cotyledons vs. plant height?

Greatgardens · June 7, 2017

I've started a bunch of F2 and F3 seeds. No problem telling dwarfs from regular ind., but can the height of the first cotyledons predict anything about the ultimate size of the dwarfs? There is clearly quite a difference in some of them. I'm getting ready to select ones to grow out, and I'd like to pick some smallish ones.

-GG

oakley · June 7, 2017

Interesting you brought this up. I was wondering similar just this morning looking at
some F5 micros. I started 2 per cell in a 6 pack. 12 seedlings absolutely identical.
100% germination. I even dropped them down to 8inches from the light bank to see
if any would shoot up...nada. Will be more obvious once potted up.

I started another 6 pack of ind. that same day and they are huge. And would be leggy
if i left them far from the light.

Back to your specific question. I have no idea,

I do find it easier/obvious with quantity, at least a dozen minimum for hunting. I prefer a full
half tray of 36. Second set of true leaves. Still a few may shoot up once potted up.

I had one dwarf sunflower out of 36 hit the ceiling just before it started to bloom. Pulled
it at two feet where all the others were 4-6 inches.

June 7, 2017	#1
Greatgardens Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,124	cotyledons vs. plant height? I've started a bunch of F2 and F3 seeds. No problem telling dwarfs from regular ind., but can the height of the first cotyledons predict anything about the ultimate size of the dwarfs? There is clearly quite a difference in some of them. I'm getting ready to select ones to grow out, and I'd like to pick some smallish ones. -GG

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June 7, 2017	#2
oakley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NewYork 5a Posts: 2,303	Interesting you brought this up. I was wondering similar just this morning looking at some F5 micros. I started 2 per cell in a 6 pack. 12 seedlings absolutely identical. 100% germination. I even dropped them down to 8inches from the light bank to see if any would shoot up...nada. Will be more obvious once potted up. I started another 6 pack of ind. that same day and they are huge. And would be leggy if i left them far from the light. Back to your specific question. I have no idea, I do find it easier/obvious with quantity, at least a dozen minimum for hunting. I prefer a full half tray of 36. Second set of true leaves. Still a few may shoot up once potted up. I had one dwarf sunflower out of 36 hit the ceiling just before it started to bloom. Pulled it at two feet where all the others were 4-6 inches.