From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Bloomington, IN

At what point after germination should a seedling be taken off of the heating mat? The moment it breaks the surface of the soil or later?

5/2/2009 9:31:08 AM

Denver, CO

I have found that after the first true leaf is well formed thats the time to take off any bottom heat. Ambient heat can still be applied to keep the plants at around 60-65 degrees, wich is suppose to stimulate greater root growth and less vegitative growth. Can't say for sure that it does.

5/2/2009 12:57:37 PM

Simi valley, ca

I would put them in light the day they emerge & get protective shells off ! First day outside is ok if warmer than 70* but not in full sun first day filtered or part shade is good , Maybe second day the same ! Then on third day full sun is good if not real hot ! in 4-5 days you should be able to see first true leaf , & you could put in ground ! The vine usely grows opposite the first true leaf , if you look carfull the first true leaf has a point & it will grow to the side it points , So vine will grow oppisite the way first leaf points !!

5/3/2009 12:15:22 AM

Windsor, Ontario, Canada

Soon as you see the cots breaking out of the soil

5/4/2009 1:36:26 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

I really depends on where you are going to put them..The seeds are programmed in nature to germinate when the soil conditions are right. If you mimic this with the heat pad, then remove the heat are you doing the plant any good? I would make sure the soil stays atleast 75°.

5/4/2009 2:17:54 PM

Bloomington, IN

I ended up keeping them on the mat just long enough for them to stand up and then removed them from the heat mat. The lowest temperature the soil reached since then was 66°F and the seedlings are doing just fine. Thanks for the replies!

5/6/2009 12:59:43 PM