[CH] Thanks and Seedlings
McWilliams, Dan (DMcWilliams@fendall.com)
Mon, 27 Mar 2000 11:10:06 -0600
First, wanted to thank everyone who traded, sent or told me where to get
seeds this year. Not only peppers but the flowers and vegetables also.
Started most seeds, except the Rocotos and Perons, about 1-1/2 weeks ago. I
have a great variety planted and a bunch have germinated already. I have had
great success so far with the seeds, which were sent to me and I hope that
everyone has had as much luck with the ones I sent them. I have them planted
in 3" peat pots, 2-1/2 sq peat flats, plastic yogurt containers, and even
the small individual cardboard cereal boxes my kids love so much. Last year
I started them in peat pellets. That was great for getting them started but
I had to transplant them soon after they germinated. And when I repotted the
plants the area I needed for the plants tripled. So this year I tried to
plant the seeds in big enough pots that I can hold off replanting for awhile
and I have a good idea of how much room I have.
Also I fight a constant battle with that white fluffy mildew that forms on
the peat pots. The pellets were very bad for that. It never seemed to hurt
the plants much but I don't like it.
I use an (8') fluorescent fixture with high intensity bulbs and a 4' fixture
with grow lights. I would like to try the full spectrum bulbs as soon as I
get another table to hang the fixture over and I can convince my wife I am
not really running a farm. There is also some concern that local law
enforcement is going to start wondering just what I am growing in my
basement.
I also wanted to relate that I had great luck getting seeds from the Asian
Vegetable Research Development Center. I received my seeds in less than (3)
weeks after I sent in the request. The seeds come with a phytosanitary
certificate, all nicely packaged in airtight foil envelopes.
I have lost the link to the pepper section of the AVRDC, but I think it was
in the Feb 10 post to the digest.
And finally if anyone needs some seeds I do have some left over. They
include Biker Billy Jalapenos (great), Francisca Habs (lovely), Rooster
Spurs and others, including sweet or low octane peppers, such as Cornio De
Toros, Chimayos, Salsa Delights, Sweet Cayennes. Get in touch with me here
or at amos@mhtc.net if interested. I also have some vegetable seeds but I
won't mention those in a post to the Chile Heads Digest.