Sowing seeds indoors

Hi All,

I sowed some flower seeds a week ago - several varieties including cosmos, gazania, osteospermum and some tomato plants. These are all in indoor non heated propagators (the cheap variety) and they are in a bedroom with direct sunlight, so have strong sunlight for about 5 hours a day.

I checked this morning and the cosmos had germinated, so I looked on the net for what to do next. The cosmos are now sitting uncovered under a strip light in my kitchen as it says that new seedlings should not be placed in direct sunlight for 2 weeks and put them under strip lighting.

I need some help with the following as the net gives contradictory instructions -

1 - should i leave the seeds in the propagators (the ones that have not germinated) in direct sunlight, or cover them with some newspaper?

2 - Do I leave the cosmos where they are - under fluorescent light or move them to a windowsill where there is no direct sunlight?

3 - when can I move the seedlings to direct sunlight after they germinate?

Just a bit confused as the seed packets do not mention to keep seeds or seedlings out of direct sunlight.

ALso, should I invest in a light lamp to place new seedlings under before they can be placed in direct sunlight on the windowsill?

Or......should i just buy the bl**dy plants from the GC?

Cheers
A.

 

I've not heard of this direct sunlight thing before, but its proberly so they dont get scorched. Personally, i dont have a prop, and just leave them to germinate on the window sill, until the point where they go outside to start getting hardened off.

 

Andrew, I think you maybe reading too much info, things are not that difficult, although growing strong seedlings on a window sill can be a bit of a challenge.
Personally once the seed germinates I'd remove the covers, and unless the temp. in the window rises greatly when the sun is shining, I'd leave them to soak up the sun.
You need to keep a careful watch on them to make sure they dont dry out in the early stages, but other than that the more light the better, it will stop them going "leggy".

Leaving the covers on once the seeds have germinated, could mean you end up "cooking" them if in direct sunlight.

 

I would agree with Pete. The covers are really there to stop moisture being lost before the seedlings have developed any roots. Once rooted they want all the light they can get.

Don't worry about artificial light, its at a far lower level than sunlight (even indirect) and won't contribute anything unless it is exceedingly powerful, or in a specially designed light box.

Remember that seedlings will grow towards the light, so you should turn the trays around everyday to counter this.

 

Andrew as the guys have said most seeds are pretty easy to 'get going' I think we all get a little nervous at first but it's not too hard after all most annuals wouldn't self sow if it were!

I think its a learning curve some seeds need a little more attention than others and I'm sure you will soon find out which ones those are.

I'm using the same propagators as yourself (greenhouse still in box lol) and my window sills are over flowing at the moment, I have to say some seeds have amazed me and have germinated in only a few days!

Keep at it and as long as it's not costing you too much you will soon find out what you're good at growing and when you get the hang of things the other harder seeds will proof a challenge you're more than willing to take on later.Good luck and happy sowing.Hel.xxx.

[ 14. April 2008, 05:18 AM: Message edited by: Helofadigger ]

 

Definately get the cosmos back in the window as they need lots of light and can get leggy. You are fine to tak the lids off them. I was amazed with my cosmos sonata I grew from seed last year, they were huge beautiful plants and with lots of deadheading seemed to flower for ever until I finally dug them out at the end of october. I am new to tomato plants but again I would keep them in the window, mine are in the window and look a bit leggy already so will be going in my min greenhouse as soon as possible.

I have kept the lids on my busy lizzies and lobelias I just prop them open every now and again for the air to circulate.