Re: Sphagnum peat moss
- To: <propagation@mallorn.com>
- Subject: Re: Sphagnum peat moss
- From: "* T* <m*@clark.net>
- Date: Mon, 5 Apr 1999 00:07:49 -0400
The major problem I see is that you really should have sown those Lobelia
seeds in February. They are quite slow to reach flowering size from seed
and prefer cool germinating temps. as I remember - been a while since I've
grown them from seed as I always think about sowing them too late ;-)
Another minor problem is nutrients. Annuals in pots need rich soil and
feeding if they are to amount to anything. Peat is virtually
nutrient-less. You will spend more on fertilizer than you would on good
potting mix - which you need to feed anyway.
With plants, the most important factor is the soil you grow them in - your
plants will only be as good as the soil they have to nourish them.
Peat also has a tendency to compact and sour as it degrades - one of the
problems with keeping plants in peat based composts for very long. You
will want to add grit, or probably perlite to save weight, in a hanging
basket to improve drainage.
Best to start your seeds in pots or flats and transplant healthy seedlings
to hanging baskets IMO, unless you are using something like nasturtiums who
do best sown in situ. They, BTW, are quite nice for hanging baskets - esp.
the larger old fashioned kind that trail.
Most of the annual vinca I've grown is quite upright - one or two would
fill an 8" pot on their own - also needs drier conditions than lobelia,
which rather resents drying out. Never have grown annual vinca from seed,
so have no clue to how long it takes to make a substantial plant from seed.
At this point, if you really want lobelia, you'd be better off buying a six
pack at the local garden center and planting it in your pot....one plug
will fill an 8" pot in a month or so.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
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> From: Larry Campbell <larryc@acsworld.net>
> Date: Sunday, April 04, 1999 9:12 PM
>
> Hello
> Does anybody see a problem using a cheap spagnum peat moss in 8"
> hanging pot,filling the bottom 3/4 with the peat moss then putting
> the top of the pot a good potting soil mix to germinate Lobelia and
> Vinca. I know I am cheap Glider but will it work?
> Larry
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