Re: [CH] Growing Manzanos V8 #704
Cameron Begg (begg@ceof.ohio-state.edu)
Tue, 15 Jul 2003 14:49:04 -0400
Hi C-H's,
Grant Cameron asked:
>I have just acquired 8 Manzano seeds and want to propagate a few
>plants. Can you let me know if the seeds [do] better at 70 degrees F (22
>degrees C) with high humidity or 65 degrees F (18 degrees C) with low
>humidity?
The seeds will germinate at up to 90degF. I usually do mine on a seed
tray warming pad at about 85degF. Compressed peat discs work well.
High humidity is required to germinate the seeds in all cases. It
sounds like you might have access to a mister which would be the
ideal way to keep the culture medium moist. When the majority of
seedlings have emerged you can dispense with the under tray heating
if desired as the lights will provide enough heat. I start mine with
lights at 18h on and 6h off and gradually change to 14 on 10 off
before hardening off outside but you may not need lights where you
are in which case a day temperature of 80degF will work fine. You
should also reduce the frequency of misting to just maintain
dampness. When second set of true leaves emerge, apply tomato
fertilizer via your mister at half or one quarter of the dose that is
recommended for adult plants as listed under "every time you water".
If the plants look a bit leggy get a fan on them to stiffen up the
stems. When planted out they seem happier if not in continuous direct
sun; so some shading may be in order. They seem to grow best when the
high temp. is up to about 85degF and the night temp. does not fall
below about 55degF. Cross fertilize with small paint brush - I use a
size zero sable.
Good luck.
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Regards, Cameron.