6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
My coleus seeds take @ 4 days to germinate, then two weeks later I take the clump (the seeds are so small so the plants are really crowded in the initial pot), I divide it into smaller clumps, (you will lose some because they are so small & will fall apart). I just pot up into larger cups and just water. They take their time growing! When it warms up outside, I transplant them to where I want them, then I fertilize with MG, and they take right off. Beautiful!!!
Paul
From advice on this board and from experience, I learned that coleus need to be thinned before they'll do anything. They also love fertilizer (obviously 1/4 - 1/2 strength). I know that stinks to thin before you know what you've got, but it really makes a difference. Mine grew very fast after that.
willth will thicken out what do you think i have also planted new seeds straight into the garden growing them on window sill packet said to do this i have now pinched out the tips to see if they thicken out i have also planted seeds straight into the garden pat pat
Thank you for the words of advice. I checked around the other forums and learned a little bit more about both indoor and outdoor sowing. :)
I'll probably proceed with outdoor sowing in trays. I'm going to leave the tray out in the sun until the seeds germinate, then once they've sprouted I'll be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight for the first 7 to 10 days. Thats really the only thing I'm concerned about is the sun and heat here in Central Florida. I might also try the "laundry basket" trick to filter some of the direct sunlight over the seedling tray. I shouldn't have to worry about hardening off the plants too much since they will be started outdoors from the beginning.
Sorry, I should have been more clear. I'm from Ontario, Canada.. and these plants are still growing indoors since it's still snowing outdoors. (Old Man winter refuses to go away) The grounds will not be ready for outdoor planting until late May. I will be having issues with moldy pots till May...
Yes it happens. Usually once one plant of a certain variety is up all the others follow within a day or so.
Seedlings require a lot of light to grow well and in many areas will require artificial light this time of year. You have not specified where you live so I don't know how sunny it is there. If you read through a bunch of the posts on this forum you will discover many novice growers with leggy seedlings that cannot support themselves. Many of these seedlings were started in a sunny window or with a florescent light that was way to far away from the plants (less than one inch is good).
Jon
Thanks for the response Jon.
I live in Vancouver BC, zone 7/8. It's been sunny the last few days, but that should be changing soon. My windows have UV coatings on them, I'm not sure if that affects seedlings. So far the seedlings look pretty good. It's been two or three days since 1 of 4 cabbage seeds sprouted. Oh well, I'll see how it goes. I'm recording everything for future reference. Growing vegetables in the city can be challenging, with all the trees, houses, and garages there isn't much space that gets full sun for 6+hrs.
I think diamond frost is one of those patented plants that are propagated from the parent and the company that has the patent should get their share of sale of plant. You can buy some plants this year and keep them under lights all winter. You may be able to make cuttings but you can't sell or give them away. (I am not sure if all of that is correct but I know you can not sell them). I have two that I kept this winter and they look fine.
You can transplant twice (once to 2 inch than once to 4 inch) with no problem.
Do NOT use a mixture of garden soil and humus! In most cases this mix will be too dense and retain too much moisture. Use the potting mix or purchase a good soiless mix like Pro-mix.
Jon
A rare plant so likely few experienced folks. You might check over on the Bamboo Forum here. I bet some of the folks there could better advise you.
Dave
Here is a link that might be useful: Bamboo Forum
Not sure about your flowers, but basil does fairly well in lower-light conditions. Peppers, well, that depends on what you're comparing it to. Better than brassicas and lettuce, not as good as basil, in my opinion. Sort of like tomatoes. They won't thrive in lower-light conditions, but they probably won't kill themselves.
In your situation, I think you'll be fine. I'd leave the CFL spots on 24-7, though, and get them as close as you can. And, obviously, use the brightest, highest kelvin temperature bulbs you can get.
I have read that kmotgg seed stays viable only about a year; therefore, if you collected your seeds two years ago in the fall, they may not germinate.
I have the variegated type; they do reseed fairly reliably. To start them indoors they need about 6-8 weeks of cold stratification.
kms
I forgot to mention, I'm not using growing lights either. Since it is so warm where you are, you might try it and watch them closely for ten to fifteen minutes. And again in another fifteen to make sure they aren't getting burned. Also, you could try putting them in shade so the adjustment is gradual.
Also, at night it is rather cold inside. At night it freezes enough to freeze the water in the horse water troughs. But since I'm in the high desert, the days are warm and sunny. Also, when I have them outside, I make sure to keep an eye on them so they don't dry out too much. Some of the seedlings haven't come up yet.
I know some say to keep them in the dark, but that didn't seem to matter with the ones that have already appeared.
Karen - I think it is anthracnose. So where do I get this chlorothalonil and how to apply? Thank you
ok, I found chlorothalonil on Amazon, will let you know how things go