help with seedlings

domyst

Well-Known Member
my seedlings are 4 days old and 1/5 inches tall. just a couple of Qs.. what is the best light cycle? so for I have had them on 24/0. but does darkness encourage root growth. When should I start adding nutes?, and finally what nutes would you recommend for veg stage? thanks..... :weed:
 

cdnbudder

Active Member
I use 24/0 light cycle all the way through veg, some say not to, I've never had any problems. Don't add nutes for a while yet, probably like 2-3 weeks depending on what your growing in. I personally like the 2 part GH series, it has everything you need, and can always add a little more/less of a or b depending on what your plants are telling you. Have you grown before? If you havn't be careful for a while. Seedlings can be finicky little fuckers and don't like to be overwatered (not that any plant does). Letting the soil dry out between waterings a little I think helps the roots stretch out in search of water.
Good luck and keep em green!
 

Nullis

Moderator
24 hours or 20/4 is fine. Plant's don't need sleep.

In my experience 24/0 or 20/4 gives you more compact growth, less stretch (which I like).
 

Bugeye

Well-Known Member
I let them sleep a little. Further down the spectrum are the guys that veg them in 12/12 mode to keep their electrical bills down. They set up a 100W bulb to come on for about 10 minutes during the dark period to keep them in veg. Different strokes for different folks!
 

domyst

Well-Known Member
First time ever trying to grow my seedlings is only 4 days old looking ok the now. but the very small leaves look as if there drooping a little. I have it under two fluro lights and not too hot in there. how long does the seedling stage last. going to put them under Dual 300w CFL after that.. :peace:
 

Cascadian

Well-Known Member
I agree that 24/0 lighting is fine. The cotyledon leaves naturally appear as if they are drooping, nothing to worry about. The seedling stage duration is debatable, but I would say when the initial seed/cotyledon leaves turn brown and die. I think you can put them under the Cfls pretty soon, just keep them at a distance of 6" initially and make sure the temps don't get too high. Make sure you have some light airflow as well. Don't over water and don't give them nutes for 3 weeks if they are in soil.
 

domyst

Well-Known Member
going to go for 20/4.its only in a small pot when I water the soil goes dry after about one hour. what about the droopy leaves is this normal for 4 days old you think. it 1.5 inches tall
 

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Well-Known Member
my seedlings are 4 days old and 1/5 inches tall. just a couple of Qs.. what is the best light cycle? so for I have had them on 24/0. but does darkness encourage root growth. When should I start adding nutes?, and finally what nutes would you recommend for veg stage? thanks..... :weed:
the subject 24/0 vs 24/4 or 18/6 has been debating more than once but it is well known that you can veg 24/0, it just not accepted that 24/0 is advantageous through out the entire veg cycle.
You should not even think about nutes until 3 to 4 weeks (assuming you are growing in soil)
Dr. Jekyll

Several case studies have shown that 24/0 will produce short term gains, but in the long run 20/4 or even 18/6 will produce higher yields with less overhead (electrcity costs and bulb replacement)
Question, you stated your plants are 5 days old and 1/5 inches tall, are you saying "one fifth of an inch" tall, if so you better get some support for them stretchy plants
Mr. Hyde
 

spek9

Well-Known Member
I do 24/0, and I used to do 18/6. I noticed no difference, even side-by-side. I'm not getting into that argument though.

However, what most growers will agree on, is that no nutes for the first couple-to-few weeks, or until your plants tell you they need them by showing slight signs of deficiency. Then, start at about 1/4 of your manufacturers recommended dose, and work upward slowly.

-spek
 

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Well-Known Member
if drying out that fast rap pot with aluminam foil or plastic wrap to hold in moister in
the thought of using aluminium foil for anything just bothers me, the plastic wrap would be my preferred choice to retain the moisture
Dr. Jekyll

I would ask the OP why they are they drying out so fast? are they really drying out so fast, or is this just merely your perception of what dry is?
Droopy leaves are typically caused by being either too dry or too wet, I'll put my money of them being too wet.
domyst: maybe post a pic so we can see just how soaking wet your soil actually is
Mr. Hyde
 

twistedwords

Well-Known Member
Well first of all are in soil or hydro?

Soil you feed with teas( an age old secret). Yes you do feed with a diluted nute (50%) at 2nd week. The reason not the first week is the plant, all plants are getting used to their environment.

Hydro. yes 50% of recommended strength of what you are using and then at 3 weeks just add the other 50% and done.
 
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