I'd suggest increasing the temperature and then be patient. Assuming you aren't over-watering which stunts growth because the roots are not getting enough oxygen, the next most likely cause is too cool temps. Since it is a contained area, you can just put a small lamp (no shade) with a 75 watt bulb inside the greenhouse and raise the temps by 10-12 degrees.

But it's the patience that is hard to come by...for me as well. ;) Fortunately you still have time till transplant time.

Dave

I don't know about the other 2, but basil, petunia and parsely are all achingly slow to start. Especially the petunia! It may be a couple of months before they do anything for you. Wow. The first time I grew them I thought something was very wrong becuase of the slow growth, but as it turns out, that is just petuania. Once you do get that set of true leaves, they will take off like gangbusters.

As for the temperature, the parsley most likely is enjoying the cooler temps. The others might be a bit sensitive to it. Personally, I am more concerned with the plastic cover. Seedlings do better with good air circulation - it effectively eliminates damping off - which is a big petunia killer.

Kay.

Thanks for both your answers. I guess patience is important, and I did actually lose a few petunias to DO, but they seem stable now; that's why I added the NoDamp. I think upping the temperature a bit may also help...

Kay, I want to reassure you that there's no "plastic cover" over the flats themselves; just a vinyl cover over the whole cheesy greenhouse setup. I'm attaching a picture that shows the type of greenhouse I have. :-)))

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:227682}}

temperature plays a part, but if you keep watering and no growth occurs, any fertilizer may have washed out of the soil. can't remember if the seed contains enough energy to produce the water leaves, or the first couple true leaves as well.

it's true about the petunias being slow - and all of those others like warmer temps to begin with. if your fluorescent lights are just a few inches above the plants that will help with heat too.

your greenhouse isn't the same as covering each flat, but the air circ is still low, especially in a basement environment ... one day you might want to consider a really, really low voltage fan at the top or bottom to circulate the air.

im having the same prob. out of coleus, they've been babies for about a month haha, time to grow up!

the fertilizer thing is what i'm thinkn too, cuz, i've taken the advice on cutting back on watering, for example i came home today and two of them were starting to turn a lil gold colored, i broke down and watered them, fearing they were dehydrating, and i just water them enough, also, the medium has excellent drainage.

they used to be in a window but i moved them into my makeshift green house, under a 96 watt 6700K compact fluorescent light.

but what can they be fertilized with, i'd be afraid to use anythinhg synthetic, it prob woulnt take too much to burn them up?

I think you need more heat. Most seeds like a 70-75 degree temp for germination. I start most seeds in a room in my basement except for the pansies. They like a cooler temp so I placed them in the outside the room where the temperature is 10-15 degrees less.

well see, the room they are in stays warmer than most in my house for some reason, and i keep the thermostat set @ 70, plus they are under the lights which put off some more warmth

Hi, I have grow lights, started some seeds well over a month ago and some recently. They are taking their time with true leaves - oddly enough though, the last time I watered (I pull them out and water from underneath in a pan) I noticed a lot of root growth only. How much growing can these little fellas do? I figure if they are establishing a good root system, the rest will take off when it's ready.
I've grown from seed for over 10 years in all types of environments, winter sowing, indoors, direct. Many of my plants don't really take off until april. Then they go like gangbusters.
Patience is truly a virtue - just keep in mind some of the growth we can't always see - especially the roots.
Do your babies look green and healthy? That's what I'm looking for right now.
Cheers,
McPeg

OK, folks, we have LEAVES! Well, okay, ONE leaf. Dunno what did it; the heat from a 40w bulb, extra light from reflectors, or kelp foliar spray... but the parsley & coleus are both showing signs of growing leaves... at LAST!

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:227684}}

Dancing a jig for you!! Well, ok you'll have to use your imagination but where one leaf comes...many more will follow. ;)

Dave

jay...ur sprayin your seedlings w/ kelp foliar spray??
sounds like a good idea.

true, mine hang around till about april - when i have messed about upping the temperature, they have gone a bit leggy so, just have faith- yhey have germinated and done the hard bit, now you just have to sit tight and observe.

what would the best all around foliar spray be: by name brand cuz i was thinkn of ordern some. thanks.

I'm having this same issue but AI believe the temp may be too hot some days. Can hot temperatures also stall seedling growth?

Hey my chilli seeds have sprouted healthy but no true leaves are coming... Today I have seen the codlytons have also fallen down. Please suggest me what to do. Thanks