I have some spinach seedlings coming along and most look great, except I noticed some black spots on 2/3 seedlings in the middle of the photo. It almost looks sort of like little "dents" but I can't tell exactly. Thoughts?

Hello and welcome

Are you watering your seedlings from the top or bottom? I only see spots on a few of the cotyledons, so just trying to figure out your growing situation.

mom2goldens said:Hello and welcome

Are you watering your seedlings from the top or bottom? I only see spots on a few of the cotyledons, so just trying to figure out your growing situation.

Thank you!!

Watering from the top. Should I remove those seedlings with the spots? They are currently outside in Upstate NY. Weather has been incredibly variable as far as temps/sunlight. I've been bringing them in at night recently because of temps in the 30s.

Just took a look again and there is 2 more cotyledons with very small similar spots.

My opinion would be that those baby seedlings are way too young to be outdoors. I don't set out my seedlings until they have several sets of true leaves (those above the initial cotyledons). Even then, they should be introduced gradually---just a few hours in a shady/protected area and gradually increasing exposure. Spinach can take some cooler temps, but these babies are still pretty young.

Did you start these plants under grow lights (they look pretty healthy all in all)? If so, just keep them indoors under some bright light until the weather improves. A few spots on the cotyledons (seed leaves) probably won't hurt. It's not unusual for many plants that the cotyledons turn yellow and fall off once the true leaves start to grow.

Also, if you can bottom water (can't tell what type of growing pots you have), it's better for the baby plants. Don't fertilize more than 1/4 strength once you have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves.

What mon2golden said is excellent information. Don't rush the process. Patience, Patience, Patience.

mom2goldens said:My opinion would be that those baby seedlings are way too young to be outdoors. I don't set out my seedlings until they have several sets of true leaves (those above the initial cotyledons). Even then, they should be introduced gradually---just a few hours in a shady/protected area and gradually increasing exposure. Spinach can take some cooler temps, but these babies are still pretty young.

Did you start these plants under grow lights (they look pretty healthy all in all)? If so, just keep them indoors under some bright light until the weather improves. A few spots on the cotyledons (seed leaves) probably won't hurt. It's not unusual for many plants that the cotyledons turn yellow and fall off once the true leaves start to grow.

Also, if you can bottom water (can't tell what type of growing pots you have), it's better for the baby plants. Don't fertilize more than 1/4 strength once you have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves.

Okay thank you! First time actually doing this, so it's all relatively new to me. They've been pretty much exclusively outside except for the last 2 nights due to low temps. Looking like highs in the 40s/50s for the next week with night temps in the mid/low 30s. Can I bottom water with this container?

Yes, bottom water.

This is not related to how you should care for these but they do not look like spinach seedlings to me. Spinach seedlings start with two long skinny cotyledons, not these rounded lobed ones. These look like a brassica.

sallyg said:Yes, bottom water.

This is not related to how you should care for these but they do not look like spinach seedlings to me. Spinach seedlings start with two long skinny cotyledons, not these rounded lobed ones. These look like a brassica.

Woops! Probably the Arugula then. I did half Spinach half Arugula in that container.