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Starting annuals from seed: question

18 years ago

I am sure this is a dumb question, but I can't seem to find an answer. You have sown your annual seeds, they've germinated, and are growing, all in a sweat box (plastic bag, or what have you). When do you let them out into the air for keeps? I am not talking about outside, necessarily. I mean, when do they come out of the sweatbox and begin to live in the normal climate. Or do you keep them in until ready to harden off? I have kept cuttings inside sweatboxes for months on end in shaded conditions. But what about seedlings?

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Comments (5)

davemichigan
18 years ago
Donna, the sweat box is to aid germination. Once they germinate, you should take them out.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
18 years ago
As soon as germination has taken place I take the seedling off the heat and open them to good air movement and increased light. They may look like they are not doing anything for about a week, but the roots are growing. Al
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hopflower
18 years ago
Right. When they have germinated, take them off of the heat and let them at a bit more light and air. The heat is an aid to germination; any more than that coddles the plant and can be detrimental to future development.
Donna
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks folks! I love a unanimous opinion!
triple_b
18 years ago
I germinate mine on top of my florescent ballast (it is a bit warm) And once they emerge I take off the covering and put them under the light.

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