Blueberry seedlings problem

[Grimir]

Hello, i saw blueberry seeds as described in manual and they are germinating lately not all at the same time. I have problem when they germinate not long after that they start something like rotting and they get yellow colour and die. I dont know if it is problem in too much watering seedlings, or too much sun for them. So if anyone can tell me how to treat seedlings after they germinate would be much help to me. How often to water them, is destiled water good for watering and any other advice.

Thanks.

[rustylady]

Hello Grimir, welcome to the Vine. Where are you? This would help with advice.

[zazen999]

Blueberries don't like anything except rain water - and I suspect that they are possibly too damp as it is.

Where are you growing them, which seeds did you buy, when did you sow them etc etc and someone might be able to help you.

[boosmummy]

I heard, that you need to get two blueberry plants planted next to each other for them to germinate and fruit??? xx

[veggiechicken]

I don't think Grimir has got much past the germination stage yet. Then the seedlings need to grow, flower and be cross pollinated with another nearby blueberry bush. before the fruit appears.

[Grimir]

Well thank you for quick reply. I live in Europe country Croatia. Well i mostly used for watering tap water so maybe that is the problem. Can i use destiled water from store if i dont have rain water? I have 2 sort of seeds Vaccinium corymbosum and Vaccinium angustifolium. I think i saw them 2 months ago after cold stratification. They were sawn in house on my window. I am using earth for sowing from garden center, but in one of them i noticed some king of small white worms when i pour water. They swim on top of water moment i water earth. So maybe those are problems also? I also used liquid acid fertilizer for acid plants. I used it as writen on manual of the bottle. Is this enough information or do you need more? Would be nice if any of u have facebook, skype or MSN profile.

Cheers.

[zazen999]

Yes, I imagine that the worms are a problem as well. And if they have only just germinated, they aren't likely to need fertiliser just yet.

Can you not collect some rainwater to use?

To be honest, blueberries are probably best grown by buying a couple of plants, especially if you are having these problems.

[zazen999]

Thanks you for your PM - but could you post it on here please, I prefer to keep gardening advice on the forum so that anyone can access it.

[Grimir]

Well i have now plenty of snow outside in the yard, would that be ok when it melts for watering? How can i make tap water good for watering? Can i cook it or can i use destiled water for watering?

[Grimir]

I just got 2 new seedlings that germinated yesterday, i moved them to another soil on sunny window. That soil dont have those worms inside. I think those worms transform to flies that are flying around my plants now

[Two_Sheds]

Those flies/worms are probably fungus gnats. You get them when the soil is too wet.

You are watering too much! try this: how to water seedlings - YouTube

Blueberries, if you get them to grow, need acidic conditions. Most (UK) tap water is on the alkaline side, so isn't good for them. Snow melt would be fine, yes.

Where did you get your blueberry seeds from?

[Grimir]

Ok i will collect snow than i buckets to water them, i bought seeds from Ebay Uk stores. I think few stores. No one told me about destiled water from shop is that good for watering?

[Grimir]

And about those worms i think i got them already inside that black earth bag i bought, it is some kind of earth for graveyards. First time when i watered that earth those worms were already inside.

[Two_Sheds]

No one told me about destiled water from shop is that good for watering?

Snow melt is cheaper, and doesn't have to be shipped around the world in plastic bottles

I had a flat mate who watered his bonsai with Evian. Bit silly, imo

[Two_Sheds]

those worms i think i got them already inside that black earth bag i bought, it is some kind of earth for graveyards.

Go buy some ericaceous compost from the garden centre It's sterilised, and more suited to seedlings' needs