6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed


They are in jiffy pellets that I moved into bigger containers with potting soil, the soil is still pretty wet, it was earlier today. So probably just too much water all along? The petunias have been this way for a week or so. Everything else I have planted seems to be doing just fine.

Hi, I am in the UK and I think I have finally mastered the art of germinating semp begonias
I started my sowing towards the end of November, I seived the compost and filled my tray then soaked it in warmish water and left to drain in the propogater set at 75. The following day I gently compressed my compost, I then gently scattered the minute seed over the surface, Gently misted the seed and Sealed with a bag, 10 days later there was about 90% germination I then left the bag off and placed the container close to the light and dropped the temp to 70
That was 11 weeks ago and the seedlings are now ready to start pricking out,
Hope this helps. Begonia do require a long growing period.

They are growing towards the light. As long as they are on that window sill they will always grow that way. Do you plan to plant them outside? If so, they will probably straighten up then. Unfortunately not many windows provide enough sunlight for plants that require full sun.
We would love to see some pictures.
SCG

Trimming leek seedlings so young seems to be a bit of a cultural thing. I've not heard of it being done at all by British gardeners and leeks seem to grow OK for us. There is a lively debate about trimming the tops and/or roots of leeks at transplant time but that is a different question.
It might be interesting to trim half and leave half and see if it makes any difference.

I have Canadian tire flyer delivered to my in box and I'm in the store weekly. I have never seen them anywhere near that price. The regular price of their kit is $39.99 and it includes jiffy pellets which I would never use. Canadian Tire does have good deals often on other things which I'm quick to take advantage of



tlbean, my MGs always come up in 2-3 days as well. I also start them indoors, I've found they slow down a little bit once they get 3-4 true leaves, I figure they're working on their root system perhaps?
Congrats on all of your MG seedlings! If you grow anything else don't be discouraged when they don't sprout instantly like MGs! I always get spoiled with them and get impatient when other seeds take several weeks to germinate!


Wow, sorry but no way are those desert rose seedlings. And they don't even look like desert rose seeds. They aren't even remotely close as desert rose seeds are long and tubular and a gray color. Either they were mislabeled (most likely) or there was some sort of seed in the mix. Only way to find out what they are is to let them grow.
Dave


Interesting, I use ProMix BX and it comes as dry as a popcorn's toot. I actually use a tote and pre-wet an amount that I think I will need at the time. If any is left over I just leave the tote open and it air dries like it would in a pot. I don't do things days in advance as I am not that good at planning when I will have time to sow and since I use heat mats for germination I don't worry about the temperature of the mix as it will be warm within hours. The mix being slightly damp makes it easier to work with and it doesn't move as much when I mist fine seeds to have them make contact with the mix.
Nice reading about different ways as I am always into changing things up for the better.
SCG

Wow! That's so out of my experience...a sun room for the iguanas! How fun! You can sure try them in the sun room and see how they like it. You can cut off the dead leaves to promote new growth. I'm not much of an expert, but I liked reading this thread.

Well, everyone, thanks for the help! :D
I moved my nast to a more sheltered place a few days ago to see if it helps. Some of the leaves are still dying, but i'll just cut them off and see how the plants are after a few days more. :)
Will be posting here again to ask for more guidance if it still dying.

Yes, I have. They are a nuisance here but also huge biennial attractors for butterflies, so I grow them and love to tolerate.
One of the best ways to get these seeds to germinate is to winter sow them and you still have time! Look at the winter sowing forums for help there.
Also make sure your seed is fresh, it germinates better. If you need more contact me.
SCG


For the specific examples you gave to your more general questions, I would recommend a quick Google search after properly IDing the species. The reason I say that is that a lot of information can be obtained without us having to re-write it all here. The coffee part of your inquiry can be answered by simply Googling 'coffee see germination'. I tried that just to be sure, and lots of great info popped up on the first page of results.
The hibiscus might be a little different. There are many different species of hibiscus ranging from tropical plants to quite hardy trees. After you figure out what you have, try Googling the species name plus the word germination, or look it up on one of the reference sites I linked above. The reference sites may give you a quicker answer IF the plant in question is included. Google may be more likely to give you an answer if the plant is not one commonly grown from seed (so not in the quick references).





anyway one of the most awesome things about plums (besides yumminess =) is how strong and tough they are! you cut them up heavily and they just resprout, people sculpt them even !
you can also take cuttings and then lay them HORIZONTALLY in soil, or somethin soil like...and they sprout whole new trees. they are good for pleaching and making hedgerows. not like other fruits, which can be a lot more fussy.
Wow I will have to try that with the plumbs!