questions about annuals from seed

11 years ago

I am currently growing in my basement (from seed) Alyssum, Calibrachoa (mini petunias), Ivy Geraniums, Xtreme Impatiens, and Portulaca. Since this is my first season growing annuals from seed I need advice on the following:

1) Are any of the above varieties something that prefers cooler weather meaning I should start hardening them off now? I am in zone 6A/6B in northeastern NJ.

2) What are the sun/shade requirements for the plants above? I assume the impatiens should get only late afternoon sun since they don't like being under my lights too much. Ever since I moved them further away from direct light under the flourescent fixtures the leaves aren't as yellowish as they used to be.

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Comments (2)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
they will need to be hardened off to both temps .. and sunlight .. any light ..

about 2 weeks before they are to go in the ground.. you move them out to full bright shade ... which is brighter than your lights ... watching night temps. in case they need to be put in the garage over night ...

but be careful about putting little rooting pots.. into full sun ... they can dry too fast on a hot day ...

portulaca.. full sun .. impatiens tolerate shade and need a bit of such because they are heavy water users ... allysum will also tolerate a lot of shade.. but can also take full sun ..

i dont know about the geraniums.. but most are full sun ...

you really dont tell us how big they are.. etc ... and its hard for us to gauge your local temps etc... to be very specific about timing it all out for you ...

ken
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Original Author
11 years ago
I'll try to post pics later tonight. Thanks for the advice in the mean time.
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