Monday, May 17, 2010

How long should sunflower (seedlings?) be until you plant them?

I have some sunflower seeds in damp paper towels that I continuingly wet with water. They have started growing. I do not know what to call those roots that have started coming out. About how long should they be until it is healthy to plant them?

How long should sunflower (seedlings?) be until you plant them?
I use several methods to sprout seeds, especially seeds that are extremely difficult (Tacca, palms, bamboo, cycads) to sprout. Paper towels is one of them. My rule of thumb is to plant seedlings out once the stems get to be about 2" in length, have identifiable roots, and have solid green cotyledons. At this stage they are mostly beyond the stage where Phytophora or Fusarium fungi can ravage them. Be careful as they break really easily. I also spritz the sprouts (before and after planting) with a dilute solution of superthrive. About 10% of the recommended label concentration for adult plants
Reply:You should put the seed in compost straight, you don't need to keep them on paper towels, it is better if they are in compost (or soil) as this will also provide nutrients for them. you also don't want them to be too wet all the time as this is bad for them. You would be better starting them in compost than on paper towels, but , in your current situation i suggest you put them in some compost (or soil) (preferably in a pot, not straight into the ground), then, in a few weeks time put them in the ground or in a bigger pot.

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