A New Batch

Because I killed the other ones, which I'm so sad about because they were given to me, I thought I'd give it another try with some purchased seedlings. I needed to see if I could do this and if, indeed, I caused the death of the others with my inexperience. I'd say inexperience and not being ready for them is what did me in.

I purchased 3 types of seedlings from Brad's Buds and Blooms. I bought Kaleinani, PinkerBlue, and Thai Mango Blush. I purchased 5 seeds of each kind and when I received them, I had about 9-10 of each. Very nice to get some extra in case some weren't viable.

I decided to go with the towel method, but this time I used paper towels and the plastic bag. I soaked the towels in a mixture of filtered water, hydrogen peroxide, and a drop of Super Thrive (ST), then wrung out the towel, you don't want them dripping wet. Then into the bags they went and onto the heat mat and under the nice bright light, which I finally hung. A light, from above. Yay. I hope my babies are happy.

As you can see from the photo, I put them in on September 11. Unfortunately, the heat mat was too hot and the bags were getting filled with condensation. I didn't want the seedlings to rot, so that's why you see a purple hand towel underneath it. Even then, too much condensation. I had to keep opening the bag, taking them off the heat, etc.

Two days later, Sept 13, most of the seeds were nice and plump. I decided to try two methods from here. One was to plant them immediately, the other was to keep them in the bag until the grew some roots. As you can see from the photos below, within two days, some were already rooting. Yay!

Since the baggies were getting too moist and I couldn't really control that, I also decided to chuck the plastic baggies, keep them in the paper towels, but put them in a plastic container. I left the lids on, but slightly loose so some airflow could get in, but yet, have the condensation keep it moist. 

One thing I was having issues with was my seedlings drying out. The ones in the baking pan, well, the soil was bone dry all the time. I was having to mist it constantly. I decided to put those in a plastic container also (no photo). I transferred them this morning (Sept 16). That way, I could build up condensation to keep them wet, but yet, have it be controllable. It's hard to find containers that will work without having to buy them. I suggest just buying them. The only seed starter kit I found at Home Depot was for 50 seedlings. Too big. 

As for my babies in the towels. The Thai Mango Blush ones (3) are all rooting. They're starting to peek through. The Kaleinani's, well, shoot, one got so big, I potted it. And I lost the outside, but I have heard that's okay. Today, I planted a nice green root and seed. Yay. Let's hope I don't kill it.

I decided to put the little pots (there's only two of them) inside the blue covered tupperware, to keep them moist until I plant the rest of them. I'd like to wait until the end of the week to let the roots grow a bit longer. The PinkerBlue don't seem to be doing anything, but well, we shall see.

I'm just hoping I didn't kill the seedlings in the tray because they dried out so much. I hope I found them a nice moist (but not too wet) home where they can thrive.

I just wish the first set of seedlings I received from my friend didn't die. I haven't given up, but I'm pretty sure they're goners. Obviously I didn't care for them as I should. This is pretty obvious, since this new batch is growing. Oh well, you live and learn, right?