| I recently sowed Craspedia seeds into good quality potting soil in my glassed-in porch, southeast exposure, minimum temperature 65 F at night, day temperature 65 - 75 F. Less than 10% germination after 3 weeks, the seedlings that have emerged look very weak. What are the best conditions to use for starting Craspedia seeds indoors? |
| Seeds of Craspedia, or Drumsticks as they are commonly known, can take 14-30 days to germinate at temperatures of 70F to 75F degrees. The seeds should be sown only 1/8 inch deep in moistened seed starting mix. If planted deeper, the seeds may run out of energy before the sprout can reach the surface of the soil. If your seedlings look puny, they may need additional light. Try supplementing natural daylight with fluorescent light, keeping the source of light only 4"-6" above the tops of the seedlings. Leave the lights on 14-16 hours per day and turn them out at night so the plants can rest. To encourage stout and hardy seedlings, begin fertilizing when the sprouts have two sets of true leaves. Use half-strength liquid fertilizer in place of every fourth watering, but don't fertilize right after transplanting. Hope the rest of your seeds germinate! |
