it looks like the original first true leaf ... if so.. the insult could have been long ago ... and it could also be indicative of a root bound plant ... the plant is stressing..and sacrificing older leaves ...

these look like they are ready to go outside ... but in my z5 MI ... that would be 6/1 .... so if you do this again ... you might want to start them about a month later ...

if you cant keep the media moist ... then tip a plant out.. and see how root filled the cup is ... my best guess... you need to up pot ... to the next size solo cups ... i presume you have drainage ....

the growth points look great ...

tip a plant out... snap a pic .... and report back ...

ken

Yes, I think these are the 9 ounce solo cups. Maybe up to the 16 oz. We've done ok with vinca outdoors by early/mid May, but I am quite a bit further south than you. I am with you in that they'd be ready to go out now--they are beginning their first buds already. I previously sowed vinca jams n jellies, and they took forever to take off...that's why I sowed so early with this variety. I will tip one out tonight, but I am thinking you may be right.

Hi idloveamocha,

The dots on that first one are suspicious. Check the bottom side of those leaves.

The lower leaves on the rest look like a classic nutrient deficiency. There are several nutrients that move easily in a plant and when they become deficient, the plant "robs Peter to pay Paul" by stealing the nutrient(s) from the lower leaves and moving them to the new growth. The solution to the problem is to provide soluble nutrients that have a complete formula, including trace elements.

Zen_man, I checked the underside of the spotted leaf. Completely normal-looking and no pests. Per Ken's advice, I did pull one plant to look at the root system. Looks like a healthy system--definitely not root-bound yet. However, I noticed the peat mix was crumbly-dry for the bottom third of the solo cup. I've been watering with a light misting sprayer since I know vinca can be picky about water. Now that the roots are much deeper, I am wondering if I should water a little deeper (the peat won't take in water from the bottom). I also suspected nutrient deficiency last week, and gave each a small dose of soluble Miracle Gro. I added very little, though, so I am thinking that I may do it again in a few weeks and be a little more generous with it.

Ken--thanks on the plants! This is the best vinca variety I've grown to date. Definitely the healthiest.

if i saw a leaf like that ... and good catch zen .... i would just snip it out with scissors ...

there is drainage in the cups???

when i did hosta seedlings.. i kept a bleached out gallon milk jug of 25% water sol ... and used it with each watering ...

your welcome ...

ken

Yes, drainage holes in each cup. I may just snip the bad leaves and go from there. Gallon jug is how I keep my fertilizer as well, but maybe I should use it a bit more often.

Thanks to both of you for the help.

Hi idloveamocha,

" Gallon jug is how I keep my fertilizer as well, but maybe I should use it a bit more often. "

I see you have your cups in a shallow tray. I use PermaNest trays, which are probably a little deeper than your trays, but I think you could do the same as I do, and flood the tray and let the individual pots take the nutrients up by capillary action. Watering the tray is much less tedious than watering the individual pots. And the tray gives you a visual indication of whether you need to add more nutrient solution or not. If the tray is still wet, you can wait until later.

" I may just snip the bad leaves and go from there. "

I wouldn't do that. Those leaves are providing "emergency" nutrition to the plant. The plants benefit from their presence.

ZM