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Starting Seeds

Filed under: — admin @ 8:17 am


Starting seeds indoors

The main benefit for starting seeds indoors is that in cooler climates it will extend the growing season. Some plants for example tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant require a longer growing season.
Small flower seeds also germinate and grow better if started indoors in perfect growing conditions rather than the hostile outdoor environment.
Generally, seeds should be started 6-8 weeks prior to planting. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule.

Here’s how to get started
-Start with fresh seeds to get the best germination rate.
-Containers: pots, clean plastic food containers with drainage holes, recyclable newspaper pots or egg cartons. If you are re-using an old container clean it with a 10% bleach solution to kill any microbes.
-Use sterile soil mix - pre-moisten the soil and place in container. Plant the seeds according to package directions.
-After planting, water in seeds just enough to keep them moist and cover the top with plastic to provide humidity until germination takes place.

Some seeds germinate best with bottom heat. Warm weather crops such as peppers and eggplant need 78-80 degrees for good germination which should take about 3 weeks. Germination time varies for different seeds. Set your container on top of a refrigerator, radiator or a heating pad. If using a heating pad, make sure you control the temperature so as not to “cook"your seeds.

Once the first leaves (cotyledons) appear, remove the plastic and move the container to a sunny window. If you cannot provide enough light add a grow light or fluorescent shop fixture for additional light (16-18 hrs a day). Not enough light can result in leggy and spindly plants.

new seedlings

-Transplant seedlings from a community flat to individual pots when they are about 2 inches tall . Bury them down to the first set of true leaves for stockier plants. Provide even moisture; (do not over water or let plants sit in water) and fertilize lightly with a seed starter or fish emulsion.

-Before you set your plants in the garden, they need to “harden off". When temperature reaches 60 degrees, start bringing your seedling outdoors for a few hours each day gradually increasing the time with each subsequent day. This will toughen up your plants and make planting into the garden an easier transition.

Garden tip: If you would like to sterilize your own potting soil mix, place soil in an oven proof container and cover with aluminum foil bake @180 degrees for 35-45 minutes. Be sure to open the windows as this will have a disagreeable odor.

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10 Comments on Starting Seeds»

  1. My Rhody’s have many yellow leaves and 2 have white powdery stuff on them. What can I do? Thanks

    Young leaves showing yellowing between the veins can indicate chlorosis-the soil is alkaline. If you have older yellowing leaves that can be a natural occurrence. Have your soil tested before you lower the ph . For a quick temporary solution, there are several products, chelated iron- foliar spray and ferrous sulfate as a soil treatment. The white powdery stuff sounds like powdery mildew caused by a fungus that flourishes when days are hot and nights are cool, shade, lack of air circulation. Treat as soon as you notice the disease or current growth with a systemic fungicide (Safer, Bayleton, Funginex.

    Comment by Brigitte Trent — 7/28/2005 @ 2:01 am

  2. I got 3 long pods of a Trumpet vine. What do I do with them. I do not know when to plant or how. Some one said to put them under a rock. And forget them tell spring. Do I take the seeds out or plant the pod seeds and all. Need help
    Thank You Sue

    When the pods turn a gray brown around Sept.-Nov. the capsule will split open and disperse the flat winged seeds. Pick the pods just before that happens and keep seeds in a cool dark place (frig)thru the winter. Plant in the spring or sow the seeds directly outdoors in the fall . They spread easily and can become an invasive vine in warmer climates. More on Trumpet vine

    Comment by Sue — 12/3/2005 @ 1:22 pm

  3. I have a question. For my school science fair im doing a project that involves the germination of seeds. I would like to know how long it takes to germinate pumpkin seeds

    Pumpkins seeds take 7-10 days to germinate at a temperature of 70-95 degrees. They like it warm but will germinate at temperatures as low as 60 degrees but it will take longer to germinate. More pumpkin info

    Comment by Lizz — 2/25/2006 @ 10:14 am

  4. A while back my friend gave me a plant that grows little yellow egg shaped fruit? It is called the egg plant and I have no information on them the fruit? has grown and it is is healthy but you are supposed to be able to eat them any info would be nice thank you

    The eggplant family (Solanum) has many species. It is possible that your plant is a one of the new varieties called “Easter Egg” eggplant which produces white to yellow fruit that is ornamental and edible .

