High Germination Temp Question

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Blackwill Bakersfield, CA Jun 26, 2009

Here's one for you:

I recently planted a large variety of seeds for later transplant into my garden beds (I know...kinda too late/waaay too late for some of these). I have them planted in 2" peat pots, using Miracle Gro Seedling Starter mix. I have Plack Pearl peppers, Habanero Peppers, Brandywine Tomatoes, Black Prince Tomatoes, "Colored Uprights" Sorghum, Chinese Lanterns, "Frosted Explosion" panicum elegans, Amethyst Basil, Spicy Bush Basil, "Durango Outback" French Marigolds, "Numex Twilight" peppers, "Sangria" peppers, Primed Rosemary, Sonatina Velvet Red Coleus, Wild Marjoram, German Winter Thyme, Creeping Thyme, and White Sage.

I have them growing, at the moment, in a large, clear, Rubbermaid container on a table on my patio. I live in Bakersfield, California (zone 8b). I did have the frosted plastic lid on the container to conserve moisture, but thought that it might block too much sun, so I removed it in favor of clear plastic wrap. Today, however, I noticed that the moisture beneath the wrap was steaming, and the soil temperature was remarkably hot. I moved them into my enclosed patio, out of direct sun.

The question is: Is it possible that soil temperature this high can kill/sterilize the seeds? And, if so, how long would that take?? I noticed that the Colored Uprights Sorghum ("Broom Corn") did germinate. I have only had them in the pots for about 3 days so far.

Any help would be appreciated. I read online that certain tomato seeds will not germinate if the soil is too warm, but WILL germinate once the temperature is reduced, so I'm hoping that a short stint in the sauna didn't hurt anything. I'd imagine the soil temperature is pretty close to 85-90 F.

Post #6742319
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myezek Carson City, NV(Zone 6a) Jun 26, 2009

High temps in moist soil will kill off some seeds. Unfortunately my Ornamental Horticulture class was a long time ago so I can't remember which ones. Or how long it takes. I know one method of soil sterilization is covering moist soil with black plastic and letting the sun 'cook' it for several weeks. This prevents weed seed germination. Or at least that's the theory. Never had a chance to try it.

Marilyn

Post #6742514
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