leggy sweetpea seedlings

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by helen, Apr 29, 2010.

  1. helen

    helen Gardener

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    Hi there,

    My sweet pea seedlings have come through and are shooting up, I know that they need to be "pinched off" at some point to stop them getting too "leggy" but when should I do this ?
    A couple are already about 14cm high,very spindly and only have a couple of very small leaves at the very top.
    They seem to be so fragile that I'm afraid to do anything at the moment ( the seedlings are about 5 days old)...
    I've moved them out of the greenhouse and have put them in a cooler but sunnier spot ....

    Any ideas ?

    Thanks
     
    helen, Apr 29, 2010
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  2. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :thumb: Hi Helen,
    Well I did sow most of mine last year but,,,, I always do a late sowing too, end of Feb mid March for catch ups of the ones that didn't make it..
    Now then for the ones I have sown this year I pinch out just above a leaf noad at about 10 cms so pinch yours now.. Make sure they have plenty of light as they will stretch.. They are slow-ish to respond but you will see a much thicker stem after about a weak & of course it momentarily slows the upward growth.... Hope that helps..:thumb:
     
    Marley Farley, Apr 29, 2010
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  3. helen

    helen Gardener

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    Hi !

    Ok will do but can I pinch off the top if that's where the only leaves are ?
    I mean: the stalk is already 14cm but the only leaves are right on the top...
     
    helen, Apr 29, 2010
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  4. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :D Yep pinch the top shoot out then.. :D They wont do much for a while but they will benefit believe me & now give them as much light as possible... :thumb:
     
    Marley Farley, Apr 29, 2010
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  5. helen

    helen Gardener

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    ok will do !

    Thanks !
     
    helen, Apr 29, 2010
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  6. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    Just sent you a pm Helen..!!
     
    Marley Farley, Apr 29, 2010
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  7. helen

    helen Gardener

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    um... what's a pm ?
     
    helen, Apr 29, 2010
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  8. helen

    helen Gardener

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    SORRY !!! just realized : a private message !

    sorry I'm new at all this...

    Have seen the message... Thanks !
     
    helen, Apr 29, 2010
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  9. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :wink: OK just sent you another.... :flag:
     
    Marley Farley, Apr 29, 2010
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  10. rpdiy

    rpdiy Gardener

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    hi helen

    as a rule of thumb pinch out centre growing tip after the 2nd double pair of leaves this will let the plants spread out and produce more flowers.
     
    rpdiy, Apr 29, 2010
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  11. helen

    helen Gardener

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    Ok thanks alot !
     
    helen, Apr 30, 2010
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