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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

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?

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

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

Thanks Nev and Stew, thanks for the picture, that's very good of you. My seedlings are not as developed as those, but I'll print that picture out and show it to them to encourage them to develop properly. LOL I shall wait and see how they progress. Pam.

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

My seedlings have come good, they are now outside in raised beds, looking good, and looking like the picture you supplied. False alarm over their legginess I guess. Thanks for all your advice. Greenbean.