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Mass

In general or on average how long does it take for seeds to pop? I soaked them 4 hrs and have in 6 " cowpots with moist seed starting mix... around 85-90 degrees soil temp.
Hoping a week at most so I can get my Kins in there this week end. Otherwise I'll have to build another chamber.

4/19/2011 6:23:10 PM

Putnam Ct.

It generally takes 3 to 7 day's anything after that i'd be concerned.

4/19/2011 6:49:46 PM

Muddy Waters

mine were up in 3-4 days

4/19/2011 7:40:17 PM

Arden, NC

I'd warm that dirt to 90 to 94. They'll pop up faster.

4/19/2011 7:43:10 PM

Mass

thank you, As wet as it is, Pumpkins may be delayed a few days outside anyway.

4/19/2011 7:52:27 PM

Mass

currently soil temp is 92. :-)

4/19/2011 7:56:26 PM

Muddy Waters

Just make sure seeds are not to wet.I had my best year ever 17 for 18,I had moist soil & didnt dump water on pots,I think that has been my mistake in past,If they looked dry I used a spray bottle to mositen tops(no dumping)Bill Edwards talked me through it was like landing a 747 with a blindfold on.LOL thanks Bill!!

4/20/2011 6:26:42 AM

formerly RGG

Absolutely true Mark. I experimented with germination earlier this year and found that too much moisture around the seeds caused them to rot instead of germinate.

4/20/2011 9:42:32 AM

Garner, NC

I germinate in a egg incubator. I mix potting soil in a bucket with water and squeeze all the water out, place the soil in pot. Seed goes tip down, with the top of the seed exposed. With the temps at 96 to 98, I get awesome germination rates with 3 days, 4 at the most. Also I water them everyday while in the incubator with about a 1/2 oz of water.

4/20/2011 1:31:19 PM

Mass

3 of 5 rasing the soil today, will move them out tomorro morning. not watering until they are under lights. pots still had some weight to them, I think it was Saturday evening I started them? so 3-4 days..

4/20/2011 8:11:05 PM

sevierville, Tn

Good deal, glad they poped for you.

I started mine last night, the season has begun !

4/21/2011 3:22:40 PM

sevierville, Tn

Took a little longer this year, 36 hours. I have roots on all the lines, 35,239,291,113. They should be up in 2 more days. Those are the early plants. My heavy hitters ! LOL

4/22/2011 3:10:47 PM

Mass

After they pop, what kind of temps are you keeping them at under lights? my air temp is 60-65 in basement, a little warmer when lights are on them. good? to cool? they havnt done alot in a couple of days. still in seed coat.

4/23/2011 7:39:09 AM

formerly RGG

After your plants pop out of the soil the main thing is for them to get plenty of light. If you find your young seedlings getting leggy then you need to either increase the amount of light they are receiving or decrease the temperature or both.

4/23/2011 8:08:14 AM

Mass

I have hem under natural sunlight florescents 2-3 inches above. Just was concerned about the air temp, but it may make them hardier and easier to harded off.
thanks again.

4/23/2011 9:02:15 AM

sevierville, Tn

1st batch went 24 for 24 on germ & emerging. I have lost 1 seedling to damping off. i have them outside enjoying the nice weather. Tempted to stop there & just plant these.
I have 5-291's, 6-113's, 6-35's, 4-239's
But I guess i better get ready for the next batch plus pumpkins !

4/25/2011 2:30:19 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

After germination, or popping up out of soil, is a little wind (fan) recommended? Prbly not much outside time any time soon, due to almost continual rain here!!! Peace, Wayne

4/26/2011 1:30:05 AM

formerly RGG

A small fan will certainly help to strengthen the stems. Just watch your watering a little closer as the added air will help to dry out your soil.

4/26/2011 7:20:22 AM

Mass

im gonna try another round, and file this time. I figured they were to small. 3 out of 5 were ok, tried to hold other seed with mini pliers and use dremel.. NOT!!! snapped right off. 12 for 12 with pumpkins and squash, and they fall right off. Oh well, learning curve. germ chamber has some more room in it now with Kins out.

4/26/2011 6:50:17 PM

Sevierville,tn

yes please can we do our next batch!!!! (mine)...

4/26/2011 8:41:04 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Serious, really? Filing & soakin melon seeds? Peace, Wayne
PS...can't wait for the comprehensive, How To Book, to be written!!!!

4/27/2011 1:33:51 AM

Mass

AHH, So thats how he beats ya!! Starts yours a week later!!LOL. I think the first ones look a little leggy too. i had lights 2 inches over, but may have left the in chamber a little to long. We will see what happens this time.

4/27/2011 7:17:37 AM

sevierville, Tn

Wayne, yes whatever it takes to help them.

4/27/2011 7:51:09 AM