Echinacea seedlings

becky.derbyshire · December 2021

I sowed these echinacea seedlings in early autumn but they seem to be struggling now and looking a bit sad- is there anything I might be doing wrong/can do to help them? They’re in a greenhouse but should they be covered witn a lid for example? This picture was taken two weeks ago

- they’re now more yellow/brown than they were in the pictures.

Dovefromabove · December 2021

I wouldn’t cover them … it could encourage ‘damping off’ moulds etc. I would just leave them as they are.

At this time of year it’s too cool and the light levels are too low for much growth to occur … those first leaves are the ‘seed leaves’ which show germination has happened … the next stage is for roots to grow … only then will the true leaves begin to appear.

They are taking their time … perhaps you sowed them a little late? But all you can do is just make sure the compost isn’t too wet but doesn’t dry out … and cross your fingers … good luck 🤞

😊

Fairygirl · December 2021

I agree - covering them is counter productive.
It also looks as if the compost they're in is very, very soggy and heavy. Seedlings need light, free draining compost to do well, especially if autumn sown, because compost doesn't dry out so quickly over the colder months.

SarahKate · December 2021

I have had exhinacea plants flowering now for two years running and they seed themselves in my acid soil with the help of birds feasting on their seeds. I do nothing to the seedlings until they become little plants large enough to dig-up and pot-up. Good luck with yours.

becky.derbyshire · December 2021

Fairygirl said:

I agree - covering them is counter productive.
It also looks as if the compost they're in is very, very soggy and heavy. Seedlings need light, free draining compost to do well, especially if autumn sown, because compost doesn't dry out so quickly over the colder months.

Thanks! It’s peat free compost- I’m
struggling to find compost that’s peat free and not full of bits and is as light as the compost with peat in it. I’ve only lightly watered it and haven’t watered it for a few weeks now as it hasn’t needed it.

becky.derbyshire · December 2021

SarahKate said:

I have had exhinacea plants flowering now for two years running and they seed themselves in my acid soil with the help of birds feasting on their seeds. I do nothing to the seedlings until they become little plants large enough to dig-up and pot-up. Good luck with yours.

Thanks! I’m hoping mine will
do the same but I dug out a huge new border last year and I’m
trying to fill it cheaply hence sowing it in a greenhouse this autumn.

Dovefromabove · December 2021

becky.derbyshire said:

Fairygirl said:

I agree - covering them is counter productive.
It also looks as if the compost they're in is very, very soggy and heavy. Seedlings need light, free draining compost to do well, especially if autumn sown, because compost doesn't dry out so quickly over the colder months.

Thanks! It’s peat free compost- I’m
struggling to find compost that’s peat free and not full of bits and is as light as the compost with peat in it. I’ve only lightly watered it and haven’t watered it for a few weeks now as it hasn’t needed it.

Try getting a compost sieve and sieving the peatfree stuff and adding a bit of perlite to lighten it and improve the drainage.

Fairygirl · December 2021

I do exactly as @Dovefromabove describes, regardless of the compost I'm using. Depending on the seed/plant, it can be around 50- 50 of each. I don't always sieve it, but I pick out any big pieces of 'stuff'

If you still have seed left, just wait until spring and sow more. Much easier

The success or otherwise of self seeding also depends on the plant and whereabouts you are. Lots of plants here don't readily self seed because of the climate, so it's not always possible to rely on that

Echinacea seedlings

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