What should I do after paper towel germination?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Transplanting seeds after paper towel germination must be done promptly and handled delicately. When they are ready to transplant, the roots should be no larger than ¼-½ inch (0.6-1.2 cm) to avoid getting the roots stuck in the paper towel. One day of delay might cause the roots to become tangled, which will result in transplant shock. To prevent additional stress, fill containers with pre-moistened soil before removing the sprouts. This will allow for extra time and clearer scenes that reduce transplant stress.
Preparation Phase
- Moisten seed-starting mix until it clumps without dripping
- Create ½-inch (1.2 cm) deep holes using pencil or dibber
- Pre-warm soil to 70-75°F (21-24°C) for sensitive roots
Handling Techniques
- Use sterilized tweezers to grasp seeds by cotyledons only
- Avoid touching delicate root hairs or emerging stems
- Work quickly limiting air exposure to under 30 seconds
Post-Planting Care
- Position grow lights 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) above sprouts
- Maintain humidity with dome covers for first 24 hours
- Begin quarter-strength fertilizer after true leaves develop
During the planting process, position the roots downwards carefully. Place the white root tip into the hole until it reaches the previously made depth. If using a medium, ensure that the soil is gently packed down around the base of the stem to eliminate air pockets. This provides good root-to-soil contact, which is essential for nutrient uptake.
Immediate lighting prevents stretching and weakness; position full-spectrum LEDs nearly directly above the leaves. Maintain from 12 to 16 hours each day, rotating trays to ensure even growth and development. Without immediate light, the seedlings stretch and begin to lean, becoming leggy and unstable, within a matter of hours. The stem structure is permanently weakened.
Carefully manage humidity for the first several days. Use dome covers, which trap moisture, but remove them when the first sign of condensation appears. Over 48 hours, vent incrementally. Hardening off seeds helps seedlings be exposed to lower-humidity environments. You do not want to expose seedlings suddenly, as this can cause them to wilt.
Take care to water appropriately after transplanting. Mist the soil surface instead of pouring. You can bottom-water by putting the containers or trays inside shallow trays. This way, you avoid displacing and compacting the soil. Wait 3-4 days before first light feeding. Fertilizing too soon can burn delicate roots and stop development.
Read the full article: How to Germinate Seeds: 7 Foolproof Steps
