Next steps after germination

[ssummer]

Hey all, new to growing tobacco and growing anything in general. Would definitely appreciate that next steps as I move forward. So far I have replanted my seeds 3 separate times because the first 2 times were unsuccessful. So I figured I would reach out for help on the next steps. I have done a lot of research around growing tobacco and have tried my best but I have accidentally scorched and under watered 2 sets of seeds already. So… right now I am back to the drawing board. I am at the germination stage. Seeds have not even slightly sprouted yet. I am keeping them pretty moist and warm as well. At this point I have a humidity dome over my seed tray. Below are some questions I have and I would really appreciate any help.
1. At what point of growth do I take humidity dome off. As soon as the seeds start to crack open and I can see some green? Do I wait longer? Just curious at what point I remove the humidity dome.
2. When humidity dome is removed. How do I provide sufficient light, right now I am working with a vipar spectra p2000 light on the 25% setting. It is sitting around 320par of light about a foot from the seeds. Again back to question one. When does the dome come off and do I start getting sufficient light on these seedlings.
3. How are you guys monitoring water? I understand once they are seedlings you should water from the bottom, but 1. Will the water actually creep up the individual cells if watered from the bottom? I know at this stage the roots are not deep at all. And 2. How much/little water are you guys using and how often are you using it.

Any help would be appreciated. Definitely getting frustrated with these. If I can’t make this batch work I will probably need to wait until next year

 

[johnny108]

1.Humidity dome should come off as as soon as seeds are sprouted. Heating mat should also be turned off. High humidity at the sprouting stage will make them leggy.
2. LED lights are new to me, too. Someone else has to answer this.
3.I leave a free half inch of water at the bottom of the seedlings tray. I just let them use it up, adding more if needed.
3.1. Water will creep up at least halfway, the roots will find it, and the seedling will send more down for it.
3.2. I leave about half inch of water (just under half the height of the seed cell). When it dries, I look to see if roots are poking out the bottom of the cell, if so, only a 1/2” of water for ten minutes, then drain.
When first true leaves show, I start fertilizing at full strength. Again, about half way up the cell for 10 minutes. When the seedlings are over an inch tall, I might have to do this twice a day. If the growing medium is dry, I go halfway up with fertilizer, and leave it for them. It’s usually gone in a day, if not- drain the next day.

 

[deluxestogie]

Do you have no window that gets sunshine?

Bob

 

[Old Gasman]

Take the cover off once they've sprouted. Dont get hung up on lighting, mine do fine on my kitchen worktop with no artificial light. Dont get hung up about watering. Assuming the seed compost was wet when you sowed the seeds they wont need watering again for 2 or 3 weeks. Overwatering is what does for them!

 

[ssummer]

1.Humidity dome should come off as as soon as seeds are sprouted. Heating mat should also be turned off. High humidity at the sprouting stage will make them leggy.
2. LED lights are new to me, too. Someone else has to answer this.
3.I leave a free half inch of water at the bottom of the seedlings tray. I just let them use it up, adding more if needed.
3.1. Water will creep up at least halfway, the roots will find it, and the seedling will send more down for it.
3.2. I leave about half inch of water (just under half the height of the seed cell). When it dries, I look to see if roots are poking out the bottom of the cell, if so, only a 1/2” of water for ten minutes, then drain.
When first true leaves show, I start fertilizing at full strength. Again, about half way up the cell for 10 minutes. When the seedlings are over an inch tall, I might have to do this twice a day. If the growing medium is dry, I go halfway up with fertilizer, and leave it for them. It’s usually gone in a day, if not- drain the next day.

So what do you consider sprouted? As soon as the seed is cracked open? Of as soon as there is a tiny little sprout. Just trying to fully understand. And thanks for the rest of the info it was very helpful

 

[ssummer]

Do you have no window that gets sunshine?

Bob

I do but not much

 

[ssummer]

Take the cover off once they've sprouted. Dont get hung up on lighting, mine do fine on my kitchen worktop with no artificial light. Dont get hung up about watering. Assuming the seed compost was wet when you sowed the seeds they wont need watering again for 2 or 3 weeks. Overwatering is what does for them!

gotcha. My only concern is many people say to water them. I could understand a couple days after sprouting or maybe even a week. But 2-3weeks at the seedling stage with no water of any kind?

 

[johnny108]

So what do you consider sprouted? As soon as the seed is cracked open? Of as soon as there is a tiny little sprout. Just trying to fully understand. And thanks for the rest of the info it was very helpful

Sprouted, for me, means I see green through the humidity dome.

 

[deluxestogie]

• Soil moist
• Sprinkle seeds
• Cover and keep warm
• Remove cover when you see green
• Move the tray to a sunny window
• Water from the bottom enough to avoid the soil drying completely
• Water as often as your conditions require

Gangly seedlings are much easier to work with than roasted seedlings.

Bob

 

[ssummer]

• Soil moist
• Sprinkle seeds
• Cover and keep warm
• Remove cover when you see green
• Move the tray to a sunny window
• Water from the bottom enough to avoid the soil drying completely
• Water as often as your conditions require

Gangly seedlings are much easier to work with than roasted seedlings.

Bob

Awesome. I guess going back to one of my main questions what is your best methane to water enough so the soil doesn’t completely dry? The surface of the soil always looks try but I can’t tell what is underneath obviously. And your method is just using a sunnyish window? No grow lights for seedling stages?

 

[deluxestogie]

Add water to the tray. Allow to soak for a few hours. Dump out the excess water, then feel the weight of the tray. When it begins to feel significantly lighter, then add water to the tray.

Bob