Cauliflower seedlings
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Cauliflower seedlings
Hello, As I mentioned in the new people forum I am new to gardening. I found this website whilst googling around for advice on what cauliflower seedlings should look like. I have planted seeds in a wee propagator, germination was quick and the seedlings look very healthy, however, I don't know what a cauli seedling should look like, non of my gardening books show pictures of them, my seedlings have a single stem, quite delicate, with small leaves on top, but the stems are 3inches long, is this normal? The seedlings are flopping over due to the weight of leaves on this incredibly thin long stem. Any advice would be appreciated. Regards, Pam.
No probs Pam,
Your seedlings are "leggy" and this is caused by lack of light
. I am assuming that you have raised them inside under artificial light? They need to be put in sunlight ASAP. They will be a bit more subject to pests and disease and take a bit longer to kick on after planting so you will need to keep an eye on 'em.
Nev
Your seedlings are "leggy" and this is caused by lack of light


Nev
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- Living the good life
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Hi Nev, thanks for the prompt response and advice. My seedlings have always been outside in the greenhouse, the lid of the propagator does get covered in condensation so that would block out some light, but I would have thought they would get enough still. It will be interesting to see how they develop, as I say presently most are flopped over. Is it possible that they are overwatered?
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Hello Pam,
I found this image of a cauli seedling for you http://tinyurl.com/beak9
It doesn't sound like what you see is a cauli. What did you use to plant the seeds in? If you used soil from the garden, it is very common for old seeds that were already in the soil to start growing when it gets disturbed. In my experience this can even happen if you use new potting compost bought in a sealed plastic bag (though in theory, it shouldn't).
I've not grown cauli myself yet, so can't offer much more advice
I found this image of a cauli seedling for you http://tinyurl.com/beak9
It doesn't sound like what you see is a cauli. What did you use to plant the seeds in? If you used soil from the garden, it is very common for old seeds that were already in the soil to start growing when it gets disturbed. In my experience this can even happen if you use new potting compost bought in a sealed plastic bag (though in theory, it shouldn't).
I've not grown cauli myself yet, so can't offer much more advice
Stew
Ignorance is essential
Ignorance is essential
G'DAy Pam
Generally overwatering can cause damping off (fungus attacks the seedling at ground level and they collapse and die). In my experience it is lighting levels that causes the leggy problem. I suppose excess nitrogen in your seed raising mixture could contribute, maybe
Nev
Generally overwatering can cause damping off (fungus attacks the seedling at ground level and they collapse and die). In my experience it is lighting levels that causes the leggy problem. I suppose excess nitrogen in your seed raising mixture could contribute, maybe

Nev
Garden shed technology rules! - Muddypause
Our website on living more sustainably in the suburbs! - http://www.underthechokotree.com/
Our website on living more sustainably in the suburbs! - http://www.underthechokotree.com/
my cauli seedlings are also a bit leggy....I abandoned my first lot because of the same problem,but I had grown those in the spare room...the second lot I grew in the greenhouse....I have just repotted them and left them in the cold frame with the lid now off and they seem better.....the lack of crowding and longer days seem to help