Re: Onion seeds

Kgrzes@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hello, all!
> 
> I'm starting onion seeds under fluorescent lights.  The seeds have germinated
> about a week ago; about 1/3 of the seedlings are looking good and standing
> upright and another 1/3 are still pretty small.  The remainder are 1/4" - 1"
> long, but are lying down on the top of the soil (the root is not penetrating
> down into the soil either - both the green part and the white root are lying
> on top).  Should I try to gently replant these ones?  Or if I just wait, will
> they right themselves?
> 
> Thanks for your help on this one!
> 
> Karen G.

You can try to replant these but they will stay behind the others and
many will fail.  I had this problem to varying degrees until I hit on a
technique that seems to work:

What appears to happen is the root cannot penetrate the soil but instead
pushes the seed and stem up until the root is exposed and the whole
plant topples over.

To prevent this, fill the flat (seedtray) with loose, slightly damp (not
wet) soil.  I use local sandy soil but any loose loam or silt should
work.  Don't pack the soil down at all but press it lightly to fill in
any air gaps.  Then water with a mist or light spray.  I use about a
pint (1/2 liter) for a standard sized flat (seedtray).

Spread the seed over the soil surface so that each seed is about 1/3 to
2/3 inches apart (1-2cm).  No need to be a fanatic about spacing
though.  The seedlings will grow fine in little clusters, too.

Then cover the seeds with at least 1/4 inch (2/3 cm) of dry soilless
seed starting mix.  Press lightly.  Cover with a moisture barrier and
allow to germinate in a warm spot.  After the first seedling starts to
poke though immediately move the flat (seedtray) to a cool, well lit
spot.  39 degrees F (4 deg C) is the minimum temp for onion seedlings. 
I keep mine under 50 degrees F (10 C) under flourescent lamps.

Steve  (Maritime...)
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