My Echinacea seeds germinated! Help me keep em' alive!

Please what do I do now so I don't kill them?!
I got the seeds earlier this spring, threw the seeds
in the freezer (per your advice) for about a month then
planted them in those little peat pods on 6/16
(I know, I know, some people hate them)
and place them in a covered plastic tray for starting seeds.
The instructions said it can take 18-24 days to germinate but
much to my surprise and delight almost 100% of the seeds
have sprouted already!
I concerned about damping off.
I've been sitting them outside during the day
(bringing them in at night)
uncovered in indirect sunlight hoping that might help...but I'm clueless about starting seeds other than direct sow into the ground method.
Any tips appreciated.

I've learned several methods of preventing damping-off here on DG. One is to sprinkle cinnamon, which acts as an anti-fungal, on the surface of the soil. Another is to put a T. of hydrogen peroxide in the water. Others brew chamomile tea and use that to water or spray the foliage (on larger, more established plants, I'm assuming), as it also has antifungal properties. I've also read that bottom watering helps.

I know Critterologist posted an article about preventing damping off. Here it is:

http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/277/

You might also enjoy some of her other articles about seed-starting. I read them all, and learned a lot! Either click on her member name, or go to "artlcles" on your home page, and search for "seed starting."

Congratulations on your great germination! You'll be swimming blossoms!

Angie

Thanks Angie!

Any time! Jill has taught me so much since I joined DG. I'd only have about half the garden this year without her! LOL Glad to pass the info on.

Post pics of your echinacea when you get a chance. I planted two varieties last year, purple and white, and the white reseeded itself vigorously. Went from one plant to about 15 in one year. The purple didn't seem to spread as much, which was disappointing this first year, but probably better in the long run! I have such a hard time thinning seedlings, and tend to try to move them and find room elsewhere for them. I could end up with an awful lot of echinacea at that rate!

Note to self. . .save some seeds for trade this fall!

Angie

Rose-you are doing right by them as of now-wait til fall to plant them out-if you have them uncovered outside during the day, you shouldn't have any issues...I had almost 100% germ on mine too this year and am going to plant them out thiw week-I transplanted them after about 3 weeks to their own pots and let em grow a little to develop good roots for about the past month, now I think they are ready to go in the ground:)

I plant all my coneflowers in the soil directly in fall. They germinate well that way and I don't have to move them. They will flower the second year. Good luck keeping them in pots, it is hard to grow the perennials that way for very long. They are hardier plants in the ground.

Not permantly in the pots, just until they develop little roots good enough to go in the ground:)

I have them in those little peat pellets.
When should I transfer them into a pot with
some potting soil?
Do I need to keep them out of direct sunlight all the time
or can they take some sun and if so how much?
Should I fertilize them, if so, when should I start and how often?
Thanks for all your advise.
I really do appreciate it.

If I'm lucky, I will be growing these little beauties in my garden.
Does anybody know a good source for buying seeds of
newer varieties of Echinacea?

I do a weak fertilizer every other time I water them...I am not sure of a good source for echies, buit can tell you I will be having a co-op in Sept for April ship and there will be at least 8 var in it...I put them on my front porch which gets early AM and late PM sun and no midday...I don't have to water them much since we have been getting soooo much rain!! I waited until they were about 4" tall, then planted them up to about 1/2" below the bottom leaf...just what seems to work for me....hope this helps!!
Stacey

Stacey that helps a lot and I am really excited to learn of your co-op!
What is the name of it? Who are you buying from?
Can you D-Mail me a notice/reminder?

I will add you to my group bast-TNN & Newhouse-they will be plugs, but good ones!! It will be titled "Fairy's 2nd Perennial Co-op"

Oh thanks, that will be GREAT!

Gotcha Rose!!!:) I will dmail a link when I start it...you can always peruse early if you so choose, not everything they have will be offered of course, but, you can get an idea:)

When will you know which plants will be offered in the co-op?

I already know-hehehehe-I think the list in is my thread in the MI gardening forum-let me see....