Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Fast germination and damping off

Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
in Problem solving
Hello
I sowed a tray of rudbeckia and cosmos seeds the other day, put them in a propagator and sat them on a home brewing heat pad. The next day the cosmos seeds had started to germinate and today some are looking distinctly furry. I'm obviously concerned that this is damping off disease so for now I've taken the top off the propagator but left the heat on.

I'll confess that I haven't used the freshest compost so this could be part of the problem. 

I was really surprised to see the seeds sprout so quickly so I'm not sure if that's also an issue.

Initially the bottom of the propagator felt too warm so I've sat it on a couple of lengths of wood to put some space between it and the heat mat. The soil temperature is between 22 and 27c on the surface as per a laser heat gun (I don't have a soil thermometer) and the packet says germinate between 25 and 30c.

What should I do? Should I dispose of the furry seeds and hope for the best with the rest? 
Given the bottom heat could I leave the lid off the propagator?  I assume not because the seeds need some moisture.  The lid is vented so I can adjust that.

All thoughts very much welcome! Thanks


No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Cosmos seeds will germinate within a week without a propagator.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
    I think it's the first time I've grown cosmos from seed, so I followed the directions on the packet.
    Bear in mind I'm in chilly Aberdeenshire and it said germination temps above 22c so I went for the propagator as I can't guarantee anywhere near that temp in the house. 
    No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    The 'fur' is the tiny root hairs that are part of growth and if they dry out your plants will be compromised. Best is to sprinkle a little damp compost over them to help keep them moist and keep the plants warm, but not hot.
    Keep the propagator lid on to maintain humidity, but you could open the vent a little.
    Give the plants as much light as you can but not strong sunlight.
    Good luck :)
  • Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
    Thanks @Buttercupdays, I've had a closer look and can still see some of the seed husk, so I've covered it up and am hoping for the best!
    The propagator is on a north-facing windowsill which I know isn't ideal, but it's the only one we've got with a socket nearby and which doesn't get lots of direct sun. It's bright because it's a deep sill with thick walls and it's all painted white so there's lots more light than there might be because of the reflection off the walls. 
    No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Mine germinated in an unheated porch. The outside temperatures were pretty low, but probably not as low as Aberdeen!
    In London. Keen but lazy.
Sign In or Register to comment.