Re: Starting Seeds
Carolyn,
It sounds to me like the other seeds that have not sprouted are 'dead' or no
good, they have been in the chamber long enough (in my opinion) whereby they
should have sprouted by now. Ideal germination temps for AG's is around 82
to 86 degrees, so you are on the cool side a bit which if anything would
make them sprout a few days slower.
The reason your sprout is getting tall is that it is stretching for light,
these plants are 'aggressive growers'. You need to get it outside to
acclimate to the outside temps. Be careful at first not to put it into
direct sunlight, this could burn the tender leaves. Also you will need to
protect it from the wind. Ideally you would want to get your plant in the
ground by early May under a cold frame for protection (from night-time cool
temps), this will also slow it down. Once all danger of frost is past you
can remove the cold frame.
Next year if you need seeds, put out an email from this mallorn and I
guarantee you fellow growers will send you some good 'genetic' seeds for the
cost of a self addressed Bubble-pak.
Good luck.
Dave
Sterling, MA
----- Original Message -----
From: "carolyn cullinane" <ccullinane@colonial.net>
To: <pumpkins@mallorn.com>
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2003 10:00 AM
Subject: Starting Seeds
> Hi,
>
> I'm new and have searched for this question with no luck. I apologize if
> this question is repetative.
> We have attended the Topsfield Fair for the last 8 years. My daughter has
> asked to grow giant pumpkins so last year we purchased a packet of seeds
> to try this year. The seeds were stored in our dry, cool basement during
> the winter. On April 21st we soaked the seeds overnight, on the 22nd we
> planted them in individual containers, watered, placed in an empty fish
> tank (because it had a thermometer) covered with plastic wrap and put a
> heat light on it. The temperature has maintined 80 degrees and the soil
> is moist (not dry or soaked). Today is May 2nd and so far only one seed
> has sprouted. Can anyone tell me why and what we should do next? Also,
> the one that has sprouted was removed and gets 4-5 hours of light per day
> but the stem is very long with only the two original leaves. How do you
> prevent the stem from growing so long before the second set of leaves
> develop?
>
> Thanks for your help, my daughter will appreciate it :-)
>
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