Germinator - seeds to germinate

Germinating Cannabis Seeds – Effect of the Germinator Seedbooster on Seed Germination and Early Growth

Older hemp or cannabis seeds (e.g., seeds stored for several years) typically undergo aging processes:

• Degradation of membrane structures

• Reduced enzyme activity

• Increased oxidative stress

• Slower water absorption

• Reduced energy availability

These factors often lead to low germination rates, delayed germination, or weak seedlings with low root mass.

The Germinator is particularly effective here in helping cannabis seeds germinate. The combination of GA₃ and auxin reactivates central germination processes even in physiologically “tired” seeds. GA₃ can stimulate the activation of hydrolytic enzymes, enabling stored reserves to be mobilized more quickly — a decisive advantage for seeds whose metabolism has slowed due to aging. At the same time, ascorbic acid reduces oxidative stress, which is typically elevated in old seeds. Aging seeds often show increased ROS levels (reactive oxygen species), which can damage cellular structures. Antioxidative protection stabilizes membranes and supports the restoration of physiological functions during the imbibition phase (water uptake).

Thiamine and glycine further promote the metabolic stability of the seedling during the sensitive phase between seed coat rupture and primary root formation. Especially in older cannabis seeds, a critical point is often observed here: the radicle emerges but stops growing prematurely. Hormonal support and improved energy supply can reduce this growth inhibition.

Humic acids also play an important role in old seeds: they promote early root branching and improve the uptake of trace elements, leading to stronger and more vigorous young plants, particularly in weakened seedlings.

How to use Germinator Seed Booster

Add seven drops of Germinator to 500 ml of water, stir well and soak the seeds in it. Then continue germination as usual. Only use the Germinator Seedbooster during the germination and early growth phases. Shake the bottle well before use.

The effectiveness of Germinator in improving germination capacity – especially in older seeds – has been proven. However, even it cannot work miracles. Even the best germination booster has its limits when it comes to seeds that are already dead or severely damaged (e.g. due to decades of storage in very warm conditions).

Effect on Old Marihuana Seeds and Cannabis Seeds

The Germinator Seedbooster is a seed treatment that combines several plant-active substances: Auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA), gibberellic acid (GA₃), the cytokinin zeatin, the amino acid glycine, vitamins B₁ (thiamine) and C (ascorbic acid), humic acid, glycerin, and potassium sorbate as a preservative. The aim of the formulation is to specifically support germination processes and strengthen the early development of seedlings.
IAA promotes cell division and root formation even in very small amounts; externally applied auxin can support the initiation of root elongation. GA₃ stimulates enzymatic processes in the seed (e.g., amylase) that convert stored reserves into readily available sugars, providing energy for germination and growth processes. Zeatin promotes cell division and modulates hormonal interactions by reducing growth-inhibiting signals. Glycine acts as an organic building block and osmoregulator, supports metabolism, and increases the stress resistance of young plants. Thiamine is a central coenzyme in energy metabolism that metabolically supports seedlings; ascorbic acid protects against oxidative stress and promotes cell division. Humic acids act as biostimulants, improve nutrient uptake, and stimulate root growth; glycerin supports hydration and formulation stability. Potassium sorbate serves as a preservative and does not contribute to physiological effects.
In practice, the booster addresses four key mechanisms: hormonal signaling (IAA, GA₃, zeatin), enzyme activation for reserve mobilization (GA₃-mediated), stress protection (ascorbate, thiamine, glycine), and improved nutrient uptake (humic acid). This combination can increase germination rates and produce stronger seedlings, especially in seeds with physiological inhibition, making it significantly easier to germinate seeds.

Example & Practical Findings (Wild Chili / Comparison with Old Seeds)

Many wild chili seeds — such as Chiltepin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) — behave in cultivation similarly to very old seeds: their seed coat is particularly hard, water uptake and gas exchange are limited, and pronounced dormancy is often present. This makes germination difficult and prolonged.
In a self-conducted trial with wild chili seeds, a clear difference was observed: with the Germinator, the seeds began to germinate noticeably after about 2 weeks, whereas the untreated control groups only showed germination between weeks 4 and 5. This practical finding highlights that a well-balanced combination of hormones, amino acids, and antioxidants can effectively reduce physiological barriers (e.g., dormancy, slow reserve mobilization) — especially in hard-coated or very old seeds.

Practical Advantages for older Cannabis Seeds:

• Faster and more uniform germination

• Higher success rate with multi-year stored seeds

• Stronger primary root development in seed-starting soil

• Reduced failure rate of weak seedlings

• Improved initial vigor compared to untreated controls

In summary, the Germinator Seedbooster is not only effective for physiologically dormant or hard-coated seeds but can offer a significant advantage when growing old hemp and cannabis seeds. With our tool, it is now much easier to germinate cannabis seeds. Through the targeted combination of hormonal activation, antioxidative protection, and metabolic support, aging processes are partially compensated and germination capacity is sustainably improved.

Cannapot Seeds - Cannabis Seeds for CSC and Growers

After over twenty years in the seed business, we are pleased to finally present our own seed line. With our collection of regular and feminised cannabis seeds we try to offer a mix of legendary and also innovative strains to the grower and collector at a fair price. We produce our seeds in Spain, partly in the Canary Islands and partly in the beautiful Andalusia - due to a really large collection of different genetics we can also offer one or the other strain that is no longer available.

Quick Facts
Location: Spain, Canary Islands, Andalusia
Focus: Oldschool genetic, rare cannabis strains
Types Available: Feminized, regular, seedmixes
Well Known For: C99 F2, Bob's Lambsbread, Special Original Haze, Deep Chunk, Colombian Thai
Works Well For: People who want natural genetics that are close to the source but still very strong

For example, we have a beautiful Blueberry that can now be described as a real oldschool variety. We also have an interesting variant of Jack Herer that we call Sweet Cinnamon - it contains Jaggen genetics. We have also the Exodus Cheese and a great Tropical Mango, whose basic genetics come from the Swiss seed company Herbaria.