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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Seedling Guide from Mulhalls Nursery in Omaha, NE
Starting Plants from Seeds
Growing plants from seeds started indoors can be rewarding and cost effective. Many annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs can be started 6 to 12 weeks prior to planting in the garden. Do not attempt to save seeds from hybrid plants you may have grown in your garden. The results will be disappointing in quality, color, and size of bloom or fruit.
Containers for Sowing Seeds
Containers for starting seeds should be clean, sturdy, and fit into the space available for growing plants in the home.
Clay and plastic pots are both excellent for growing transplants. Seeds may be planted directly into them.
Peat pots: These popular pots are made from peat or paper waste fibers. They are porous, and provide excellent drainage and air movement. The entire pot can be planted, so there is minimum root disturbance at planting time.
Compressed Peat Pellets: Expandable Jiffy 7 peat pellets are about the size of a silver dollar, but somewhat thicker. When placed in water, they swell to form a cylindrical container filled with peat moss, ready for seeding or transplanting. Use the pellets in trays so that they are easily watered and held upright. After plants are hardened off , peat pellets can be planted direcctly into the garden.
Soil Mixes and Other Growing MediaThe medium used for starting seed should be loose, well drained, and of fine texture.
Milled Sphagnum Moss: Can be used by itself or as top dressing to cut down on damping off.
Growing SeedlingsAfter seeds have germinated, they must be promptly given the best possible growing conditions to ensure stocky vigorous plants for outdoor planting. Cultural requirements must be considered carefully.
Light: After germination seedlings must receive bright light. Place them in a bright, south window if possible. If a large, bright window is not available, place the flats under fluorescent or grow lights. Place the seedlings about 6 inches from the tubes, and keep lights on for 14 to 16 hours each day. As seedlings grow, the light fixture may need to be raised to prevent leaf burn.
Temperature: Most annual plants and vegetables prefer night temperatures between 60 and 65ºF. Day temperatures may run about 10 degrees higher. If temperatures are warmer than this, leggy plants result. Cool season vegetable crops and a few flowers prefer night temperatures no higher than 55ºF, and day temperatures near 65.
Moisture and watering: Keep plants consistantly moist by misting and watering but never wet.
Fertilization: Seedlings planted in soil free mixes need prompt and regular fertilization. Use a soluble plant fertilizer. Young, tender seedlings are easily damaged by too much fertilzer. Apply fertilizer at about half of the recommended rate a few days after seedlings have germinated. After that, fertilize at 2-week intervals with the dilution recommended by the manufacturer.
Damping Off: When seedlings fall over at the soil line, they are being attacked by a fungus disease known as Damping-off. If only a few seedlings are attacked, dig out and discard the infected plants. Drench the entire soil mass with a fungicide solution, mixed according to the directions on the label. High temperature, poor light and excess moisture weaken plants and stimulate the spread of the disease. The best control is cleanliness and prompt action when the disease appears.
Moving Plants Outdoors-Hardening Off
Plants which have been growing indoors cannot be planted abruptly into the garden without injury. To prevent any damage, seedlings should be hardened off before planting outdoors.
This process should be started at least 2 weeks before planting into the garden. If possible, plants should be moved to cooler temperatures outdoors in a shady location. A cold-frame is excellent for this purpose. When first put outdoors, keep plants in the shade, but gradually move them into sunlight for short periods each day. Gradually increase the length of exposure. Do not put tender seedlings outdoors on windy days, or when temperatures are below 55ºF. Reduce the frequency of watering to slow growth but don't allow plants to wilt. Even cold hardy plants such as cabbage and pansies will be hurt if exposed to freezing temperatures before they have hardened off. After proper hardening, however, they can be planted outdoors, and light frosts will not damage them.
Growing plants from seeds started indoors can be rewarding and cost effective. Many annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs can be started 6 to 12 weeks prior to planting in the garden. Do not attempt to save seeds from hybrid plants you may have grown in your garden. The results will be disappointing in quality, color, and size of bloom or fruit.
Containers for Sowing Seeds
Containers for starting seeds should be clean, sturdy, and fit into the space available for growing plants in the home.
Clay and plastic pots are both excellent for growing transplants. Seeds may be planted directly into them.
