Pilchuck Pollinator

Transplanting – If seedlings are too close, I will transplant crowded pots to space plants an inch or so apart in new containers. I then put them back in bags under the lights. After the weather is warm, the plants can go outside. I often transplant at that time into larger flats or community pots, spacing seedlings about 1½ to 2 inches apart. The flats can be set outside in some bright area that has open shade, such as the north side of the house or beside some larger plant and grow on their own all summer. I do cover flats with netting or screening to keep critters from digging in the soil. Mike Creel sows his seeds directly outside in sunken pots covered with screen and get excellent results.

Problems – Potting soil that is too wet is a major cause of problems with seedlings. A gray mold can develop on seedlings inside the plastic bags, especially if they are planted too close together. Opening the bags, picking out the mold by hand, and letting things dry out will often help. I prefer to transplant any seedlings with mold into pots with fresh medium and I make sure leaves do not touch. I then watch carefully for further mold.

Extended Care – I let natural selection eliminate the weaker plants so one way to test for hardiness is to leave the seedlings outside that first winter. I mulch flats well after cold arrives, but realize many will perish by spring. I transplant whatever is left into gallon pots, and then wait for blooms.

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Presidential Musings