This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Lanky seedlings
gogreendiwa
Posts: 4
Hi Folks,
I would like to get this situation addressed.
I had planted beetroot seeds last week and now they have emerged as saplings, though these saplings are very lanky and fall on the ground and does not stand straight. What might be the cause.
I am using coco-peat and vermicompost as the potting mix. Also, the lighting is adequate as I have kept it on my apartment roof top.
I will soon post a picture.
Please help. Thanks in advance.
0
Posts
It sounds as if they are in a propagator? If this is so, it's likely that they are too warm and also that condensation is cutting down on the light getting to your seedlings.
Beetroot don't need to be in a propagator. They can be sown direct into your garden soil or raised beds and will be much better for growing like this.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks a lot Dovefromabove.
Actually I am growing my beets in poly bags. Putting 5 seeds in a poly bag...kind of a big pot.
The seeds did germinate and saplings stood straight for couple of days and gradually started sleeping on the ground.
I will post pictures which will make more sense.
If seedlings have fallen over it's either severe water shortage (unlikely) or a fungal (or possibly bacterial) infection called damping off. Very common with seedlings under cover, and promoted by a humid atmosphere. As Dove says, they're best outside in the garden, although it's getting a bit late to sow for a crop this season.
If you're sowing in a greenhouse for winter crops, again beetroot are better in the soil or if you don't have beds, in big containers.
In the spring, they do well started off in modules or individual pots under glass but they're pretty hardy and can then go out fairly early.
You can cut the leaves as seedlings and use in a salad. Its too late in the year to get useable roots.
Thanks Guys.
hogweed: I live in the southernmost part of India. Currently the weather is moderately hot and humid.
Steve 309: I almost water them twice a day (once in the morning and late evening) using a bottle with a hole in the cap so as to avoid drenching the soil bed completely.
Does it look like over watering? Please suggest. I am watering them once a day in the morning.
I don't think there will many people here that could advise on growing conditions in India, go green. Ours here are ready for harvesting, so ??e can't compare ours with yours. Do you have a website that could help with growing in your country?