Stocks

Hi there,

I have some stocks which have just started to germinate in a tray (cells) under cheap plastic propagator lid. They are starting about five days after I planted them. The seeds have a small amount of white fluffy mould on them, I have never had this happen so early on. I have opened the lid a little to get them some air. Will they be OK? Do I need to do anything?

Also once they have germinated the packet says they need to go down to 5 to 8 degrees. shall I put them straight outside in the greenhouse. Seems a bit harsh.

Cheers EGW

 

Hi Ellie. Just make sure it is fluffy mould and not fluffy roots. When seeds first germinate they often produce fluffy roots, which get pulled down into the soil and consequently disappear after a while.

If it is fluffy mould, it sounds as if they are too wet. I get this sometimes. I spray with copper solution (Cheshunt compound); in fact I spray quite often with this as a precaution. I would also leave the lids off to allow the soil to dry out a bit.

I leave my seeds in their trays for quite a time. Really until they get physically too big or they are clearly suffering from unidirectional light. This allows them to utilise the heat within the house. You must of course rotate the trays every day to counter the fact that they grow towards the light.

 

Hi Peter

Thank you for your reply.

Sounds like the latter, as they have only just germinated and I don't think the soil is too wet, hopefully all will be well. If not I'll try the stuff you mentioned - where would I get it from?

I am keeping all my other trays in the house but it specifically says with the stocks that when they have germinated they need 5 - 8 degrees so I wondered if it might be too warm for them.

Thanks again Ellie

 

Ellie, I am sorry. I meant to mention in my previous post that you can get the Cheshunt compound in any garden centre. Its very common.

I don't specifically know about stocks. But in my experience most seeds can't read, and consequently will tolerate circumstances outside those recommended. I suspect the danger is that they could become leggy. All seedlings can do this if they get too much warmth and not enough light. If anything looks like it is getting leggy, its time to go outside. To a certain extent you can compensate for the legginess of small seedlings, when you pot them up, by putting them deeper in the pot.

 

thanks Peter,

I can still see the white fluff so may be mould. Unfortunately I am away for the weekend now so it will have to be Monday before I sort them out - hopefully they will be alright till then. I can't believe it is going cold again this week. I am itching to set up my mini greenhouse! Though I know it is too early!