![]() ![]() Zinc, for example, activates the enzymes necessary for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production-the growth hormone responsible for initiating root production.Īdequate phosphorus is also important for faster root strike and better establishment of the plant. If the pH rises above 7.5, all of the metal catalysts start to become unavailable and can slow down new growth. Read also: Building an Effective Fertilizer Regimen Iron is a catalyst for the formation of chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis. If the pH rises much past 6.5, iron starts to become unavailable to the plant. Also, make sure the pH is kept in the slightly acidic range, somewhere between 5.8 and 6.4. The trace metals are cofactors that actually turn on enzymes used for photosynthesis and cellular metabolism. When they appear, it means the seedling is actively growing and that it is ready for a mild fertilizer.ĭuring the first few weeks, use a full-spectrum fertilizer that includes trace elements such as iron, copper, manganese and zinc. The second sets of leaves are the plant’s first true leaves. The first leaves that pop out of the seed are not true leaves they are the embryonic leaves that are formed inside the seed. Once the first true leaves start to appear, however, they need a starter fertilizer. Seeds contain all of the minerals and nutrients necessary to begin growing, so they can be germinated with water only. Source: New Africa/Shutterstock Starter Fertilizers for Seedlings Seedling tray where first true leaves have developed. Read also: G erminating Seeds and Caring for Seedlings After the seeds germinate, try to maintain the water temperature between 68 and 75☏ for best results. Anaerobic fungi grow in stagnant, oxygen-deprived water, and they are the bad guys that cause root rot. If the water temperature exceeds 78☏, it can’t hold enough dissolved oxygen and it sets up an environment for anaerobic fungi. Remember, it’s not overwatering that kills the plant, it’s lack of oxygen. The warmer the water temperature, the less dissolved oxygen the water can hold. Fortunately, most garden variety seeds are easy to germinate with little special treatment.Īfter the seeds germinate, the bottom heat should be reduced or removed. For example, some seeds may need to be cold-treated before they can germinate, and a few native seeds need to be scratched or treated with acids before they can germinate. Check your seed packages for any other special considerations. Warm temperatures actually inhibit germination in cool-weather crops. Remember not to use bottom heat when germinating cool-weather crops such as lettuce and spinach. The warm temperature helps activate enzymes such as amylase, the enzyme that breaks down starches into sugars, which provide energy for cell division and growth. ![]() ![]() Most heating mats are set at the factory to provide a temperature of 78☏. Read also: How a Fungal Outbreak Can Destroy an Entire Plant Cycle Give Your Seedlings Some Bottom Heatīottom heat is also beneficial, especially for germinating tropical seeds. Keeping the humidity dome on too long can set up an environment for fungal pathogens. Also, remember to remove the humidity dome after all of the seeds have germinated and started to grow. Just keep the lamps a few inches above the growing tips and raise the lamps as needed. The blue end of the spectrum helps seedlings remain short and stocky, and the red end of the spectrum helps stimulate root growth. Two standard fluorescent lamps over a nursery tray are adequate, but many gardeners, including myself, prefer four lamps.įull-spectrum fluorescent grow lamps work best. Seedlings don’t need much light intensity. The dome will keep the relative humidity in the propagation tray at about 98%-ideal for germinating seeds-and the full-spectrum lights will help keep the seedlings from stretching once they germinate. It’s also a good idea to cover the propagation tray with a humidity dome and place the tray under full-spectrum lights. Source: Bobkov Evgeniy/Shutterstock Give Your Seedlings Some Full-spectrum Light LED Grow Light - Full Spectrum lamp over seeds. Read also: pH Balance for Efficient Nutrient Uptake ![]()
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