Tips on Seed starting for Spinach, Zinnia and Balsam

[snorkel4u]

Hi All,

Need some tips in getting healthy germination from Zinnia, Balsam, Hybrid Marigold and spinach seeds.

They were sown 2-3 days back. The spinach seeds have germinated and are now approx 2-3 inches tall but are lanky and shaky with the cotyledons on the top. Is this normal? I am just worried if they will give in coz of Damp off? They are in a rectangular container approx 7 inches x 30 inches. They aren't covered. They are growing in coco peat medium, at the base its 1:1 mix of coco peat and soil.

I read in rainbow's post that they should be fed fertilizers only after the true leaves appear. So I guess then I need to wait a while.

Also Zinnia and Balsam are still resting in the medium. They are in a seeding tray with only moist coco-peat as medium. Covered with a plastic sheet to retain moisture.

And the temperature is around 100-110 F here in India.

[rainbowgardener]

The others are summer plants, but the spinach is a cool weather crop, grows best in temps from 60 - 75 deg F. It is just not going to do well for you in three digit temps.

The zinnias can take a week or more to germinate at 70 deg F, but at your temps should show up in about five days. Remove the plastic as soon as the first ones germinate.

[snorkel4u]

Thanks for the quick reply Rainbow. I will monitor the zinnia's closely. Will post the pictures of their progress as well.

I had also sown Hybrid Marigold and Coreopsis. Any pointers about these? As of now these are also in the seeding tray. Covered with plastic sheet.