What are my seedlings trying to tell me?

RomanX · March 15, 2016

All of my newly sprouted seedlings (just yesterday, I "freed" a few from their "helmets") have faintly purplish stalks (so light, it's almost lavendar). They just came up last Saturday, so only have cotyledons. Eight different varieties, 25 seedlings, all the same.

Last year, my seedlings got purple stalks when they had several sets of true leaves. After I was advised (here) that this was caused by a potassium deficiency, I promptly fertilized them more: no more purple!!

But this is too soon to fertilize yet - or is it?? What should I do??

Jomalley7 · March 15, 2016

Try potting them up in cups or something with more room and use foxfarm potting soil,the ocean version does wonders for me.

Labradors2 · March 15, 2016

Maybe they're just chilly. Turn the A/C down there!

Seriously, though, if it IS due to cold, it's a good thing for them to grow slow and stocky.

Linda

Worth1 · March 15, 2016

What I do in a seed starting mix as the seeds sprout water with a very diluted solution of MG plant food at about 1/4 teaspoon a gallon.
This will not burn the roots.

Even after they have had there first true leaves I have given some about 1 to 1/2 teaspoon of pure strength 1 tablespoon per gallon with no ill effect and very good growth.
After the fertilizing I would give a little water and spray with diluted hydrogen peroxide to prevent damping off.
If it is cold the plants will remain purple.

Worth

RayR · March 15, 2016

It's normal for seedling to have purple stems. Just make sure the soil temperature is warm, cool temperatures will inhibit root growth. What is your seed starting mix? They can't uptake nutrients yet, they are still feeding from the stored food from the seed. If your seed starting mix has some light fertilization from the manufacturer that's fine, they will get it when the roots have developed more. Biostimulants like a liquid kelp extract and humic acids can stimulate faster root development.

March 15, 2016	#1
RomanX Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: North Carolina Posts: 119	What are my seedlings trying to tell me? All of my newly sprouted seedlings (just yesterday, I "freed" a few from their "helmets") have faintly purplish stalks (so light, it's almost lavendar). They just came up last Saturday, so only have cotyledons. Eight different varieties, 25 seedlings, all the same. Last year, my seedlings got purple stalks when they had several sets of true leaves. After I was advised (here) that this was caused by a potassium deficiency, I promptly fertilized them more: no more purple!! But this is too soon to fertilize yet - or is it?? What should I do??

March 15, 2016	#2
Jomalley7 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Crown Point Posts: 4	Try potting them up in cups or something with more room and use foxfarm potting soil,the ocean version does wonders for me.

March 15, 2016	#3
Labradors2 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Ontario Posts: 3,895	Maybe they're just chilly. Turn the A/C down there! Seriously, though, if it IS due to cold, it's a good thing for them to grow slow and stocky. Linda

March 15, 2016	#4
Worth1 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Den of Drunken Fools Posts: 38,539	What I do in a seed starting mix as the seeds sprout water with a very diluted solution of MG plant food at about 1/4 teaspoon a gallon. This will not burn the roots. Even after they have had there first true leaves I have given some about 1 to 1/2 teaspoon of pure strength 1 tablespoon per gallon with no ill effect and very good growth. After the fertilizing I would give a little water and spray with diluted hydrogen peroxide to prevent damping off. If it is cold the plants will remain purple. Worth

March 15, 2016	#5
RayR Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 2,466	It's normal for seedling to have purple stems. Just make sure the soil temperature is warm, cool temperatures will inhibit root growth. What is your seed starting mix? They can't uptake nutrients yet, they are still feeding from the stored food from the seed. If your seed starting mix has some light fertilization from the manufacturer that's fine, they will get it when the roots have developed more. Biostimulants like a liquid kelp extract and humic acids can stimulate faster root development.