Propagation: Starting seeds in rockwool cubes

Good luck Donna! I just bought some different seeds and I will be going rockwool crazy! LOL


Chele, the rockwool I got is very easily torn apart. In fact when the box came, it had the rockwool unwrapped in the middle of peanuts. My husband had no clue what was in the box and he was reaching in and pulling out the peanuts and was getting hand fulls of the rockwool. He kept going thinking the rockwool was just another kind of packing material. He tore apart 2 sheets. I just stuffed the pieces tight in a rubbermail container and since I willnot be moving it around, I am sure it will hold its shape with no trouble.

Donna, I am not sure what you mean about not having high enough containers for your taller cuttings. But if you want them enclosed, I just put the whole container in a tall plastic bag and use velcro closures around the very top of the bag. I blow into the bag to make it puffy and it then stands up away from the pot. Brugie sent me the best plastic bags. I have been using them alot. They are the perfect size for a seed pot and for cuttings.

Also if you do not need extra height, Brugie found this cling wrap that hold so tight to the containers. And you can peel it back and reapply it. I have used that on some also and it works well.

This message was edited Jan 9, 2004 9:16 AM

My 1.5 size rockwool cubettes arrived too. Mine also came in two slabs. I had a tray and cover that fit the slab, but if I didn't, I would have taken a pair of scissors or razor blade and carefully cut the rockwool to the size I needed.

Here is what I did with mine: Had a shallow tray and placed one of the slabs inside. I then filled the tray with warm water, which covered the rockwool cubettes. I let the water soak into the rockwool for about 10-15mins, until the cubes darkened in color. I very carefully tilted the tray and drained any excess water remaining in the bottom of the tray. I then planted various perennial seeds of different sizes, including Brug seeds. I didn't worry about the size of the hole, I just pushed the tiny seed in with a toothpick. If some of the tiny seeds adhered to the side of the hole, I didn't worry about it. I don't worry if some of the seeds don't germinate, because I always plant a few "extras", just for that purpose! I then covered the seed tray with the plastic form cover that it came with. I put the tray on a waterproof seed heating mat and the grow lights are about 6" above it.

None of mine have germinated yet, but I'll post when they do. Since I have quite a variety of different seeds, they will be germinating at various times. It will always be exciting to see what has germinated next!

SoCal - in my opinion, I think that the rockwool is meant for germinating seeds, but I may be wrong. You could send the company you purchased them from an e-mail and ask them. Please let us know what their reply is.

If you don't have a container with a plastic top, NOT TO WORRY! Simply take a plastic bag and insert your tray of seeds into it. Blow gently inside the plastic bag to inflate it. Close the bag with a twist tie. Once the seeds start to germinate & form their first leaves, I very carefully insert straws (can be cut to needed size) in all 4 corners. The straws help to keep the plastic off the newly germinated seedlings. This will help to cut down on possible leaves rotting from the plastic touching them, as well as, reducing mold & fungus from forming too.

Thanks Kell! You know I HAVE to get the most bang for my buck! LOL Hey, bucks have to go far where I live. :)

Oh, I want to be first in line for Shirley's "extras". ;)

Chele, Shirley always has the best stuff. She knows her way around the internet, finds the most useful aids and always will share with me not only her great finds but her great ideas and her gardening knowledge. I must say she is a good friend to have!

I usually have "extras" seedlings. I'll let you know, Chele.

Oh, Shirley, can I be your friend, too :) Seriously, I can't wait to see your pictures. And, all the details you're providing are really helpful! This time of year is always so fun, isn't it? I mean with the starting of seeds in anticipation of Spring!

No problem, Morph! Seed starting & winter sowing are the only things that get me through the long cold months of winter!

Oops, almost missed your posted message, Kell! Thanks for your kudos! :~) You're a sweetie! Talk about a very nice & knowledgeable gardener, plus one with a very "green thumb"! You're an expert with Brugs, I'm still in the learning phase!

This message was edited Jan 9, 2004 2:15 PM

LOL and Thank you! I did not mean to sound like a beggar. :) Maybe I oughta just mail everyone a few bucks and seeds, to start all mine for me then buy them back come spring. hehehe

Chele - Don't worry, you didn't "sound like a beggar"! I have more seeds than I have time to plant! :~)

I should have gone to experts, B.G.I.! They had all the information written out with pictures to accompany their text. Instead of me "re-inventing the wheel", here is a link so that you can "read all about it"....growing Brugs in rockwool. http://www.brugmansias.org/rockwool.html

In need of some expert advice here.

I was just looking back at the Caladium Co-Op and wondering if I could start some of the caladium bulbs earlier indoors with the rockwool cubes? Sounds like a pretty easy thing to do. What does everyone think?

I think you would be better off starting the Caladiums in potting soil, several to a six or eight inch pot. Then you could just dig a hole, dump the pot out and into the hole. I believe the Rockwool cubes or slabs would be too expensive for starting bulbs. JMO..

I agree with Shirley. I'd just use soil/potting mix. I do start mine inside, also in pots. They come up easy enough with warmth and light.

Thanks you two.....that is what I will do. I've been looking at the caladium coop and I'm really getting excited! Also, I'm wondering how "eyes" will survive this one.

I can't imagine having to sort all those bulbs, let alone box them up and go to the PO. Wonder how many trips it will take to get them all mailed. Glad I don't have what it takes to do a co-op.

