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Leggy Chilli plants??

jcase1664jcase1664 Posts: 29
in Fruit & veg
Hello, this is my first attempt at growing chilli seeds.  Are they a write off as they look a bit leggy! I might not have got them onto the windowsill in time.


Posts

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I find they often get leggy, as do tomatoes, I turn them several times a day
  • clarke.bruntclarke.brunt Posts: 215
    edited February 2021
    I agree - looks fairly typical of a recently germinated chilli or tomato. It just seems to be what they do, and don't think the stem below the seed-leaves would be much shorter however you treated them. Just give them good light from here on. Those seed-leaves will continue to grow quite a bit larger, so the stem won't look so elongated in comparison. And when they go into larger pots or whatever, you can plant lower down if you want - they'll happily grow roots from the stem.

    At least you've not got the 'seed-leaves stuck inside the seed' problem, which happens sometimes. I think as well to cover tomato or chilli seed with a decent amount of soil - maybe 10mm - so the seed case is anchored in the ground and the leaves can pull themselves out of it.
  • jcase1664jcase1664 Posts: 29
    Thanks for the help guys I will not give up on them then!
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    No don't give up on them, though I do think despite many publications stating you can start as early as February, it's best to wait a few more weeks. What you'll end up is a plant with a thick trunk with hardly anything and then lots of branching later on, which will make your plant almost look like a mini tree.

    With the seed getting stuck to the leaves, try to spray water onto the area and leave for 10 minutes, then carefully squeeze the seed using tweezers or if you have nimble fingers and it should come away.
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