Can a heated propagator get too hot?

[womble]

Due to a unplanned break from gardening anything, I've only just got my chillies in, I have one of those long windowsill heated propagators, it doesn't seem to cut off, just has a low heat all the time.
Atm it has very hot sun on it, would I be better off moving it out of the sun?

I've only just thought about moving it out of the sun before that I've been thinking about turning it off and on all the time

[Flummery]

Yes! You only need an optimum temperature - not the maximum possible. You can fry your seedlings or cook your seeds.
I'm one of those sad old Luddites who don't think you need an electric prop anyway. But that's another story!

[Nicos]

Actually, a propagator is just to germinate the seeds. Once they are growing you should remove them.
Basically- seeds don't need light to germinate- so in theory you could put the propagator in a dark room if you chose to!!!
In reality- they don't all germinate on the same day, so the sunlight would slow down the speed of the seedlings growth.
Are they in separate pots in there? If so it doesn't need to be in the sun at all!

[womble]

Ok, it's moved out of the sun.

I have to have a heated one, my house is freezing! I used to get pathetic chilli germination till I got one.

I can't think why I haven't worried about this before. Thanks for the info.

[Nicos]

I've germinated mine on wet kitchen paper scrunched up in a cereal bowl and covered with clingfilm...and left it ontop of the radiator- I'd have thought it'd have baked them, but it also works for my toms!!!!
My heated propagator is in a box somewhere- must hunt it out as my rudbeckia seeds only seem to thrive in there!
Great invention aren't they???

[sarraceniac]

Off topic. How do you grow (germinate) your rudbeckia Nicos? I must have tried about 8 or 9 varieties over 3 years. Never a glimmer. If it's complicated I'll start a new thread.

[Nicos]

If it's complicated I'll start a new thread.

I don't do complicated!!!

Seed tray with damp seed compost.
Sprinkle seeds
Sprinkle compost on top so seeds are just covered
Water by using a spray gun ( at room temperature)once the compost goes slightly dry on the surface ( my rooms are usually about 18-20C )
Place in heated propagator
Check daily

Simples!!!

Good luck- let me know how you get on!

(sorry womble for going off topic!!)

[Paulottie]

Off topic. How do you grow (germinate) your rudbeckia Nicos? I must have tried about 8 or 9 varieties over 3 years. Never a glimmer. If it's complicated I'll start a new thread.

You are not alone!

Can never seem to germinate Rubeckia

I follow all the methosds above and am careful not to bake em...usually quite successful...so why not Rubeckia?

[Nicos]

According to this..

Seed Germination Database


It says prechill seeds for 2 weeks ( I store mine in the warmth)
germinate at 70F = 21C


(Mods...any chance of creating a new thread for this please???)...sorry womble!

[Two_Sheds]

I've only just thought about moving it out of the sun

Mine are on a south-facing windowsill, so the sun (if it comes out) really bakes that room.
I switch the props off if it's sunny, and use a newspaper over the top if it's really baking (not very often)