First time Grower, N.Rustica

[Adora Waywander]

Okie dokie folks. First time grower here. Getting started a little late in the season so I decided to go with a short season verity. Which I found in N. Rustica "Punche" soursed from Northwood Seeds.

I started the seeds this evening. Trying out three methods for starting. I got some aluminum baking sheets with clear domes hold the starter cups and water from the bottom. I'm starting one set with a dome, one under plastic wrap, and the biggest deviation is the third, which I'm germinating in a bag with a wet paper towel. Once they germ I'll individually plant them in seed cups.


I used what's called seed starting potting mix in the blue bag by miracle grow. I hope that's a decent medium for the seeds. Y'all let me know you're thoughts and I'll keep you posted.

 

[deluxestogie]

Best of luck with your late grow. What is your intended use?

Bob

 

[Adora Waywander]

Best of luck with your late grow. What is your intended use?

Bob

Thank you Bob! Probably just pipe smoke for this. I read that it is a strong tobacco so can't imagine I could make a cigar out of it. Still dibating what types to grow next year for cigars. I like a mild smoke that isn't very spicy. I'm happy for any suggestions.

 

[Red Lime]

I germinated the same way and it was a striking success! I took care for enough water in the aluminium sheet, so it was enough to look at it weekly. The soil was never dry and most of the seeds come out after 7 days.

 

[Red Lime]

Here i send a Photo of my "germination-tray"!

 

[Adora Waywander]

I germinated the same way and it was a striking success! I took care for enough water in the aluminium sheet, so it was enough to look at it weekly. The soil was never dry and most of the seeds come out after 7 days.

Thanks for the info, Red! Good to hear someone else had success doing it the same way. @Red Lime @deluxestogie Question; Is it possible to over water from the bottom? Should I watch to see if the soil is getting dry and then add more water to the tray or should I just keep a small amount of extra water in the tray at all times?

 

[deluxestogie]

For seed germination, I water initially, cover well, then do not water again until I see germination and some greenery. Then it's time to keep them uncovered, and in partial (perhaps filtered) sunlight.

Bob

 

[Red Lime]

In my experience it is not possible to overwater. I added permiculit and vermiculit to the soil mix, in oder to soak the potting soil, there wasn't any problem. With this setup i had the advantage, that i had not to fear drying out of the seeds. I achieved watering and drainage at the same time.

 

[deluxestogie]

It is indeed possible to overwater. Excess water within the soil during early seedling emergence is associated with mold growth and damping off.

Bob

 

[Adora Waywander]

In my experience it is not possible to overwater. I added permiculit and vermiculit to the soil mix, in oder to soak the potting soil, there wasn't any problem. With this setup i had the advantage, that i had not to fear drying out of the seeds. I achieved watering and drainage at the same time.

For seed germination, I water initially, cover well, then do not water again until I see germination and some greenery. Then it's time to keep them uncovered, and in partial (perhaps filtered) sunlight.

Bob

@deluxestogie @Red Lime Thank you guys!

 

[Adora Waywander]

It is indeed possible to overwater. Excess water within the soil during early seedling emergence is associated with mold growth and damping off.

Bob

I see. In that case I will be diligent about only watering when I see a lack of moisture. Is there a method for ditermining when more water is needed? Or can I simply add water when the soil on top seems dry?

 

[deluxestogie]

If germinating seed is allowed to dry, it promptly dies. Exclusively for germination, the container is sealed by a lid or plastic wrap. Water cannot evaporate. If the initial water added to the germination mix soil is sufficient, that will last until the lid comes off. Then just feel the weight of the container, and add some water when it feels lighter. Once transferred to 1020 tray inserts, I use a Popsicle stick label for each separable cell pack. In my case, with 48-cell inserts, the inserts will separate into individual 4-packs. So I insert a Popsicle stick label into one of the cells of each 4-pack. I can watch the moisture level by observing moisture wicking up the wooden stick. With practice, you can also just lift a corner of an entire 1020 tray, and tell if it needs water (which I then add beneath the inserts). Since you are currently growing only a single variety, just use blank Popsicle sticks (craft sticks) as moisture meters.

I would say that what you are doing is just fine—except—you should worry less about minute details. Each of us has a different approach to growing our tobacco, so do forgive our mixed messages.

Bob

 

[Adora Waywander]

If germinating seed is allowed to dry, it promptly dies. Exclusively for germination, the container is sealed by a lid or plastic wrap. Water cannot evaporate. If the initial water added to the germination mix soil is sufficient, that will last until the lid comes off. Then just feel the weight of the container, and add some water when it feels lighter. Once transferred to 1020 tray inserts, I use a Popsicle stick label for each separable cell pack. In my case, with 48-cell inserts, the inserts will separate into individual 4-packs. So I insert a Popsicle stick label into one of the cells of each 4-pack. I can watch the moisture level by observing moisture wicking up the wooden stick. With practice, you can also just lift a corner of an entire 1020 tray, and tell if it needs water (which I then add beneath the inserts). Since you are currently growing only a single variety, just use blank Popsicle sticks (craft sticks) as moisture meters.

I would say that what you are doing is just fine—except—you should worry less about minute details. Each of us has a different approach to growing our tobacco, so do forgive our mixed messages.

Bob

You called it, I do fret over details more than is necessary. Thank you so much for that explanation and and the popsicle stick suggestion is great!