6,340 Garden Web Discussions | Growing from Seed
I must admit I harden off way earlier than normal ,even if I lose some it's worth it.I start too many and I can't wait to get them out of the house. So far this year everything has gone well,even the Brugmansias are thriving.I would not recommend this to everyone,It does get extremely stressfull wondering if I am going to lose the lot from a late frosst,so far so good!
I have a covered, screened in porch with a half-wall all around. I put my plants out there all day. I just make sure they are in full shade all day long for the 1st week. Then I move them to a spot where they will get a couple of hours of full light, then a few more. etc. This time of year I am out of room under the lights.
Kay.
Johnny's Selected Seeds online catalog usually has the time to bloom.
Here is a link that might be useful: Johnny's catalog
Well I suppose you could try. ;) The reason seed starting mixes don't have any fertilizer in them is because new germinated seedlings can't handle them - it burns the plant. Only after the seedling develops it first set of true leaves can it benefit from fertilizers.
As to the need for transplanting - there are several detained discussions here about this - but in a nutshell, at least one transplanting is required to trigger fibrous root development - the kind the plant needs to survive and produce. Without that trigger of transplanting the seedling only develops tap roots. It's a hormone thing like "puberty". So, as we always say, do what is best for the plant, not what is most convenient for the gardener. ;)
Dave
Thanks for your help Dave, it was very informative. I wanted to ask if you know anything about moon flowers? I have some growing in a hanging basket,can they stay in the basket or will I need to transfer them to a box with a trellis of some kind? Also the weather here went from 90 degrees to 57 degrees and very overcast with no sun,what can I do to get them more sunlight?
Toni
http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=350893
Someone gave instructions on this message thread on how to grow a coconut from the nut. I think you will have to move though. The tree needs to be planted outside.
http://cookycoconuts.com/Plantgrowacoconut.html
More coconut growing instructions.
http://www.citrusnorth.com/f28/coconut-palm-seed-162/
Some emphasis about warmth required, winter in the house is probably too cool, and the massive growth.
If you are still going to do it with all that, be sure to choose a viable coconut.
http://hafa-adai.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-plant-coconut-tree.html
"With the seeds, the first thing you have to do is to make sure that they are viable. You do this by shaking the coconut seed. If you hear water, the seed is viable. If you don't hear water, the seed is dead."
Time ... sow to transplant (outside) 8-10weeks & sow to flower 13-19 weeks. NOW what to do with the seedlings....good light is needed to prevent getting leggy ie in a windo with good light or in a partially shaded outside area as on north or east side of house... to prevent damping off good air circulation required. not die mostly a function of above plus keep soil damp not wet or DRY
Thank you Paul. I really enjoyed that.
Keep writing - and keep sharing!
Kay.
Kay, thank you for writing....I'm happy you enjoyed the story, hope you find others on there that you might like too....as long as folks like yourself enjoy the stories, I'll keep writing them.....Have a nice weekend
Paul from Alabama