general question on veggie sprouts

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dun1kirk Berkeley, CA(Zone 9a) Mar 17, 2015

I know tomatoes need deep planting after true leaves form. Even though I used lights close up when germinating, many are now quite leggy. For plants like cabbage, cukes, basil or any other plants ready for transplant into the garden, how much of the stem may be planted, if at all?

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kittriana Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a) Mar 17, 2015

The leggy needs to be conditioned to outside, tomatoes form roots up the stem and will root anywhere they lay on the ground if left to lay. Basil is also a plant that will form roots at stem sections which make cuttings easy. Cabbages do not form roots as far as I know, but some cukes will root further up the stem, I don't think any of my squash had viable rooting up the stem tho. After you condition them the plants should toughen up and thicken enough that the legginess will gradually diminish. Tomatoes, peppers I have buried deeper than the original sprout and done so successfully.

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1lisac Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a) Mar 17, 2015

Air circulation like a fan will make them stockier....even running your hands over the top of them can help. I know it's too late now but maybe next time.

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davedigsdirt Yellville, AR(Zone 6b) Mar 18, 2015

Even plants that don't root along the buried stem can still be transplanted deeper. If fact it is often best for the plant to do so as the leggy weak stem often cannot support the heavier leaf head. And since it also has a weak circulatory system in that stem, the deeper planting will help it compensate when it comes to water and nutrient access.

Dave

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Mar 18, 2015

I've done several experiments with planting cabbage and broccoli deep. They didn't suffer at all.

Keep in mind that the top-heavy cabbage plants prefer a little tighter soil, to hold their roots in place, or they may not head properly...

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