Re: HYB: fall germinants

(apology for different subject line - lost the thread)

One of the main reasons I burrito seeds is because I am trying to speed up turnaround time from seed to bloom, so I am delighted to get fall germination.

If at all possible, I'd transplant them from the germination pots and bring them indoors, or at least put them in a cold frame or under some kind of protection for the winter.

Rumor has it that roots will keep growing as long as the soil temperature is above 45oF, which is <most> of the winter here, <but> we do have some spells when it is much colder and the surface of the soil freezes.

An unprotected tiny seedling is easy to frost heave and freeze dry the roots before you can do anything to save it.

If you are willing to go to the trouble (and aren't as absent minded as I am!), you could leave the pots with the germinated seedlings outdoors except when it's cold enough to freeze the soil - any time air temperature drops much below ~27oF (my experience here, might not apply elsewhere).

If you bring the whole pot of seeds indoors, the rest of the seeds may not have had enough chilling to germinate this year.

Hope that helps.
--
Linda Mann east Tennessee USA zone 7/8
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