Variation in seedlings

[Garf]

I don't understand this. I planted a batch of seeds at the same time under the same conditions and got a large variation in results. Is this normal?

[carolyn137]

I don't see any labels so I assume they were all the same variety.

I think the conditions are too wet b'c I see not only some that appear to have damping off amd some keeled over and dead, but also the foliage of some that show possible evidence of too wet conditions with those dark black areas.

In addition, I don't know if that's perlite, the white chunky stuff on the top of the growing medium but some of it has turned green which also indicates to me, at least, that conditions are too wet.

Those seem like really large continers for just raising seedlings you're going transplant anyway. Right?

[OneoftheEarls]

I concur with Carolyn on the too wet...you have live stuff growing on the Perlite

A good fix would be to put heat (70-84 F) under that tray for 14 hours.

[mjc]

Originally Posted by OneoftheEarls

I concur with Carolyn on the too wet...you have live stuff growing on the Perlite

A good fix would be to put heat (70-84 F) under that tray for 14 hours.

I'd say 12 hours...

[Garf]

I only start a dozen at a time. I do keep them wet. I'm afraid they will dry out on me. I keep them outside in the Florida sun.

[OneoftheEarls]

put something black UNDER them...they really do need some bottom heat.

[TZ-OH6]

To answer the original question. Yes, sometimes you get a great deal of variation in sprout size. Seeds of different size and health will put up diffent sprouts. There will also be a difference depending on how many days apart the seeds sprouted. I often find this with older or bad seed sets where germination rate is reduced.

[Garf]

Originally Posted by OneoftheEarls

put something black UNDER them...they really do need some bottom heat.

Bottom heat??????????????? In Miami???????????? I'm more likely to pack them in ice.

[Worth1]

[quote=Garf;189259]Bottom heat??????????????? In Miami???????????? I'm more likely to pack them in ice.[/quote


Today's high 83 the low is 67.

Worth

[Worth1]

I can tell ya one thing, you need to lay off on the water they are getting moss on the soil.

Let them dry out at least on top between watering.
It is normal for seedlings of the same variety to sprout differently its just the way it is.

worth

[Heritage]

Yes, definitely over-watered. The lower leaf dying on the large plant (last photo on the right) is indicative of too much water, as is the over-all pale color of the leaves and the damping off Carolyn already mentioned.

I would recommend you always start with sterile, soiless mix, and make sure the holes in the bottom of your container are open and allowing any excess water to drain out.

-Steve

[Garf]

I cut back on the water and they seem to be doing better. I'm still afraid of them drying out.

[Garf]

I have transplanted all of the seedlings. We'll see how they go from here. Now to decide what to start next.

[Worth1]

Garf you will be amazed at how much faster a tomater will grow when it doesn't have wet feet.

PIC's please,


Worth