PM & JAG, we are perhaps not as far apart as you seem to think... maybe you should re-read my post? If you get beyond the "leggy" part, you will find that I was referring to the effect of _temperature_ in combination with long days... and yes, with fluorescent lighting, which is widely used (including by me). It is the only feasible means by which I can light enough shelf space to start 400-500 seedlings. Granted, "floros" are not ideal... but not everyone can afford high-intensity lighting. At the scale on which I garden, it's cost-prohibitive. We are also in agreement that long light periods can - and should - be used for starting plants later than the recommended dates, because of the increased growth rate. I did say (if you re-read) that increased growth was a problem "...Unless you plan for this...". For those reading this who are accustomed to starting their plants on a particular date, they need to know that with long light periods, those dates might require some adjustment... or they could end up with plants larger than they planned for. I say this from experience, having made that mistake when I was still a newbe to seed starting. If your plants are too large for the lights & it's still too early to transplant, that could be a problem. Forewarned is forearmed. The recommendations I gave for cooler temps & air movement will contribute to stockier growth, and are accepted greenhouse practice. Perhaps for purposes of this discussion, the questions should be: - the definition of "ample light" - the optimal size for transplants

The only way to find out is to test plant them by putting seeds between wet paper towels. Brown towels are probably best these days because white ones have a white dye in them. I know they streak windows, so who knows what they would do to seeds. Sorry for the misfortune. Maybe plant a tree by your mailbox now, for shade.

Hi Dani I've done some hybridizing and start a lot of seeds also. I don't know if leaving the lights on 24/7 will speed up the 1st bloom season. I could be wrong, but I think it depends more on temps. Unless you live in the south, seed to bloom is generally 3 years. I've had some bloom the 1st year but they can change dramatically so you can't really figure the 1st bloom season being an accurate representation of the true flower. Let us know how it turns out, I'd surely be interested!

Everyone who is growing these plants up North should look thru this guy's PP presentation. They may discover some new information. Everyone has their own 'storage' situations, but they can be improved with some knowledge about what is ideal. Here is a link that might be useful: Growing Plumerias in Cold Climates