When do seedlings become plants?

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DebiH Fort Payne, AL Mar 10, 2009

Is there an actual point at which seedlings by definition become plants? I ask because the needs of seedlings are so specific, like light for 16 hours a day, but at some point you stick them in the ground and let Nature take its course (albeit with a little help).

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azrobin Scottsdale, AZ(Zone 9b) Mar 10, 2009

I'm no expert on seeds, but what I do know is, well, it depends on the flower/plant. Some you can sow and off they go. Others, you need to pinch back the second set of true leaves to encourage the plant to grow bushier.

There is a seed forum here as well as other resources. But, when all else fails, I look up the specific plant on Google - i.e. "poppy seed germinating or germination". I'm sure someone else will pop in with more info for you.

Good Luck!

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Mar 10, 2009

The 16 hrs of light is really for ones that you're starting indoors since the fluorescent lights aren't as intense as sunshine. Once your weather is warm enough that you can harden them off and get them living outside full time then the outdoor light should be enough for them.

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Mar 11, 2009

A seedling is a plant. What else would it be? Just like a baby is a person no matter how young. We use the word "seedling" when referring to a baby plant, or young plant.

By the time a seedling/baby have grown to reach the size it is suppose to be for the variety, it is no longer a seedling.

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DebiH Fort Payne, AL Mar 17, 2009

So it's sort of like when a puppy grows into a dog? Purina made it a lot easier..."Puppy chow for a full year, when he's full grown"!

That's what I need for seedlings...

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Mar 27, 2009

A seedling---baby plant---require the same as an adult plant, just less of it. For exampe, a smaller pot, less water(the pot is smaller), diluted plant food, and protection from direct sun.

Depending on where you live and your climate, most plants can be planted out when they have developed 2 sets of true leaves after they have been hardened off first. Provide some protection after planting for a week. You can use a plastic gallon milk container, cut the bottom off and stick it over the plant. It will still get sun, but it will be diluted. It will prevent the plant from wilting while the plant become established.

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