I have been having one heck of a time getting seeds started here in Florida. I have been using the
premade just add water type peat pots and they puff up. Well I have found the seeds are going to
basically mush. Is this an indicator they are wet too long? Or just seed that is not good?
Anyone have any other mediums that they have better success with?
Chris
Seed damp-off
Chris, do you happen to have any fungus gnats? They will turn the seeds to mush too. I use just soilless potting mix and lay the seeds on top of it after it has been sterilized, cooled, and the seeds soaked. Press them down some, but don't cover with the mix. Then I put the pot in a clear plastic bag and tie it shut. No need for watering that way. Place in good light, but not sun and keep them around 70 degrees, or maybe more. This method was one that I read from Monika and it works very well. To sterilize the soil, I pour boiling water through it and let it drain well. Transplant when they are large enough. I have also had good luck with Rockwool. Some people do and others don't have luck.
That is too bad. I hope the seeds are replaceable. I use the rockwool method myself. I have great germination and never have had one problem with it. My germination rate with the soil method was just not good enough. I know some love rockwool and some don't. Plastic bags make it so easy too. I do not fuss with them until they are a couple of inches high.
Good luck!
Kell,
Ok I am new to the rockawool... I am one of the Native Florida Botany people, I used soil forever.. how do I use the rockwool, can you give me some technical direction on it? I am ordering some today... I need high germination rates, this 1 out of 200 is not cutting it right now. I lost about $30-$40 worth of seed already.. I was highly disappointed. Datura seems to work fine with the peat pots though.
Maybe life will get better as soon as my greenhouse is done.. I have grown so much here in Florida all the years I have been in plant mode, but this just took that cake. I never have been stumped like this!
Chris
Here is a thread that was move to another forum than might help. I didn't read back through it to see what all was said. Seems like years ago. http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/411784/
You may also want to try soaking the seeds in a water/bleach solution before you sow them. There was some discussion over this awhile back. I believe there were opinions that the critters were coming FROM the seeds.