Why a grow plants from seed?
bugbite
13 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (16)
countrycarolyn
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agobugbite
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Why pansies from seeds grow leggier?
Comments (14)Growing temps, humidity and light levels play a part in bloom and in some cases foliage color, but so does pH. We're all familiar with Hydrangea (even though not an annual) so I'll include that in what I say. Three different pigments - chlorophyll, flavonoids, and carotenoids - mixed in different proportions, give color to plant blooms. By mixing and matching the three pigments, an endless variety of colors can be created. E.g. most reds are the result of mixing orange carotenoids with magenta flavonoids. Cellular pH (not to be confused with soil pH) has a profound effect on plant color. Even most experienced gardeners think that lowering soil pH produces blue blooms in hydrangea. Technically, it is only a part of the equation. Lowering soil pH makes aluminum ions more readily available for plant uptake. The aluminum is then available to bond with pigment compounds (anthocyanin, the colored component of flavonoids) changing the way color is reflected. Our perception is blooms changing from pink to blue. The anthocyanidin group is what makes apples, autumn leaves, roses, strawberries, and cranberries red. They make blueberries, cornflowers, and violets blue. They also make some grapes, blackberries, and red cabbage purple. One of the things that changes the color of anthocyanins is the level of acid or alkali (the pH) in the cell surrounding the pigment. As cellular pH increases, the pigment changes structure and reflects different wavelengths of light. The anthocyanin reflects the bright pink portion of the spectrum in acidic cell environments, reddish-purple in neutral and green in more alkaline cells. Since actual nutrient availability and possible nutrient "lock-up" or overload due to soil pH can also have an impact on cellular pH, it's easy to see how the fact that greenhouse operations are able to maintain relatively tight control over near perfect soil and nutrient solution pHs affects the brightness or intensity ..... perhaps consistency, too, of bloom colors. Al...See MoreWhy can't I grow from seed?!
Comments (11)I agree with Sleepy. I have had great results with regular fluorescents (T12/40W): a mix of warm and cool bulbs. I use a lot of them, so I buy a box of 12 each and then mix them in my 4' fixtures. My T12/40W (12= the bulb dia so T8s are a smaller dia) fixtures were 10 bucks and change and a case of 12 bulbs were 11 bucks. You can buy just 2 bulbs for around 3-4 bucks. If you prefer using new grow bulbs, they won't hurt anything but your pocket book :). I would replace bulbs every year, they tend to fizzle out after the heavy use of one season, but you can use them in other 'non-growing' fixtures like in a garage. Keriann~...See MoreWhy I grow plants from seed
Comments (9)Mike, Have you looked into plugs. Commerical growers around here use them. They speed the growing time. I put a random link below. They might me more expensive but you could do multiple seasons of plants. Also, would the new Tecoma stans Mayan Gold or hardy Hibiscus grow in your zone. When you move into shrubs from seed you might get more per plant with the same effort. Of course, you know what you are doing; I haven't ever attempted what you do, but your efforts are intriguing. Wally, I can relate. My issues are soil, whether my bugs will like or dislike a new plant, whether I know how to water and fertilize a particular plant correctly, and my garden cats. These are various neighbors cats who like to come by and visit because they know we're home and there is food for them. Plus my special cat who I keep indoors except when I go outside. Bob Here is a link that might be useful: one plug producer...See MoreIt is pay off time!! (with pics)
Comments (9)Karen (bakemom), you were one of my enablers. When I started back in 2005 you sent me a free pack of seeds. I just looked back at my list and many of the seeds you sent me were my favorites. This included... Anise Hyssop: This plant did great! I planted a bunch in my kid's butterfly garden and a bed out front. The bees and butterflies liked it as much as I did. Amsonia - Bluestar: I never ended up getting this in the ground. When I moved last year I brought along 10 potted up plants. They bloomed for the first time this spring (very pretty pale blue) and are now setting seed pods. Liatris: Another one that I brought along potted plants to my new home. They look great this year! I had a few flowers last year but they were still pretty spindly but they are forming a lot of flower shoots for this year! This is a great foliage plant. Heliopsis: I did not get this one in the ground. I had read that they can be a bit floppy so I ended up giving some to my brother and my mother-in-law. They looked so great in their garden that I had to sow some for my garden this year. Thanks again! - Brent...See MoreDonna
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agozen_man
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agobugbite
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agozen_man
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agocountrycarolyn
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agobugbite
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agozen_man
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agobugbite
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agocalistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agozen_man
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamergardenaward
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agozen_man
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agobugbite
13 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
Related Stories
CONTAINER GARDENS8 Easy Container Plants to Grow From Seed
Get beautiful blooms and herbs in summer by starting these choice garden picks from seed in spring
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Plant a New Lawn From Seed
Choose from more grass varieties and save money over sod by starting your lawn from seed
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESSeeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started
Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIESGreat Design Plant: Columbine Grows Happily in Shade and Sun
Its ethereal beauty comes from complex forms and wide-ranging colors, but columbine’s benefits are highly attractive too
Full StoryNATIVE PLANTSGreat Native Plant: Grow Wild Quinine for Its Unique Clusters of Blooms
Get connoisseur cred and unique blooms with this uncommon plant. Bonus assets: It’s low maintenance and drought tolerant
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Grow Blueberries for Their Fruit and More
Eastern gardeners should consider growing blueberry plants for their delicious fruits, bee-friendly spring blooms and brilliant fall foliage
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES7 New Plants to Grow for Beautiful Foliage
Add color, structure and interest to your garden with these recently introduced plants that sport exceptional foliage
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES8 Plants That Snobs Love to Hate — and You'll Love to Grow
Don't dismiss these common annuals, perennials and shrubs — there are reasons they've been popular for so long
Full StoryWINTER GARDENINGExtend Your Growing Season With a Cold Frame in the Garden
If the sun's shining, it might be time to sow seeds under glass to transplant or harvest
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSSummer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes
Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard
Full Story
mxk3 z5b_MI