Newbie Seed Starter Confused by Seed Packet Instructions

The seed packet for my Park's Coleus "Wizard Hybrid Mix" says that once seeds have germinated (which they have) to provide maximum bright (but not direct) sunlight. What does this mean?

I have a great spot in front of a sunny southern window, but does that count as "direct" light?

I just bought my first grow light, but don't have much room left under it. Is that what they mean?

My brain hurts. Thanks for your help!

-GreenerBeaner

I've found that windows aren't really as bright as we think they are. The plants will get leggy if there isn't enough light.

Shop lights with floresent tubes will work fine as starting lights and they aren't too pricey (I think with the bulbs my 4ft ones where $24ish) You may want to check out the seed starting fourm too.
(http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/464/) Good artical on set up.
:)

Direct light is direct sunlight. Any indoor light is a small fraction of the intensity of outdoor direct sunlight. Don't pay for electricity when you have good free sunlight coming in a window.

Oops, we seem to have a tie. Any other votes on what "maximum bright (but not direct) sunlight" means?

Thanks!
GreenerBeaner

This can indeed be confusing. Light coming in from an unobstructed window can vary depending on which direction the window faces. Typically South and West exposures are the brightest and northern and eastern get less.

The time of year also either increases or decreases the amount of light and the duration of it due to the pattern of the sun and of course, weather conditions.

I've never used gro-lights, but a lot of people do.
Where I live, coleus fry in direct sun...but I see a lot of people growing them in south and west facing windows.

You may have to just experiment by moving them to different windows and gauge for yourself, based on how "leggy" the seedlings get and if they're really stretching for the light.

Remember, the intensity of the sun at this time of year is much less than if this were summer, so you may be able to get them off to a good start in a south or western facing window, then move them to a shadier spot when it starts getting really warm.

Being that you're in Texas, you might have to do a trial and error rotation with the plants to see how they perform.

Thank you Jasper! I hadn't really thought about the Coleus being shade loving until you mentioned them "frying." I think I am beginning to understand the "bright but not direct sunlight" thing. If those seeds were to have fallen naturally from the mommy coleus plant and germinated naturally, they would be in the shade that the Coleus thrives in. Now it makes sense why you would want to try to grow the seedlings in an environment similar to the one they would thrive in anyway.

I also like your rotation idea. I think I will put half of the seedlings in front of the Southern window, but keep the light cotton roman shades down for bright but diffused light, and the other half in front of a Northern window.

Thanks for the advice, guys!

GreenerBeaner