seedlings

My seedlings have one set of leaves and are getting taller and spindley but don't appear to be forming any new leaves. Am I doing something wrong? I am afraid when I take them outside they are going to "keel" over.

Do you have them under a grow-light? If you don't, they may be stretching to reach the light source you do have.

The answer depends on what kind of seedlings they are, somewhat -- but tall and spindly usually means they aren't getting enough light. I would suggest you take the seedlings outside for a few hours a day to toughen them up a little bit -- but just a little at a time-- increasing daily.

Another way to toughen them a little bit is to place a fan where they get the gentle breeze from it. The act of wiggling back and forth will make them stronger. You can also encourage that strengthening by gently rubbing your hand across the tops of the seedlings.

Have you transplanted the seedlings -- or are they still in their original container?

What kinds of seedlings are they?

A little more information will help people to know how to help you. (Seedlings often spend a lot of time making a strong root system before they "take off" with growing more leaves.)

T
Theresa

And how long has it been since germinating?

Good point......

They are about two weeks old and I have them in peat pots near large West facing windows. I turn them frequently to keep them from getting lopsided and some of them are about 2 inches tall. Being the "newbie" that I am I planted several pots each of Popcorn plant, Lupines, and Candletree seeds. Unfortunately I got them mixed up and am not sure what is what right now. :o) Would send a picture if I could figure out how! I am not stupid, just a newbie gardener and digital camera user. I am trainable though! LOL

edited to omit double posting.

This message was edited May 5, 2008 2:05 PM

Bobyrd, you have d-mail.

bobyrd, don't let them get to you! Trainable and able you are if you managed to plant. And which of them has failed to label correctly. Some kind and knowledgeable soul will come to your and your plants' rescue!! All the best,

Ann

Thanks Ann. That is my next plan. I want to get out in my garden and take pictures to post and hope my friends on DG will help identify them. You will probably get tired of "What's this" posts from me. :O) Then.......I will label them properly and keep up with what I have in the future. In the past I have just planted what I saw that I liked and smiled if it grew, the heck with what is was called! I can see this gardening is serious business though and if I want to join in the discussions and seed trades I have to know what I have.!! Of course there are those "mixed seed trades" I have some of those seeds I could share!

By the way, I received 4 inches of rain so far today. How did you fare?

Bonnie

Nobody gets tired of identifying things around here! LOL There's plenty of people to share their knowledge and they do it happily.

Not a drop in Brazoria.

I wouldn't worry too much if it has "just" been two weeks -- however, you may want to get the plants outside on nice days -- a little bit at a time --meaning, start with an hour in the sun -- then add more time every day. Do a little research on "hardening off plants" and you will get the idea. I believe they just need more sunlight -- but you could soon also give a little half-strength fertilizer (organic if you wish) to give them a boost. There is not much nutrition in a peat pot.

I'm new to the site -- as I've been lurking, but I grew up in a greenhouse family, and I start lots from seeds. I like to say that I "take my plants for a walk" --getting them outside pretty quickly. That way, they are ready when it is time to plant them.

As you are in Texas -- those seeds could have likely been planted outside, as you shouldn't have to worry about frost -- but that 4 inches of rain could be hard on tender plants --- so I'd still watch them carefully, but do get those babies outside asap.

The Lupine has a leaf that looks a little like your Texas Bluebonnet - picture your hand lying flat with "fingers" of leaves sticking out from the center, sort of. I'd expect the popcorn plant to have leaves that look sort of grass-like -- and I am not familiar with the other one.

T
Theresa

Outside they go.
I have more seeds so will try planting them outside. It seems that when I do this though I end up with them all coming up quite near one another. How do I get a good spread, especially with tiny seeds.? And, assuming they come up, do I need to thin them or just let the strong survive?

That's the fun part. YOU get to pick the ones to keep. When they come up, find the best ones and pull the rest. I found it hard to do at first. I hated giving ANY up. But you find it's better for the rest of the.