White fungus/mould on seedlings?

Hi there,

I've been growing coriander, sweet pea and marigold seedlings in seed trays and pots in my kitchen. However a few days ago I noticed a light covering of what looks like some sort of white mould over the compost on a couple of them. It looked like spilt flour. I took them outside as I didn't want it to spread to the others, but it has and now all the trays have it.

The seedlings don't seem to be affected by it, but I shouldn't let it get worse. Should I change the compost? I'm not sure why it's happened as the compost was new from a garden centre, and I also don't think I've overwatered them; in fact I've let them get quite dry as I thought that would help.

Does anyone know what it is please?

Thanks

 

Hi magrat,
it happens to me every year as well. I'd assume it's because both seedlings and mould enjoy warm, damp conditions. I've tried all kinds of tricks, including several ingenious watering/ lighting systems, scraping the white stuff off, aerating with a fork... It seems that if the seedlings are relatively sturdy they will sort the problem by themselves when they establish a bit more.
I wouldn't do anything drastic as long as the plantlets are ok, they'll win the race in the end.
Do you have good drainage in the pots?

 

Its harmless apparently.

 

Ok, that's good to hear. Thanks!

 

I have this in my basil pot and small amount just starting in another herb pot with thyme and tarragon, both have good drainage and i have switched to watering the basil from the bottom.
So it is not going to affect the plant detrimentally and i shouldn't be too worried by it then?

 

If in doubt, I would spray with a antifungal copper compound. Its sold under a number of names such as cheshunt compund. http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/cheshunt-compound-pid2921.html You should be able to buy it at most garden centres.

 

I think i am going to order some antifungal stuff tonight, it is settling in quite nicely now. Thing is i have been using the Tarragon and Basil while cooking and want to continue to do so. Is the antifungal compound going to affect that?
I suppose it's like anything just give it a good wash first.











Would the spray affect the edibility of the herbs? Does the mould affect it too?
I guess like most things a good rinse will do the trick.