Gesila that is a big difference in the size of those seedlings. I don't know if it had anything to do with the color but it would be interesting following this another time to see if the results were similar.
Cher

This may be a stupid question, but what is a hydro grower/planter?
Thanks,
James

That is a significant difference, though roots looks great on one in soil as well. I wonder if blue leaves and white backs may be from being further along (more leaves, crown, roots) - as blue shows up more in 2nd year(gets older).

Paul

I have nothing to compare these to since I've never grown seedlings before. Here's one I potted up and put in the garden. It's bigger than the liners I planted in late March. I love the aquamarine color:

James. A hydro planter uses a soil-less medium to support the root structure. A pump pushes water up through the medium to water the roots with a solution that has fertilizer in it. I know there is a science behind this where more air is given to the roots.

Gesila

Thanks Gesila, very healthy looking plants, with great root systems already.

were you really using DIRT in pots.. or media ...

its not much of a comparison.. if you used dirt/soil ...

words mean things.. just like the tax code ...

ken

Agreed Ken, using media..... BTW, the IRS has it's own dictionary.

Gesila

please go to my members page.. and give me a link to the exact product you used.

i have some rescues to do.. and i might look into the system ....

i did fail to mention above.. those are some fantastic roots on the water ones ...

ken

Gesila, that must be a sizeable hydro planter if you put the seed in in Feb and then removed them 2.5 months later at the size shown above.

I was given an AeroGarden and it has tiny little "plugs" in it to grow preselected plants, not what you wish. They are about 1 inch diameter at the top. Same principle I'm sure, just not as adjustable as your setup.

I'd like for you to send the link to me when you send it to Ken, we could really benefit from it here, whether I grow my own hosta (I'd certainly be interested), or my DH grows his own veggies from seed.

Gesila, Can you post the link here?
Thanks,
James

I bought ours at a local hydroponics shop. However, here is a link that shows the system I am using.

Here is a link that might be useful: Baby Bloomers Hydroponics System

Gesila, congratulations to such well developed plants in 2 1/2 months. You did a great job! My seedlings are not as far along as yours in soilless medium, standing in water, under 24 hrs light. I agree that we can grow those 4 inch 'market ready' plant sizes from seeds. Even my streaked seedlings after 3 1/2 months approach that 4 " pot size.
Bernd