Are my seeds progressing as they should?

[Duns]

I planted mixed variety cacti seeds (about 50) on the 10th September and I am pleased the the germination rate has been quite good at greater than 50%. They were sown in cactus compost in a little perspex covered propagator which I keep on a window sill (I thought that the greenhouse would be to cool for germination at this time of the year) I am keeping them well watered (light spray once a week).

Those that have germinated range in height from 5mm to 10mm. Is this what I should expect bearing in mind the time they were sown and am I going about this in the correct way?

Any advice would be appreciated.

John

[habanerocat]

The seed raising leaflet suggests keeping them growing at a min of 16 deg. C.

http://www.society.bcss.org.uk/images/C ... atemix.pdf Pages are a bit mixed up.

It's probably best to try keep them growing so give them as much light as possible.

I'm in a similar quandary myself as my first batch of seeds failed miserably but had excellent germination from my second attempt with seeds from a different supplier. Mine are in the greenhouse in bags. So I think they will have to stay there until spring at this stage.

[Duns]

Thanks Habanerocat, It was on the temperature basis that I decided to keep them in the house as the temperature variation is between 18C and 22C - I suppose my concern is whether they are getting enough light.

Although I have heating in my greenhouse it is set to keep the temperature above 5C so the temperature would be an issue whilst the light should be no problem.

Unless there is advice to the contrary I will keep them in the house until spring - this is all new to me and therefor all about learning!!!

John

[Chris L]

I grow all my seeds on an upstairs SE-facing bedroom windowsill. Best place for them I've found.

[Brian]

You seem to be doing well, John. Keep them indoors on a warm & light window ledge. That way you can check them regularly without a trip in the cold to the greenhouse. Spring is a better time to sow, I think. You can sow more then!!

[Duns]

Thanks Chris and Brian - I will stick with it.

I just thought I would give it a go in September to see what transpired - I have a few packets of seeds that I am keeping until spring.

John

[ragamala]

Thanks Chris and Brian - I will stick with it.

I just thought I would give it a go in September to see what transpired - I have a few packets of seeds that I am keeping until spring.

John

A pic would be good - maybe then it's clear whether the seedlings are not only a decent size but healthy. I'd be lucky to get that sort of size with a September start!

[Duns]

Hi Ragamala,

I have provided the images of my September sown seedlings - the prominent one on the left edge of the tray is just over 10mm - I didn't want to poke about too much in case I disturbed the roots Thanks for taking the time to respond.

John

[ragamala]

Hi Ragamala,

I have provided the images of my September sown seedlings....
John

Thanks!

I sowed some in late summer and they are looking a bit leggier than yours, I guess because I didn't give them enough light, I took more care of my spring sowings, when I expect better results and good growth in the first season. I'll be keeping my late sowings indoors through the winter as others have advised. Yours look to be doing well so far! They will appreciate as much light as you can offer them, I think.

[Duns]

Thanks for your comments.

Yes, as they are indoors the amount of light they get at this time of year will be key. I am getting a bit obsessive about this and spend an inordinate amount of time moving them from window to window to maximise their light exposure. Hopefully I will remember where I left them last

John