Re: [CH] Chile Seedlings

Steve (snearman@erols.com)
Thu, 5 Mar 1998 00:51:47 -0500 

Jeffrey Rose said:

>Thanks for the suggestions for using heating pads for chile seed
>germination.  Most have come up in 7-12 days.  I have some more questions
>for >the experienced gardeners out there.

Once I have my first batch started I put them under grow lights and set
next batch on top of the lights, just like a heat pad, works great.

>If some seedings in a starter tray have come up, is it best to get the
>whole tray under a grow light while I wait for the slow ones to germinate or
>should I keep the tray covered in plastic to keep the environment humid
>and moist?

I remove the cover (clear dome) and set under lights (20 hrs per day) when
just over half are up.  You can mist spray with a water bottle to keep
moist, but don't over water.  I also remove the covers several times during
germination to let in some fresh air.

>When my seedlings poke through, they immediately shoot up 2 inches or so.
> I don't want them to become too leggy.  Should I be doing something to
>prevent this?

Some types shoot up a little faster at first, just normal. But sounds like
you need more light or lowering your grow light to an inch over the
seedlings.  I like starting seeds in small starter cells or jiffy pet pots
and when the first set of true leaves are full, transplant them to 3 or 4
inch pots, planting deeper (up to the leaves). They are like tomatoes and
will develop a root system off the stem.  Same applies when they go in the
garden.

>When should I start adding a little fertilizer?  Should I use high
>nitrogen?

Spray a little half strength miracle grow or petters on the leaves and wet
the soil a bit when the first set of true leaves are coming in.  After that
same thing once a week. Don't over do it.

>If I want bushier plants, when is it O.K. to pinch off the tops (the
>apical meristem?)?

Mine are "bushier" without pinching off for most types.  Don't really see
the need.

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