Need HELP With Leggy Seedlings?

Question

I have started seed in little cups of soil, also in baggies this year. Some of the ones in the soil are leggy, though they are only days old. My Mammoth Sunflowers are already 4" tall at 3 days out of the soil.

QUESTIONS:
Sould I keep them indoors OR can I place them outdoors now?
Should I cover them with anything overnight and during storms, and or, freezes?

I am in Texas - USDA Zone 7-b

Answer 1

I would get them outside as soon as possible -- they need sun and wind to grow slowly and strongly. Be sure you keep them watered well.

Since you are in Texas, I'd keep an eye on the weather report, and cover them with a tarp or blanket if the temps go below 40 degrees. They actually should be OK to 32 degrees, though. Cover them if the wind is very high, too. You can weight down the tarp/blanket with big rocks, bricks or 2 qt./ 2 liter bottles filled with water (don't use glass bottles in case they break!).

Good luck -- and remember, you can always try again if they don't make it!

Answer 2

Leggy seedlings are a pain.
I suggest-in answer to your questions-that you place them out of doors during the day and when weather permits but bring them in at night or if weather looks threatening.
Gently firm soil up around base of seedlings to give them more support and when watering use a hand held spray/mister and dispense enough water to reach their roots.This way you don't have leggy seedlings falling over from watering.
It will only be a matter of time before the stems have thickened up-but even then keep them out of harsh weather-a hard rainfall can do a lot of damage-and of course frost will kill.

Answer 3

You started your seedlings way to early for not using lamps of some kind. They are leggy simply because they do not have enough light. At this time of year you need to use lamps. this condition you described your plants being is called being photo-tropic. This condition is caused by lack of light. The plant is over reaching to get to stronger light rays.

Answer 4

I would suggest that you transplant them into individual containers, in a potting mix, and plant them deep with only the leaves above the soil. The will eventually form roots along the stems.

Give the seedlings as much light as possible for shade with make them elogate again.

Plant them out only after the danger of forst has past.

Answer 5

The leggy are just in search for sun-light. You may want to harden them before transplanting. Sunflowers should be good to go ( Spring is here especially in your area ). Good luck !

Always protect your plants.

Answer 6

You have planted them in unsterilized soil, they have acquired viral diseases which they struggle to rid of . Next time start in STERILE starter mix.

Then once an inch or so high, then plant into cups using potting mix and place in sunlight.

Dont be in a hurry to plant in soil which is not fully warmed up. That too, has diseases and those "cut worms" which will ruin your plants Wait for warmer weather around April 15 for your area . You can stun a plant and it will never be productive by too early a planting.

Answer 7

The only thing that's wrong is they're not getting enough sun. Buy a light, or move them closer to the window. Put them out in the day, and bring them in at night.

Answer 8

Use a home osculating fan, place the fan on low speed. Let the fan blow on your plants, the air flow will cause the plants to become stronger, because they will fight to stand upright.
Hope this helps.

Answer 9

put a cool white fluorescent light directly on top of them.since they are long already touch the light on the plant.

Answer 10

More light, more light, more light.

And listen to what the horticulturist guy said.