farm journal - 2023-10-28

Dianthus germination trials

Background: This year we missed the window of opportunity to direct sow dianthus in late summer/early fall. Instead we will experiment with sowing dianthus indoors in late October. The plan is as follows:

• Start seedlings indoors in flats on heat mats.

• After germination, move seeds off heat mats and place under grow lights in the basement (temp: ~18C).

• Once the seedlings have grown a pair of true leaves, harden off immediately and move them outside.

We are located in Niagara ON, and the forecast for this time of year is usually in the 0–15C range:

Progress update: Between October 19-20 we sowed 4 flats of 200 dianthus. Once planted the seeds were watered from the bottom and placed on seedling heat mats.

Checking on October 23, a few seeds had begun to germinate.

I then neglected to check on the seeds until today (October 28). Upon checking, the majority of the plants had sprouted and have become quite leggy.

The legginess is likely due to a combination of:

• the seeds being left on the heat mat for too long post-germination,

• insufficient light (seeds were placed in front of a north facing window),

• no wind stimulus.

We will keep these seedlings to see if they are able to recover. Since it is quite warm (~15C) and sunny today, I will place the seedlings outside until evening, then move them under the grow lights in the basement.

However we will start a fresh set of seedlings (and pay closer attention) to increase the chances of success.