"leggy" California poppies?

9 years ago

so, my seed packets got knocked over into my dogs water dish a few weeks back, so i had to start most of my "early summer seeds" in early spring. they've mostly been doing fine - great, actually! my sunflowers are somehow already 6 inches tall, and my morning glories are catching up! my poppies were doing well, too, but i accidentally sprayed the seedlings a bit too hard with my mister :x they haven't popped back up yet, should i be worried?

also, one of my forget me nots is drooping too, but they weren't sprayed at all! is it from the heatwave? i had them in partial shade - should i move them to full shade?

thanks so much in advance!!! - also, forgive my terrible choice of makeshift pots lol.

Featured Answer

digdirt2

9 years ago

They are so leggy because they haven't gotten nearly enough light. Starved for light in fact. Ideally they wouldn't be more than an inch tall and standing straight up. The stems are so stretched that their circulatory systems are heavily compromised and I honestly doubt they would survive transplanting. If they were mine I would toss them and start over. Sorry.

Dave

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

coyote (6a, NE Indiana)
Original Author
9 years ago
@digdirt2 ahhh, i was afraid of that. but it's weird because they've been in full sun?

thank you, i'll hold out for a few more days, but you're probably right haha

i'll have to get some more, i guess! this time i'll keep them zip locked so i can direct sow in sun at the right time, this time :x
Related Professionals
Houma Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Clarksburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · New London Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Anchorage Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Houma Landscape Contractors · Peoria Landscape Contractors · Portsmouth Landscape Contractors · El Dorado Architects & Building Designers · Hot Springs Architects & Building Designers · Carbondale Architects & Building Designers · Kansas City Architects & Building Designers · Dayton Architects & Building Designers · Ithaca Architects & Building Designers · Odessa Architects & Building Designers · Yakima Architects & Building Designers
brandon7 TN_zone7
9 years ago
I can't imagine seedlings in that condition being from a full-sun location. There's something going on here (I don't think we have all the details).
susanzone5 (NY)
9 years ago
California poppies need to be direct sown outdoors. They don't transplant well at all. Throw out the ones you have.
coyote (6a, NE Indiana)
Original Author
9 years ago
@susanzone5

thats what i thought :P thanks! my dad gave me a spiel about how i was 'depriving them a chance at life' if i didn't pot them after he was the one who knocked the seeds into the water! LOL both my grandmas are/were florists and were visiting at the time and they told him he was nuts LOL now i get to too! /s

@brandon7

the only time they weren't in full sun is when it rained :O
Cathy Kaufell
9 years ago
I Just toss the seed where I want them to grow,
User
9 years ago
The first batch this year was too leggy so I pitched it. Thinned out the second batch down to two plants that are starting to look good! will post a pic tomorrow. Direct sowing is better as stated above but we do what we can right?