Numpty newbie question!

[GreenGriff]

*Disclaimer! I have never grown anything in my life ever before!!!

I have sown some lettuce and rocket seeds indoors (others too, but these are the only ones showing any action at the moment!). They have sprouted and appear to be doing well ... I know that 'pricking out' should be done after the first 'true leaves' appear, but what on earth are the true leaves? Are they the first little leaves, that they have now, or do these change into something else

[Capsid]

Most plants produce 2 seed leaves first, then the 2 that follow them are the first true leaves. These have a different shape and size to the seed leaves and are "true" to the plant's normal leaf shape.

[GreenGriff]

Ok! Lovely Thanks for the speedy reply!

[mrshopeful]

A month ago I was wondering the same thing

If you give the seedlings a little more time then the next set of leaves should appear and they are the true leaves. I've not grown any lettuce or rocket so don't know the shape of those but a lot of my seedlings true leaves look different to the seed leaves.


Edit: oops sorry didn't see Capsid's reply when I replied

[bluemoon]

GreenGriff; repeat after me 'There is no such thing as a numpty newby question... except the one that remains unasked.'

[GreenGriff]

Thank you mrshopeful, I don't feel quite so stupid now I will be patient ... not one of my strong points!

And thank you bluemoon! I shall no doubt repeat your mantra at regular intervals

[Alice]

Don't be tempted to prick out too soon GreenGriff. When plants only have their seed leaves they have very little in the way of root. By the time they had made 1 or 2 sets of true leaves they have roots big enough to allow planting.
What kind of lettuce are you growing ?
If it's the type where you cut the whole lettuce then prick them out when ready.
For cut and come again types I dont really prick them out individually but just break them into little clumps and plant like that. Same for rocket. It's much quicker and easier and works fine.
You could be putting those seeds outdoors sometime soon. Mine are growing in the ground.
Hope they all do well for you.

[GreenGriff]

Alice, they are little gems, so they will need pricking out presumably. Thanks for the tip!

[taff]

If you don't intend to cut and come again the rocket seedlings, you'll be surprised at how big one plant will grow, I was...
About 18" to 2' high and about 12-16" wide.