Oh No I think my seeds have mutated!

[jools02]

Ok, I've never ever grown anything before so I thought I would give a few things a try. I've got cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes and a few flowers. BUT I think some of them have gone wrong, they all look like cress except for the tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm sure its not right and I've followed the instructions on the packets to the letter. Here are a couple of pics - they just don't look right to me. Did I do something wrong or are they supposed to look like this?

Broccoli - I have loads of these and they all look the same!



Top Left: Geranium Top Right: Lemon Mint
Bottom: Forget me not




Top Right: Poppy Bottom: Pansy

[shirlthegirl43]

They all look like seedlings with their seed leaves - don't panic, they will look different when the first 'true' leaves form. One observation is that they need more light though. Can you put them on a bright windowsill but without direct sun? Turn them round whenever they 'bend' to the light to help them strengthen up.

Actually, thinking about it, the flower seedlings should be okay outdoors in a sheltered spot. They will grow more slowly but make stronger plants. If you are worried about cold overnight temperatures then bring them indoors as the sun goes down.

[OverWyreGrower]

Don't panic!! They look like they are doing fine; just make sure, as Shirl says, that you turn them round so they don't bend too much

[Sweepster]

Don't eat them - they're not cress! The first pair of leaves you get on a seedling are called 'seed leaves', and they don't - as you can see - resemble the shape of the 'true' leaves which will be the next ones to appear. So it's perfectly normal

I'd suggest perhaps turning the trays round every so often, as the seedlings all appear to be straining towards the light (unless you have a very peculiar gravitational pull in your greenhouse )


[oops have just repeated advice already given by people who type faster!]

[Flummery]

I think they are short of light. It's what we call 'leggy' - and they grow very long and thin. If you can give them more light - maybe a cold frame in the day - they will benefit enormously. Put them as close to a window as you can (but bring them into the room at night - it gets really cold on a windowsill) and maybe put some foil on the side nearest you (away from the glass) so you can reflect some light back. You'll need to turn them every day - several times if you're at home.

Good luck with them - it's all a learning curve!

[jools02]

Oh what a relief! I thought I would have to start all over again. Thank you everyone for your advice. I have moved them to my little greenhouse as its warm today. But I will bring them in at night time. I had them on my living room table as I don't have any windowsills bright enough and the only one which would have been suitable would put the seeds within easy reach of my 11 month old daughter!

Thanks again, I'm sure I'll be back here for more advice soon!

[HeyWayne]

Oh what a relief! I thought I would have to start all over again. Thank you everyone for your advice. I have moved them to my little greenhouse as its warm today. But I will bring them in at night time. I had them on my living room table as I don't have any windowsills bright enough and the only one which would have been suitable would put the seeds within easy reach of my 11 month old daughter!

Thanks again, I'm sure I'll be back here for more advice soon!

Be careful not to scortch them in the greehouse if it's sunny. They will need light, but don't tend to fair well in direct sunlight. You'll also need to keep an eye on their water if in a warm/hot greenhouse.

Fun isn't it?

[DaveInBraknell]

Hi Jools2,

I had the same problem last year when I started out, and again initially this year (Granted I now have a growlight and things are better), my advice would be as said here they need more light. The initial seed leaves might only grow about 4-5cm above the soil in most cabbage/broccoli plants the energy then goes down into the roots and producing the second true leaves, imagine the seed leaves like a booster phase on a rocket it launches the plant out of the seed.

Later on I'll try posting a picture of my cauli's I am growing now under a light to show you.

If your in a position where you don't have enough light sow them a bit later on, ie if the packet says feb-april, sow them in april, sure you'll delay harvesting a bit but as there is more light you'll reap rewards later on with a stronger harvest. I found this last year.

They should pick up as everyone says but they need light they have expended a fair bit of energy trying to find it, try anything you can to get them some strong sunlight during the day..

Once you have got them growing well the next phase is transplanting, I am dreading that bit...

Dave

[jools02]

Thank you Dave that's very helpful. I've started putting them outside in the day and bringing them in at night, so hopefully I might see some improvement soon!

[DaveInBraknell]

As promised here are some pictures of my Seedlings.

Variety: F1 Hybrid Purple Graffitti Cauliflower
Sown:16th March
First True Leaf (Shown): 31st March

[jools02]

Thanks for that Dave, that cauli looks great! I have stuck them under a daylight lamp I've got. Would that do the trick, or do I need a special bulb?

[RedThorn]

Put the lamp on the side furthest from the window and see if they start bending toward the light. this will prove to you that they prefer the lamp I found mine tended to bend toward the window in the day and toward the lamp at night... Welcome to the world of experimenting....

[DaveInBraknell]

Hi Jools2,

Thanks, my first try with caulis back in Feb was a nightmare, they all got stringy, I ditched them and bought a CFL lamp and a reflector, cost me about £80 all in but hey I thought it would pay back eventually in saved quality veg costs they are expensive to run but I don't smoke, drink et al so what the heck

Anyhow back to the point some say Daylight bulbs don't emit the right kind of light, but as RedThorn says for you it's an experiment Worst case scenario I hope you have some of the seed left over so you can re sow a couple.

Couple of things with daylight bulb:

1)As Redthorn says put the light on and see in about two days if they start to bend towards them. Indicates they appreciate it.

2)Leave the light on most of the day but give them at least 8hours rest they need to sleep 2.

3)If (1) above does not work (and it might not as daylight bulb might not emit the right "light" try again re sow you have enough time and days are getting brighter as well as longer.

4)If it is sunny outside stick them outside regardless to capture the sun, nature is best..

5)Put your hand under the bulb, then move it away until it is pleasantly warm, but not too hot. In this manner your both warming the plants (bonus) and lighting them. DOn't put the bulb too close, you'll burn em.

Let us know the results of the daylight bulb experiment, it might be a good cost saving vs really expensive grow lights for an economical way to grow plants

Dave