Peat pots: These popular pots are made from peat or paper waste fibers. They are porous, and provide excellent drainage and air movement. The entire pot can be planted, so there is minimum root disturbance at planting time.
Compressed Peat Pellets: Expandable Jiffy 7 peat pellets are about the size of a silver dollar, but somewhat thicker. When placed in water, they swell to form a cylindrical container filled with peat moss, ready for seeding or transplanting. Use the pellets in trays so that they are easily watered and held upright. After plants are hardened off , peat pellets can be planted direcctly into the garden.
Soil Mixes and Other Growing MediaThe medium used for starting seed should be loose, well drained, and of fine texture.
Milled Sphagnum Moss: Can be used by itself or as top dressing to cut down on damping off.
Growing SeedlingsAfter seeds have germinated, they must be promptly given the best possible growing conditions to ensure stocky vigorous plants for outdoor planting. Cultural requirements must be considered carefully.
Light: After germination seedlings must receive bright light. Place them in a bright, south window if possible. If a large, bright window is not available, place the flats under fluorescent or grow lights. Place the seedlings about 6 inches from the tubes, and keep lights on for 14 to 16 hours each day. As seedlings grow, the light fixture may need to be raised to prevent leaf burn.
Temperature: Most annual plants and vegetables prefer night temperatures between 60 and 65ºF. Day temperatures may run about 10 degrees higher. If temperatures are warmer than this, leggy plants result. Cool season vegetable crops and a few flowers prefer night temperatures no higher than 55ºF, and day temperatures near 65.
Moisture and watering: Keep plants consistantly moist by misting and watering but never wet.
Fertilization: Seedlings planted in soil free mixes need prompt and regular fertilization. Use a soluble plant fertilizer. Young, tender seedlings are easily damaged by too much fertilzer. Apply fertilizer at about half of the recommended rate a few days after seedlings have germinated. After that, fertilize at 2-week intervals with the dilution recommended by the manufacturer.
Damping Off: When seedlings fall over at the soil line, they are being attacked by a fungus disease known as Damping-off. If only a few seedlings are attacked, dig out and discard the infected plants. Drench the entire soil mass with a fungicide solution, mixed according to the directions on the label. High temperature, poor light and excess moisture weaken plants and stimulate the spread of the disease. The best control is cleanliness and prompt action when the disease appears.
Moving Plants Outdoors-Hardening Off
Plants which have been growing indoors cannot be planted abruptly into the garden without injury. To prevent any damage, seedlings should be hardened off before planting outdoors.
This process should be started at least 2 weeks before planting into the garden. If possible, plants should be moved to cooler temperatures outdoors in a shady location. A cold-frame is excellent for this purpose. When first put outdoors, keep plants in the shade, but gradually move them into sunlight for short periods each day. Gradually increase the length of exposure. Do not put tender seedlings outdoors on windy days, or when temperatures are below 55ºF. Reduce the frequency of watering to slow growth but don't allow plants to wilt. Even cold hardy plants such as cabbage and pansies will be hurt if exposed to freezing temperatures before they have hardened off. After proper hardening, however, they can be planted outdoors, and light frosts will not damage them.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Zinnia
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia) - Planting: Sow outdoors after last frost just beneath the surface of the soil. Seeds will germinate in 5-24 days. Zinnias prefer full sun and well-drained average soil.
Seed Saving: Zinnias will cross-pollinate. Gardeners should only grow one variety at a time to save pure seed, or isolate varieties by ¼ mile. Seeds are ready to harvest when the blooms begin to turn brown and dry. The seeds are contained in the very center. When the heads are completely dry, gently crush the heads between your hand and then carefully winnow away the chaff.
Seed Saving: Zinnias will cross-pollinate. Gardeners should only grow one variety at a time to save pure seed, or isolate varieties by ¼ mile. Seeds are ready to harvest when the blooms begin to turn brown and dry. The seeds are contained in the very center. When the heads are completely dry, gently crush the heads between your hand and then carefully winnow away the chaff.
Marigold
Tagetes patula/tenuifolia (Marigold) - Planting: Sow seeds outdoors 2 weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds just beneath the surface of the soil. Seeds will germinate in 4-10 days. Marigolds prefer full sun (may need light shade in extremely warm areas) and a well-balanced slightly dry soil.
