Tops off = No more germination?

17 years ago

When I get the first seedlings up I have been removing the container tops. I put the tops back if major freezes are predicted. Am I causing a lack of further germination by removing the tops? I don't seem to be getting more sprouts once I take the tops off.

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Comments (3)

kqcrna
17 years ago
You could leave the tops on for a while to wait for more sprouts. But since your are in a warm zone I'd keep them in mostly shade while covered since closed containers can get awfully hot awfully fast in warm sun. And make sure you add some extra holes for ventilation.

Karen
bakemom_gw
17 years ago
I don't remove the tops until germination is complete.
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tiffy_z5_6_can
17 years ago
I'd take the tops off since you are in such a zone. Especially if they are in the sun. If they are in dappled shade or shade, you can leave the tops, but create more ventilation holes as Karen suggests.

Just to let you know, a container with top on will reach over 30C (90F) when the outside temps are 15C (60F) and they are in the sun. Your seeds will start to cook at that point. But in shade things will be slightly more cooler inside the container giving non-germinated seeds a chance.