| I planted a variety of seeds last weekend (only four days ago now) and was expecting 1-2 weeks before seeing any sprouts/growth. I was shocked when I returned home tonight and found several very tiny shoots had appeared. The shoots are verysmall, a translucent green stem with a red tip. Two things are odd about their appearance: 1) Isn't four days an unusually short period of time for this to happen and 2) The shoots look the same across several different spots in whichI planted DIFFERENT seeds. The setup in brief: +(2) trays of 72 1 inch cells with clear plastic cover +Franks brand seed starting formula 1/3 perlite, 1/3 peat and 1/3 vermiculite +Burpee brand Hot Pepper Mix, other brand Spearmint, other brand Tomato, Burpee brand Sweet Bell Pepper I watered this thouroughly, drained and then planted the seeds, carefully marking what seeds went where. The sprouts appeared in several different cells, looking the same as far as I can tell. Could this be contamination of some kind and does mold or fungus look like this in any form? |
| Well first of all, you probably planted a little early. I probably would have went for a sowing time of 3/15 or so. Sometimes went planted too early, plants won't thrive. They tend to grow a little "leggy" and weak. This may not happen to you (I hope it doesn't), just thought I would mention it for future reference. Four days' germination time is unusual but not unheard of. The reason they all look the same right now may be because all seedlings look similar at this point. Plants are identified by their second set of leaves, called "true leaves". These leaves show characteristics of the plants to come. Mold or fungus looks like fur or fuzz on the soil so you shouldn't be concerned about that. I must admit, if I read your question correctly I am a little puzzled at why different types of seed came up at exactly the same time. Are you saying that (for example) one cell was planted with pepper mix, one cell with mint, one cell with bells, ONLY - and these exact seedlings are appearing in each of the cells? That is certainly bizarre. I really can't explain; I guess it would be best to wait and see if other, different-looking seedlings sprout, and compare the true leaves on these with the earlier sprouts. |
