Swiss Chard Bright Lights

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Ladybeetle zone 7, TX Apr 10, 2008

I've started some of this from seed under my grow lights and its about 3 inches tall. But I've noticed that some of these little seedlings are laying down. Is this normal?Some are still standing but maybe they will lay down eventually also?

Post #4785170
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Apr 10, 2008

It's hard to say for sure without a picture but I wonder if your lights are too far away and they're getting leggy? The lights need to be no more than a couple inches above the tops of the seedlings or else they don't do much good. Also you need to leave the lights on for a good number of hours--I typically leave mine on 14-16 hrs a day.

The other possibility is damping off--does the base of the stem look pinched in? That's a sign that they've got the damping off fungus, unfortunately once they have it there's usually not a lot of hope, but maybe you can save the ones that are left (back off on watering and let things dry out more, and when you do water try using chamomile tea or a bit of hydrogen peroxide, both of those will help with fungus)

Post #4785188
Quote
grannymarsh Marquette, MI(Zone 5a) Apr 10, 2008

ecrane, we seem to be on the same wave lengths. LOL pun intended. Placing a fan in the room will help some too. It may be better not to aim it directly at the plants, aim it at a nearby wall and let the breeze bounce off the wall and then over the seedlings. I'm using chamomile tea in a spritzer and the fan -- so far, so good !! Tell me about the hydrogen peroxide, what strength and how do you use it ?
In a perfect world the lights would be about two inches above your seedlings. Raise it as they grow upwards.

Post #4786837
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Apr 10, 2008

I buy the 3% peroxide from the drugstore and then throw several tablespoons into a gallon of water--I don't really measure exactly. I've heard of people using it straight from the bottle, not sure I'd take a chance on that but as long as you dilute it some you should be OK.

Post #4787962
Quote
Ladybeetle zone 7, TX Apr 22, 2008

Thank you both, my Swiss Chard is still thriving, I never lost a one so I guess it was supposed to lay down.I'm going to plant it in the front yard as an ornamental. But it is so beautiful!

Post #4844799
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP