RE: HYB: Starting Indoors

Currently using the "burrito" method and not planting seeds in pots until
they've sprouted.  I think optimal conditions for sprouting are too wet for
growing on, and encourage dampening off, at least in my house. I also intend
to plant them in the order in which they sprouted, to see if I can identify
any trends in vigor, color, bloom season, etc.  BTW - usually stops dampening
off if the pot is set near a heat vent long enough to dry out the soil
surface.  Won't save ones already dying, though.

Best/earliest germination percentages so far on batches soaked 6 days, rinsed
daily, then stored in the vegetable crisper of the fridge.  Zero germination
so far on ones left in the freezer for any more than 1 hour before moving to
the vegetable crisper. (Seeds still look healthy, though). Very little
germination on seeds tightly wrapped - much better if loosely wrapped and
damp, not wet.  I think they need moisture AND air.

What some of you are calling "sprouting" I call breaking ground.  Lots of
potted sprouts are taking up to 2 weeks or so to actually break ground.  And
that's at room temperature, about 62 to 67 degrees.  Some sprouts dug up after
2 weeks looked fine, but had not progressed much since being planted.  At
outdoor temperatures, they may actually be sprouting long before you can see
them.

I'm not convinced that there's any correllation between toughness of adults
and survival in adverse conditions at a just-sprouted stage.  It may well be
so, but I don't have enough experience to be comforted by the idea.
I'd rather baby them now and cull them later.

Mary Lou, near Indianapolis, Z5 - 118 days to earliest TBs

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