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Seedlings frozen in time and space
dangermousie
Posts: 356
I sowed all of these on either the 11th or 18th of Feb, and they haven't changed in weeks. Which of these is the most likely culprit...
1. They're not exposed to lower temperatures, always 21c
2. I used seed sowing compost, not mixed with anything like vermiculite etc
3. They're on a SE facing windowsill
4. If the packet said "compost" then I didn't use seed compost
5. Some of the seed compost was reused
6. Anything else!
One cosmos made it, but only after getting extremely leggy
1. They're not exposed to lower temperatures, always 21c
2. I used seed sowing compost, not mixed with anything like vermiculite etc
3. They're on a SE facing windowsill
4. If the packet said "compost" then I didn't use seed compost
5. Some of the seed compost was reused
6. Anything else!
One cosmos made it, but only after getting extremely leggy
0
Posts
That's why the cosmos would have been leggy.
Perhaps too wet as well. Some compost holds too much moisture and some dries out too quickly, which is why so many people are looking at alternatives. Sieved garden soil, home made compost, old compost from last year's annuals etc.
Ordinary compost is fine at this time of year too. Seed compost has no nutrient value, so it's ideal for autumn sowing, but not necessary in late winter/early spring.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I expect most of those will come away more quickly in the next few weeks, so don't worry too much. If anything doesn't look too lively, and you have more seed, just do some more at the end of the month.
Not too late at all for most seed to be sown and to thrive. I've only just done my tomatoes a couple of days ago, which is normal timing for me
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
If you're loaded and can afford to heat a greenhouse early in the year - it's much easier, but I think that's not the norm for most folk
I see you have some Aquilegias, and you'll be able to do those outside later - they don't really need extra heat to germinate and grow. I have several outside in small pots which were from tiny self seeded plants, so once you have those, you can lift those and pot them up for placing later on. They self seed quite readily
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
W.Ghost and violets are best sown outside in autumn, I find end of September works for me. They need to be in deeper pots though as the Ghost have deeper roots. Sow them in flower pots in the Greenhouse in good MPC, even mix a bit of garden soil in,
I don’t use seed compost ever, Yours in the top photo looks like a peat free fibre stuff and looks a bit dry.
Some seeds need dark, you can put a sheet of paper over and a piece off glass over the top. Some need light but I don’t think it’s low light that’s stopped them germinating.
some don’t need covering, you just sprinkle on the top and press in.
What have you sown the Guara seeds in, looks dry and powdery?
Its very difficult to make suggestion when one cant see the compost, dryness, seeds etc. I wouldn’t normally suggest having a google, but maybe see if you can find those particular plants and see if there’s a better way.
Tricky growing cactus seeds, not easy, heres a link
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-plant-cactus-seeds.htm
Overall, I think it’s the compost that’s the problem, either not right for the plant, maybe too dry, maybe covered too deep, there are so many reasons, it’s trial and error but I don’t think it’s low light for germination that’s the main problem.
The room I germinate seeds in is set to 19.5° Yours could be drying out quicker.
Link here for Dog Violets.
https://wildseed.co.uk/product/species/wild-flowers/viola-riviniana/