Seed Saving: Marigolds will produce lots of seed in a similar fashion to a Zinnia or Calendula. When the blooms dry out, cut them off and hang upside down in bunches. The seeds are contained in the heads and, once dry and crisp, can be lightly hand-crushed and winnowed from the seed chaff.
Seed Saving: Marigolds will produce lots of seed in a similar fashion to a Zinnia or Calendula. When the blooms dry out, cut them off and hang upside down in bunches. The seeds are contained in the heads and, once dry and crisp, can be lightly hand-crushed and winnowed from the seed chaff.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan) - Planting: Sow indoors just beneath the surface of the soil 6-8 weeks before last frost. Seeds will germinate in 5-21 days. Transplant when the danger of frost is past. Black-Eyed Susan prefers average well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Biennial or hardy annual.
Seed Saving: Seeds are ready to harvest when the blooms begin to turn brown and dry. When the heads are completely dry, gently crush the heads between your hand and then carefully winnow away the chaff.
Seed Saving: Seeds are ready to harvest when the blooms begin to turn brown and dry. When the heads are completely dry, gently crush the heads between your hand and then carefully winnow away the chaff.
Parsley
Pimpinellu anisum (Parsley)- Planting: Sow seeds outdoors ¼ " deep when there is still a chance of light frost. Can also be started earlier and set out as small plants. Seeds germinate in 14-21 days. Seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, rich soil.
Seed Saving: Parsleys will cross-pollinate, so isolate by 1 mile the second year when going to seed. Dig up parsley roots in the fall before a hard frost. Trim the tops to 2" and store in sawdust, sand or leaves. Parsley roots will store 3-4 months when kept between 32-40° F. Plant out in the early spring. Harvest seed heads when dry, and separate by hand.
Seed Saving: Parsleys will cross-pollinate, so isolate by 1 mile the second year when going to seed. Dig up parsley roots in the fall before a hard frost. Trim the tops to 2" and store in sawdust, sand or leaves. Parsley roots will store 3-4 months when kept between 32-40° F. Plant out in the early spring. Harvest seed heads when dry, and separate by hand.
Basil
Ocimum basilicum (Basil) - Planting: Sow seeds outdoors when the soil is warm and the temperature does not drop below 65° F. Can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Space plants 4-6" apart in all directions. Plant seeds just beneath the surface. Seeds germinate in 5-30 days, so keep moist. Prefers full sun and rich, well- drained soil.
Seed Saving: Basil will cross-pollinate with other varieties of basil and must be separated by 150' while flowering. Plants form seed capsules containing four seeds. Allow seed capsules to dry, then harvest and separate by hand.
Seed Saving: Basil will cross-pollinate with other varieties of basil and must be separated by 150' while flowering. Plants form seed capsules containing four seeds. Allow seed capsules to dry, then harvest and separate by hand.
Spearmint
Mentha viridis (Spearmint) - Planting: Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil 4-6 weeks before last frost. Can be directly sown outdoors just before the last spring frost. Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days. Plant out into full or partial shade, after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers average, well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions.
Seed Saving: Seeds are ready to harvest when the blooms begin to turn brown and dry. When the heads are completely dry, gently crush the heads between your hands and then carefully winnow away the chaff from the seeds.
Seed Saving: Seeds are ready to harvest when the blooms begin to turn brown and dry. When the heads are completely dry, gently crush the heads between your hands and then carefully winnow away the chaff from the seeds.
Sunflowers
Helianthus annuus & cucumerifolius (Sunflowers) - Planting: Sow seeds outdoors ½" deep and 6" apart in rows 24-36" apart after the last frost. Successive plantings will provide continual blooms throughout the summer. Seeds germinate in 10-14 days. Prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil.
Saving Seed: Sunflowers will cross-pollinate and must be separated by ½ mile to ensure pure seed. Harvest the heads when they have completely filled out, lost all of their petals and the backs begin to turn brown. It may be necessary to cover heads to protect them from birds. Allow to dry in a protected area away from birds and then shell by hand.
Saving Seed: Sunflowers will cross-pollinate and must be separated by ½ mile to ensure pure seed. Harvest the heads when they have completely filled out, lost all of their petals and the backs begin to turn brown. It may be necessary to cover heads to protect them from birds. Allow to dry in a protected area away from birds and then shell by hand.
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