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Can Seedlings Stay in 72 Cell Tray Till Transplant?

17 years ago

I was planning to pot up my peppers into 3" square pots within the next couple of weeks. They are just getting their 2nd set of true leaves. I went to a local nursery yesterday to see if they would sell me some and I was told that I was crazy to use such large pots - ALL the growers apparently only use the 1.5" cells.

Pros and Cons everyone??? Pot up or stay until the end of May?

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Comments (12)

John__ShowMe__USA
17 years ago
End of May? Probably not. It just so happens that I'm using 72 cell tray inserts this year.

So much depends on what species/variety of pepper you are growing and if have only one plant per cell. Maybe 8 true leaves is a good ballpark figure. And this is the time to start fertilizing according to one on my friends in the business. Another doesn't fertilize until transplanted into the field.

Just guessing. This is my first year for that size cell and I garden by ear. If it looks like needs potting up to a larger pot I will. More and more of my hobbyist friends are starting seeds in rather large containers such as paper cups and they suffice from seed start to transplant. If I had the lighting room I would probably do that.

And I rather expect commercial sellers of seedlings like a root-bound plant as this induces early flowering and fruiting. Doesn't mean that this is the best way to get max production out of a plant in a season though.
lisurf
17 years ago
I don't think all the growers use small pots. Big commercial growers are more interested in their bottom line. Most reputable growers (I think) who really care about their plants, do pot up. I usually pot up to a 3 inch pot. I did a comparison this year - some I started in 72 cell trays, others I started in 3 inch pots. The ones in the 3 inch pots are bigger and look so much better than the ones in the 72 cell trays.

There just isn't enough nutrients/space in the 72 cell tray for seedlings for 8 weeks of growth. Just my 2 cents.

I would pot up.
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danial
17 years ago
pot up there just is not enough room for a good root system and along with the size of the plant you need a good root system for transplanting
pot up
dan
let it burn
dtownpiker
17 years ago
I started mine in 36 cell trays, and am hoping to hold out until transplanting outside. I've been feeding for a few weeks now with dilute fish emulsion, and they seem to be loving life (see photo link). I want to transplant in 3-4 weeks, so hopefully they won't be too restricted.

Here is a link that might be useful:
keithdp
17 years ago
Hi;
I suggest potting up, I started in 72s last year and really stunted the growth by the time I got them planted.
This year I started in 4in. Pots much better.
Keith
web_of_hair
17 years ago
started mine last year early and they didn't start really growing till mid may and late may I put outside, and plants that survived 2 late frosts still did great. This year I start aboot the same time and almost all plants are doing really good, having to pot up now.... Hope I do this right as last year I lost 32+ plants... this year I have many more seeds that sprouted.

And only one Naga has sprouted..... Oh well, one should be enough, and I shall work on a Purple NagapeÃ±o!
sherribaby
Original Author
17 years ago
Ok, it's unanimous! I'm potting up :) Should I wait till they have their 2nd set of true leaves or just until the roots are seen through the bottom holes??
shelbyguy
17 years ago
pot up when the leaves of different plants are touching eachother. peppers get competitive vigor and you dont want stretchy seedlings.
thepodpiper
17 years ago
This is about as long as i would let them stay in the 72 cell trays i have been working alot and have not had time but i will do it on Sunday my day off.

Dale
booberry85
17 years ago
Hi Sherri!

I'm in your neck of the woods (at least the same state). I usually start in the 72 cell tray and pot up after about 3-4 weeks. More room for roots to grow, more room for those roots to absorb food so they can grow bigger.
sherribaby
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi, Booberry! Where are you? We're right off the Eastern tip of Lake Ontario. My peppers are the same size as yours and I have procrastinated with buying the pots I need. Guess I should order them online tonight and plan to pot up as soon as they get here!
booberry85
17 years ago
I just sent you an email through the Gardenweb. I hope you get it.

Boo

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