Growth Stage |
Stage 1 |
Stage 2 |
Stage 3 |
Stage 4 |
Visual |
At the end of Stage 1, germination is complete, the radicle will have emerged and roots are beginning to form. |
At the end of Stage 2, the roots are developing, a stem is present and the cotyledons hve expanded. |
At the end of Stage 3, the roots should be penetrating the plug cell and the first true leaves have developed. |
At the end of Stage 4, the roots should hold the plug mass together easily. The shoots should have 2-3 sets of true leaves. |
Moisture |
Cover seeds lightly with coarse vemiculite to maintain moisture levels. |
Alternate between noisture level 4 and 2 to avoid disease. |
Alternate between moisture level 4 and 2 to avoid disease. |
Alternate between moisture level 4 and 2 to avoid disease. |
Growing Environment |
Sow under 70% plastic shade net. |
Warm : Under 50% shading.
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Cool : Full sun
|
Warm : Under 50% shading.
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Cool : Full sun
|
Warm : Under 50% shading.
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Cool : Full sun
|
Lighting |
Light is not necessary for germination. |
Light 1,000-1,200 foot candles (10,000-12,000 lux) total. |
Light 3,500 foot candles (35,000 lux) total. |
Normal light. |
Media Temperature |
20-21 degrees centigrade. |
Temp. 18-22 degrees centigrade. |
Temp. 18-21 degrees centigrade. |
Temp. 16-18 degrees centigrade is ideal. |
Fertilizer |
No fertilizer necessary for germination. |
Use a nitrate based fertilizer at about 50-75 ppm. |
Feed established seedlings at 75-100 ppm nitrogen, with a fertilizer formulated for pansies. |
Refer to Stage 3 |
Media EC
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(Electro Conductivity)
|
EC< 0.5 mS/cm. |
EC 0.5-0.75 mS/cm. |
EC 0.75-1.0 mS/cm. |
Refer to Stage 3 |