fluctuations in temperature. Combine with pH tester and other meters for full garden nutrients monitoring in water. Other features include auto off function, no buttons or switches; The kit includes AA batteries and Truncheon case.
pH Control Kit
You need to have a way to adjust the pH of your water and your nutrient solution. We recommend that you use products engineered for this task because they allow significant pH adjustment with very low doses and have minor impact on the EC of the nutrient solution.
General Hydroponics pH Control Kit
For the US and Canada, we have linked the General Hydroponics pH Control Kit. It comes with both pH up and down. It also includes a color test kit for measuring pH. This is all you need to start managing the pH of your nutrient solution. We recommend using a pH meter (see above) instead of the color test, but having the color test is great for periodic verification. The kit is not currently available in the UK.
Plant Sprayer
Plant sprayers are used to provide foliar treatments or to raise the relative humidity for seedlings and clones.
Pressure Sprayer
Pressure sprayers are the best way to apply foliar treatments to plants. They create a very fine mist which distributes the foliar treatment properly and limits the formation of large droplets on the plant surfaces.
Set-up Your Grow
Growing Cannabis
- Cannabis Seeds
- Fertilizers & Supplements
- Propagation Supplies
- Plant Training & Care
- Harvest & Processing
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About Our Product Recommendations
Here at 420 Grow Help, our primary goal is to assist growers in achieving the utmost success with their cannabis crops by providing accurate scientific information and sharing proven cultivation techniques. The products we recommend are the very ones we have personally chosen to purchase and use ourselves. We maintain a strict policy of not accepting sponsorships or advertising, and we only endorse products that meet our own high standards. For detailed product recommendations, please refer to our Product and Equipment Guide.
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Disclaimer:
The information presented on 420GrowHelp.com should not be regarded as financial, legal, or medical advice. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and abide by the local laws and regulations pertaining to the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis. Decisions regarding cannabis cultivation should be made in consultation with a lawyer or qualified legal advisor, while decisions regarding cannabis use should be made in consultation with a doctor or medical professional.
