Tissue culture kits are available to the home hobbyist
Seed germination - sexual propagation
Rockwool is the most popular medium for hydroponic germination of seeds.
Loose, or granulated rockwool can be placed in a standard
plastic starting tray. Seeds are spread evenly spaced on top of the
medium. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of rockwool or perlite and
the tray is covered to prevent moisture loss.
The loose rockwool makes it easy for thinning and separating seedlings
to transplant. An alternative is one inch rockwool starting cubes. A flat
block containing 98 detachable cubes fits into a standard propagation tray. The
rockwool is soaked and pH balanced and one seed is placed into a 1/4
" deep hole provided in the centre of each cube. The seeds are then
covered with a thin layer of perlite or vermiculite and the lid is placed
on the tray. Once the seeds have sprouted, the cubes are easily broken off
and placed into larger growing cubes or other aggregate.
Rooting stem cuttings - cloning is asexual propagation. Stem
cuttings from most types of plants can be rooted in seven to fourteen
days, producing a plant which is an exact genetic duplication of the
original plant. Plants started in this way will mature much earlier than
ones started from seed, saving valuable time and producing shorter,
bushier plants.
Depending on the type of plant, each mother could produce tens, or even
hundreds of identical offspring every couple of months. Asexual
propagation is an invaluable tool used for many commercial greenhouse
crops, as well as for hobby gardens. Without question, the fastest and
easiest way to root stem cuttings is hydroponically. Some methods
incorporate extra aeration.
Air pumps or moistening devices provide stems with ample amounts of
oxygen and water. Oxygen is vital to root development. The most common
method used to root cuttings hydroponically is in one inch rockwool cubes.
The flat of cubes is pH balanced and soaked in a diluted, high phosphorus
nutrient solution, then placed in a standard propagation tray. Using a
clean, sharp blade, cut off a small branch consisting of a growing tip,
two or three leaves, and 5cm to 10cm of stem.
As you take the clippings, let them stand in water until you have as
many as you need. Before dipping in a rooting compound, make a fresh cut
on each stem, just above the first cut. After dipping, insert the stem,
about one inch deep into the rooting cube. Cover the tray with a clear
plastic dome to retain humidity and give the plants 18 hours of diffused
light per day. Remove the cover for a few minutes each day to give the
plants fresh air and to avoid damping off. Mist the cuttings periodically
with a mild foliar feed like kelp extract. To see if the clippings have
rooted, give the stems a very gentle tug. The clones should be
transplanted soon after roots have formed.
Tips
Propagation - Seeds
 | optimum temperature 20OC to 30OC |
| optimum humidity 80% to 90% Relative |
| remove humidity tent daily |
| 24 hours light until first true leaves appear |
| then remove humidity tent, 18 hours of light/day |
| use only diluted nutrient on seedlings |
| seed soak-foliar feed-Superthrive BI harden -off, increases light
and nutrient levels gradually |
| foliar feed nitrozyme for 3-5 day harden off period |
| bolting-increase light intensity and/or ventilation |
| yellow leaves-increase vegetative nutrient strength |
| cleanliness ensures freedom from fungus, insects pest and diseases |
| keep soil plants out of your grow room |
| change nutrient solutions regularly |
| resist temptations to interrupt plant's night cycle |
| do not over fertilize, leach monthly |
| keep light levels at a maximum by replacing older bulbs |
| calibrate testing equipment regularly |
| keep all electrical equipment well away from water source |
| plant's grow more quickly, plan your garden, do not over plant |
| when unsure about something, consult an expert. |
