Sterile Conditions & Equipment

Before attempting to germinate seeds or propagate cuttings, have all necessary equipment ready. Make certain that tools, equipment and trays are sterile. Scalpels, secateurs, or scissors should be razor sharp. If a previous crop was infected with disease, this is even more crucial. The entire growing environment should be thoroughly cleaned with a bleach solution and this process should include all equipment that will come into contact with the new seedlings.

Suitable Propagation Medias

• Rockwool Propagation Blocks
• Compressed Peat "Jiffy Pots"
• Perlite/Vermiculite Mix

Preparation of Growing Media

• Correct preparation of the growing media chosen can markedly improve the ultimate success rate.

Rockwool propagation blocks should be rinsed with a 1/2 strength nutrient solution to which has been added 4 drops of pH lower solution for each 2 litres of nutrient. Allow the blocks to soak in this solution overnight if possible then discard the solution and just prior to sowing seeds, rinse the propagation blocks with 4 litres of 1/2 strength warmed nutrient solution to which has been added 4 drops of Rootzone Accelerant and 5 Drops of Superthrive. Before planting ensure that the blocks have drained completely. Rockwool should be moist but not wet and should never be allowed to sit in pool of nutrient/water. If the blocks are dripping they are too wet.

Jiffy pots are compressed peat pellets that expand when soaked in water. Before use they should be soaked on a 1/2 Strength nutrient solution to which Superthrive and Rootzone Accelerant have been added. It is important to remember to closely follow the directions for use on the labels of these products to avoid burning the new shoots once the seeds germinate. Once the pellets have expanded they should be removed from the soaking solution and allowed to freely drain, after which seeds can be sown.

Perlite /Vermiculite seed raising mix consists of 50% Perlite and 50% Vermiculite. This should be thoroughly mixed and wetted with a 1/2 strength nutrient solution to which Superthrive has been added. Allow this mix to drain freely and then sow the seeds just below the surface of the growing media.

pH is important not just for established plants but also when propagating. Always maintain pH levels between 6.2 - 6.8 pH. pH levels should be tested and adjusted if necessary before sowing seeds and at least weekly throughout the growth of the plant. Incorrect pH levels can cause toxicities of some nutrient elements and cause other nutrient elements to be unavailable to the plants therefore adversely affecting plant growth.

Maintaining constant temperature of between 20º - 28ºC encourages rapid germination and healthy seedlings. It is important to note that the faster clones or seedlings establish, the higher the success rate and the healthier the young plants will be. Temperature and humidity play an important role in successful propagation. Clones or seeds should be placed in a cloning chamber to promote a warm, moist environment. While humidity is important, monitor the chamber daily to avoid excessive condensation build up. As a rule, if water droplets trickle down the sides of the chamber, it is too wet and the vents should be opened, as extremes of temperature and/or excessive humidity will inhibit germination and the establishment of healthy seedlings.

For propagation purposes, fluorescent light is ideal operated for between 16 - 18 hour per day. The light should be operated on using an electronic timeswitch to ensure that the ON time and OFF time are the same each day. As fluorescent lights are of a low intensity they should be positioned as close to the plants as possible.

Seedlings and clones need only a light mist spray to keep media moist and raise humidity, and provide food for the young plant. When misting, it is best to use a warmed 1/2 strength nutrient & Superthrive to avoid burning the tender young shoots.