What’s happening to my spearmint seedling?
I am a first time spearmint planter that lives in asia and I am not sure as to why my seedlings are dying. Is it overwatering? Once I noticed the long stems, I put them to direct sunlight every morning for 30mins #NewGrowth #Spearmint
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Best Answer
I am truly sorry for that person mean spirited comment. I want you to know that others here will never treat you that way.
Your question was a really good one. ❤️
I'll explain why that happens with seedlings.
When you plant seeds they will all be different unique plants. Some will be viable and other will not.
That's why when you plant seeds you always want to plant many more than you need and oftentimes several per cup. Then as they grow you thin them out by removing the weaker plants.
It is normal to get some that sprout that are overall weaker and less robust. So it completely normal.
With very good quality seeds they can have a 90% success rate. But often that number to drop to around 50% rate of germination.
Now of those that germinate they will not all be strong and make it. Some will just be weaker and not be able to sustain life. That's okay it's nothing you caused. It's just the way seeds work.
In perfect conditions you will still have some plants that are weaker. Those are the ones you want to thin out. Others will be strong growers and take off really fast. Those are your "keepers"
Several factors will affect the plants growing. Depth is a big one, if the seed is not planted deep enough. The plant will start to tip over like some of yours have. This is because the roots are not deep enough to support the plants weight. Sometimes it's a good idea to plant the seeds but leave some space at the top of the pot empty to add additional soil if needed. I've found this really helps and you can save some plants by doing this.
I don't think you should adjust and make any big changes because you have been quite successful. Big changes could shock the fragile plants.
Your question was a really good one. ❤️
I'll explain why that happens with seedlings.
When you plant seeds they will all be different unique plants. Some will be viable and other will not.
That's why when you plant seeds you always want to plant many more than you need and oftentimes several per cup. Then as they grow you thin them out by removing the weaker plants.
It is normal to get some that sprout that are overall weaker and less robust. So it completely normal.
With very good quality seeds they can have a 90% success rate. But often that number to drop to around 50% rate of germination.
Now of those that germinate they will not all be strong and make it. Some will just be weaker and not be able to sustain life. That's okay it's nothing you caused. It's just the way seeds work.
In perfect conditions you will still have some plants that are weaker. Those are the ones you want to thin out. Others will be strong growers and take off really fast. Those are your "keepers"
Several factors will affect the plants growing. Depth is a big one, if the seed is not planted deep enough. The plant will start to tip over like some of yours have. This is because the roots are not deep enough to support the plants weight. Sometimes it's a good idea to plant the seeds but leave some space at the top of the pot empty to add additional soil if needed. I've found this really helps and you can save some plants by doing this.
I don't think you should adjust and make any big changes because you have been quite successful. Big changes could shock the fragile plants.
@LadylikeGuasca9 That is an inappropriate and horrible comment to make it is highly unuseful, unkind and downright evil. Please do not comment on people's posts this way.
People on here are seeking help, not insult. They actually want to improve their skills and learn. They should never be chastised for that.
You need to go elsewhere where that type of behavior is accepted. It is NOT here.
People on here are seeking help, not insult. They actually want to improve their skills and learn. They should never be chastised for that.
You need to go elsewhere where that type of behavior is accepted. It is NOT here.
Thank you so much for your response @SuperbRaspfern 🥹
Would it be best if I transferred the longer plant to a deeper bag or pot?
Would it be best if I transferred the longer plant to a deeper bag or pot?
I would not move them yet they will be too fragile at this point their root systems aren't developed enough
I would actually just put some soil right on top of your tray around the longer plants. I see a lip on it so you should be able to add some right around the leaning stems to add more support. Just don't spray your seedlings with water with a harsh stream of water, so you can prevent disturbing the soil.
That should provide support until big enough and ready for transplant.
I would actually just put some soil right on top of your tray around the longer plants. I see a lip on it so you should be able to add some right around the leaning stems to add more support. Just don't spray your seedlings with water with a harsh stream of water, so you can prevent disturbing the soil.
That should provide support until big enough and ready for transplant.
@CutePolypremum The comment was here, I think the writer of it deleted it. Which I am happy about. Since I tagged them they could read my response directed to them.
@SuperbRaspfern
Thanks Shannon.
Yup...Busted by you...that evil comment is gone!
Thanks so much for everything you did and do!!!
Sending big air hugs 🫂 🤗
Joanie ❣️
Thanks Shannon.
Yup...Busted by you...that evil comment is gone!
Thanks so much for everything you did and do!!!
Sending big air hugs 🫂 🤗
Joanie ❣️
@SuperbRaspfern Hello again!! update on the seedlings, I want to kindly ask if are these spearmint seedlings?
First photo: shows two seedlings and I have observed that their leaves close together at night, I was shocked because I only saw that action with these two which is why I have doubts if they are soearmint
Second photo: The maturity rate of this seedling was very fast and the leaves look different which is why I am not sure if they are spearmint
First photo: shows two seedlings and I have observed that their leaves close together at night, I was shocked because I only saw that action with these two which is why I have doubts if they are soearmint
Second photo: The maturity rate of this seedling was very fast and the leaves look different which is why I am not sure if they are spearmint
You are right, they are not spearmint, the cotyledon leaves of spearmint do not open and close at night.
Great observation. You can just pluck them out. It's probably just dandelion seeds that got in your soil, it's pretty common for those and a few others to pop up.
The first leaves to emerge always look different, they are called Cotyledons, they will not have the same look as your "true leaves", they come a little later. But since either way spearmint does not open or close I would just pull those little guys out.
Look how your babies are doing! They look great ❤️
Great observation. You can just pluck them out. It's probably just dandelion seeds that got in your soil, it's pretty common for those and a few others to pop up.
The first leaves to emerge always look different, they are called Cotyledons, they will not have the same look as your "true leaves", they come a little later. But since either way spearmint does not open or close I would just pull those little guys out.
Look how your babies are doing! They look great ❤️
@SuperbRaspfern OHHH We’ll surely pluck those out. Thank you so much!!
How about the seedling with the large leaves on the second photo, does it look like a spearmint? HUHU I’m really sorry for these questions if they may seem stupid. You’re really a lifesaver🥹
How about the seedling with the large leaves on the second photo, does it look like a spearmint? HUHU I’m really sorry for these questions if they may seem stupid. You’re really a lifesaver🥹
@ElegantBogarum You can definitely pull that one too. Because spearmint alway has one pair of 2 leaves. Since that has 3 it's a different plant. It looks like a hog peanut, I think, it's another weed. Weed seeds really get around don't they! I planted wildflowers this year and it's no wonder some are so teeny tiny! They can travel really far with the wind. They are almost like little specks of dust floating around!
Questions are never stupid. That's the hardest part of gardening. Differentiating between weeds and actual plants. There are so many that are similar! But if not plucked out their roots grow so rapidly they take over.
Questions are never stupid. That's the hardest part of gardening. Differentiating between weeds and actual plants. There are so many that are similar! But if not plucked out their roots grow so rapidly they take over.
@ElegantBogarum Your very welcome, anytime ❤️