    Comment by Mary Y. — 8/20/2006 @ 2:09 am

  5. When is the best time to sow the seeds? I have some, but do not know if I should plant them in the fall or spring. Please help!
    Thanks. I am referring to the hardy hybiscus.

    Just like you would grow garden seeds. Start indoors before the last frost or direct sow outside after the last frost(spring).

    Comment by Jack Dolan — 12/28/2007 @ 11:19 am

  6. do the hardy hibiscus seeds need to be striated or scoriated?

    According to the hibiscus expert neither- if the seed is properly pollinated it should germinate. Because bees do a poor job at pollinating hibiscus some try cross pollination by hand.

    Comment by bmansbach — 12/28/2007 @ 11:22 am

  7. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A LANTANA TO GERMINATE? I HAVE HAD SOME IN A POT FOR 2 WEEKS AND THERE IS NO SIGNE OF GROWTH. I USED THE BERRIES AS SEEDS.

    Warm weather plants such as lantana require warmer temperatures (72-76 degrees) to germinate. Cooler temperatures can delay seed germination. Germination for lantana is 42-60 days and seeds should be planted 1/8″ deep in peaty soil. Another trick is to soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hrs. before planting. more Lantana info

    Comment by Jeff — 1/15/2008 @ 2:56 pm

  8. I want to start growing Gerbera Daisies from seed. I have some Daisies now, but don’t know how or where or when to obtain the seeds from the flower. Can someone explain this to me? Thanks

    When the flower is finished blooming the center will be fuzzy and the seed will be in there. Use fresh seeds, provide light and temperatures of 70-75. Germination takes 15-30 days. Plant 12 weeks before setting outside. more info on Gerbera daisy

    2007-5-5 jill
    I live in Pa and I am getting married this Fall 07 I wanted to grow my own Gerbera dasies for my wedding. I bought some seeds off the internet. I have read that they are very hard to grow and require specialization and a steril environment. Also, I have found varying directions on how to care for them(ie keep soil moist between waterings vs let the soil dry between waterings. Please help me!

    Gerbera do need special care when growing from seed. It can take up to 6 months from seed to bloom. You might have better luck growing potted plants. Gerberas should be kept moist (not wet) while they are blooming but allow them to dry out a bit before watering when they are not in bloom. If you want to try growing from seed or check out this site http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1144

    Comment by John — 1/15/2008 @ 3:16 pm

  9. I am trying to start Mandevilla from seed. My question is…Does the seed come from the end of the stem at the base of the bloom ? Is it a single seed or a cluster of 8 or 10 seeds? If it is 8 or 10 tiny pin head size seeds, that have a hair-like tail, do I leave the tail on when I plant the seeds. OR…Do the seeds grow seperatly in a stalk-like pod ?
    Thank you, Howard

    Mandevilla seeds
    come from the center of the calyx. The seed pods are around 4-6 inches long and hang in pairs in the shape of an inverted V. When the pods dry, they will turn brown and split open exposing fluffy seeds that have fluffy aerials (like dandelions) to help disperse them. With the tail on, soak the seeds for 12 hrs. then plant and cover with soil. Keep at a temperature of 65-75. Should germinate within 30 days. more mandevilla info

    Comment by Howard S. — 1/18/2008 @ 3:49 pm

  10. My grandson picked several pods from my wisteria last week. Now the pods are popping.Can I plant these seeds & how do I go about it?

    Plant the seeds 1 inch deep in well-drained potting soil. Water and keep moist. The seeds should take about 2 weeks to germinate. Keep in mind that wisteria grown from seed will not be true to the parent plant and may not bloom well after a waiting 7-14 years for to start blooming.

    Comment by S. Crowley — 1/28/2008 @ 3:26 pm

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