Runtz - 2025 Eternity Grow Cup

01/29/25: The journey begins with five Runtz feminized seeds from Zamnesia. To ensure a strong start, the seeds are placed in room temperature distilled water pH’d to 6.0. This softens the outer shell and allows moisture to penetrate, triggering the early stages of germination. Distilled water is used to avoid any potential contaminants, ensuring a clean environment for the seeds. A slightly acidic pH of 6.0 is ideal for early root development. The cup is set on an AC Infinity heat mat at its lowest setting. Maintaining a stable temperature around 75-80°F (24-27°C) encourages germination by simulating warm soil conditions. Too much heat could damage the seeds or dry them out, so a gentle, consistent warmth is applied. After 20 hours, the seeds will be transferred to a growing medium consisting of 85% coco coir and 15% perlite. Coco coir is chosen for its excellent moisture retention while still allowing for proper aeration. The addition of perlite improves drainage and prevents the medium from becoming compacted, ensuring oxygen can reach the roots. By carefully controlling the environment at each stage, these Runtz seeds are given the best possible conditions for a strong and healthy start. Updates will follow once they’re in the medium. 01/30/25: After 20 hours of soaking, the Runtz seeds have absorbed enough moisture to begin their journey. A couple have already cracked open, revealing the tiny beginnings of their taproots—the first sign of life. With germination officially underway, it’s time to transfer them into their growing medium. A fresh batch of 85% coco coir and 15% perlite is prepared, ensuring a light, airy structure that retains moisture while providing adequate oxygen to the roots. The mix is carefully placed into five starter pots, where each seed is planted a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm) deep before being lightly covered with more of the medium. This depth provides enough coverage to protect the seeds while still allowing them to break through the surface easily once they sprout. After planting, the medium is watered with distilled water pH’d to 5.8, slightly lower than the initial soaking water. This pH level optimizes nutrient availability for young roots once they begin developing. The starter pots are placed inside an AC Infinity Propagation Kit on the heat mat at its lowest temperature. To maintain high humidity within the dome, a small amount of distilled water is added to the bottom of the propagation tray. As the heat mat warms the water, it will create a steady supply of moisture in the air, helping to keep the environment stable while the seeds settle in. With everything set up, the seeds will now be left undisturbed for the next four days while I’m out of town. The goal is to return home to find at least four out of five seeds successfully sprouted. Since I plan to run this grow with four plants, I’ll select the strongest seedlings if all five make it. The chosen four will be transferred to the grow tent to officially begin the vegetation stage. For now, all that’s left to do is wait and let nature take its course. More updates to come once I return.