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Temperature for sowing seeds?

BMLBML Posts: 151
in Plants

I may be a trifle late but I started sowing some flower seeds in my Greenhouse and it was only then that I noticed that practically all of the seed packets said that they should be planted in 60-68 F.

I can't afford to heat a greenhouse and I doubt that anyone else can as for putting them on window sills I very much doubt that I wont get away with that so what does a real gardener do?

Posts

  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    There is a very interesting piece about winter sowing. .....Google it if you want to read more about it.   I sow my hardy annuals....outside..... in milk/water bottles  in January and February. ....they germinate and grow when the conditions are right for them.  I never use heat and they germinate well. ....but everything is delayed this year due to the cold and wet.  
  • GardenGrower11GardenGrower11 Posts: 312
    Basic Heated Propagator, available from many places including Wilko:

    http://www.wilko.com/propagators/wilko-propagator-electric-38cm/invt/0445580
  • PurplerainPurplerain Posts: 1,053
    I am looking at a seed packet of Felicia Pretty Blue. For me the games a bogey now, and they will not make up the time to flower lost due to the cold.

    I will buy a few annuals from the garden centre this year. The cosmos and scabiosa I have grown better flower or they will be having a severe talking to. The beast from the east has a lot to answer for this year.


    SW Scotland
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    You can buy heated propagators whose temperature you can set according to the seeds' needs.  They are also useful for cuttings that do better with bottom heat.  Lots of models available in a range of prices and well worth the investment.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PurplerainPurplerain Posts: 1,053
    I have one and to avoid damping off they can't stay there when they germinate. I have given the sulky tomatoes to my sister. They were doing nothing when removed from the heat, but as she can grow ghost chillies no problem I have admitted defeat.

    Sometimes you have to. I am going no further with seeds this year, but my main germinators from early March are being cared for and hopefully will flower.
    SW Scotland
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