I just read this thread and feel as though I took a very enjoyable class!! I just discovered brugs and have some cuttings started. I lost a few to rot and inexperence, but have a few that I am, proud to say,are looking good!!
I haven't tried seeds yet, but I will!
I hope you don't mind my looking in, as it has been really educational.
Thanks, Bonnie

Glad you looked in, that's what we're here for.

Okay i just sowed my seeds today in my rockwool cubes I just hope i got them wet enough I put them in a airtight container is this good? don't they need air? so when should i water again?

I followed directions on BGI about just touching the bottom part of the cubes in water, so not too wet. I have mine in a plastic box/lid. Have green shoots coming up, everything still as wet as it was in beginning, so do not plan to water, until they are almost completely dry. They are supposed to be getting air, with the open hole in the rockwool, also some air in the box. Plants don't breathe like we do, so shouldn't take much air?

I've noticed that they form a tap root quickly, so as soon as I see mine germinate and start to look nice and green, I'm planting them.

Me too Brugie, I am not waiting for their roots to get all intertwined in that rockwool. Mine are germinating great in it. I think I will take some out in the next few days and plant in dirt. Isn't this so much fun!!!

I put my rockwool in a rubbermaid containers (wall to wall) and put hot water in it. I let the rockwool sit in it for a while then just drained the excess out. I didn't squeeze the rockwool at all but had no water sitting in the bottom of the container either. Some I enclosed in plastic bags, some with that new kind of saran. I wanted to be able to see the seeds without taking off the cover. So far so good!!

Springsong, I have left cuttings in plastic bags for over 2 months and never water when in them. The bag or airtight container should retain all the moisture. Good luck!

WELCOME Ladyblue!!! Hope you join in and let us know how your cuttings are doing. This is a group effort to get them all up and growing well! LOL

Kell, Are you only planting Brug seeds or a variety of seeds. I'm just curious on what kind of seeds will work best in these cubes.

I finally bought some plastic containers yesterday at Big Lots for 97 cents apiece. As soon as I go through my seed box, I'll get them started.

Donna

Donna, I have only done brug seeds but I will be doing others soon. It is so easy! Please let us know how you do and with what seeds you try.

Im tempted to try some daylilies this way, I have had SUCH great success with the rockwool and brugs. Im scared to try any seed that is smaller like a petunia, or columbine. (know what I mean?) I guess it wouldnt hurt to try.
I do need to get my seedings planted into pots tho, I dont want to interupt the roots too much. Yall are such great teachers!

I think we all are learning together Shelly! We are learning as we go!

I just received my Rockwool from bettergrowhydro, i must say i am not happy they mailed my items in a broken box that was taped up, and sent the box via ups and my rockwoll was damaged, it was all broken apart, I will not be buying from them again, i bought the 1x1x1.5 200 cubes for 8.95 and the shipping was 8.11 I hate using ups they don't take care of your package

you ought to email them right away with a picture.

Its those dang tractor trailer drivers,they throw their brakes on when a car cuts them off and the packages go all over the place,should just run the dang ole cars over....that'll teach'um
Just kidding...
I do work for UPS and I know the packages can get damaged(as I discribed) but the same thing happens with all the other carrier's.You just hear more about UPS doing it because there is so much volume...I would notify both the sender and UPS

yes and, i being married to one of those tractor trailer drivers do know that very well can be the case LOL, My husband slides his load a lot, I tell him to just slow down!! i am going to keep it but, i did let them know about it , I don't want to wait another week for a replacement. and i feel sure they will blame UPS and not there self for poor packaging.

here is the box

Good reason for 'Chele to pick up her rockwool directly at the store! Sorry about that Springsong :( My packages were smaller, but still a little mangled... Okay to use, but bothered me!

springsong - definitely send your pictures to show the damage to the company where you purchased them. They should replace them & send them back to you at NO COST!

Thankfully, my rockwool cubes arrived in excellent condition. No problem with the S&H....just a matter of luck!

kell - "have left cuttings in plastic bags for over 2 months and never water when in them. The bag or airtight container should retain all the moisture".
What did you use to keep the plastic bags off of the plant to prevent rotting?

UPDATE: No seed germination as of yet. I did grow a variety of seeds (different sizes) in the rockwool. Some were tiny. With those seeds, I picked each one up with the pointed end of a toothpick and then inserted the seed into the hole provided in the rockwool. I don't see why they wouldn't grow just as well as the Brug seeds. Just takes a little more time and patience to plant them! :~)

This message was edited Jan 13, 2004 7:30 PM

I currently have cassia alata and swamp hibiscus seeds coming up that I started in the rockwool. A few days ago I started some cleome and some touch me nots (can somebody tell me what touch me nots are, somebody sent me the seeds and I have no idea).

I can not see any company,in this day and age,shipping in a box like that.I would say the damage was in transient.
I have the same thing coming snail-mail,it will be interesting to see how it arrives.
Welcome Ladyblue,they are a great help here!These gals have me ordering Rockwool,after seeing their results!
Root

Mary, here are Touch-me-nots http://plantsdatabase.com/go/156/index.html

Spring ,
.......that is to bad about your damaged order. I can say that I have found that company to be fast and reliable with my orders.I wouldn't blame them ,It is UPS's handling that broke the box.
...........Go ahead and send them the pictures, Maybe they will come up with something to make up for your broken product.
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I started 5 envies of canna seeds Friday and all except 1 type have germinated.
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Scoot, how long do canna seeds take to go from germination to flower? Alice had some seeds for sale on ebay I was eyeing. LOL, as if I have room for more plants!

Okay, those touch me nots are cool looking, don't remember who sent me the seeds, but whoever it was, thank you!