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Syracuse, NY

I think it's crazy (I went through every Diary entry of yours this year, so far) and NO ONE ELSE has asked you what seeds you are trying to grow for testing.
I am asking. (Gotta be careful if I say that in a bar too loudly, lol.) I don't care, per se' and it was not replied to when I suggested to try other seeds.
You'd freak over my 116's seedling (236 Gerry (1007 Brown X 2145 McMullen) X 1541 McMillin); It just has had not been 'proven' at all. Big seedling, though, lol.

The water, the soil mix, the seeds - All could be the problem. Use bottled water.
Even the lighting will NOT matter to get seeds going. I don't have fancy lighting - a 14-watt/100-watt replacement from WalMart (Love 'em!) for that and muted daylight to suit an Opium den.
Here's a commemorative tribute in my opinion to Jiffy Seed-Starting Mix, (which is not 'Jiffy Mix, as that's actually for cooking/baking, lol, I just found out) and I've been suggesting it for YEARS butt even I have not said it enough;
I was like 'Huh? Three of my posts over the years?'

Here - Not even MY seedlings!!!:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=351449

Well, it is $6 at WM and you would NOT have to add ANYthing to it, at first. Mine has had Myco in it for 8-10 months, reusing and reusing and...
I hope you do better, in any event. No pressure!. eg
PS - How are the eggplants doing and who makes the peat pellets? Again, I just want to help. eg

[Last edit: 04/04/25 3:04:44 AM]

4/4/2025 2:12:07 AM

Syracuse, NY

That Jiffy product may not be the same as I use, 'Natural and Organic Seed Starting Mix, 12 dry qt.' but it all applies, nonetheless. It is all starting to look like THAT time of year, lol. eg

[Last edit: 04/04/25 3:10:57 AM]

4/4/2025 2:49:48 AM

Grittyville, WA

Manganese maybe? It can get frustrating trying to play nutrient whack-a-mole!

4/4/2025 3:16:09 AM

Connecticut, USA

Very strange Nick. Maybe Matt could put a seedling into his greenhouse and see if it does the same thing there? Just trying to think of ways to determine if it is the starting mix, the light, this heat, etc.

4/4/2025 5:53:00 AM

Bethlehem CT

The best thing you can do is get them in the ground, I don't think this will be a problem in the long run. If its in the starting mix it will out grow it. The only thing that could possibly concern me is that it is a virus causing that issue. (a virus can be passed in the seed) But if all your different seedling are showing the same symptoms it is probably not a virus, sometimes these pumpkins need some time to figure out how to grow right! LOL. They are genetic freaks.

4/4/2025 7:01:36 AM

Bethlehem CT

You are doing fine, overall that is a fairly healthy looking plant. Don't get discouraged, I have put out plants far uglier than that!

4/4/2025 7:03:02 AM

Syracuse, NY

Lol. eg

4/4/2025 8:53:26 AM

Portland, CT

pumpkinpal2: The seeds were given to me by Jake Marintzer. He had and issue with his pumpkins last year and considered them "junk seeds" and sent them to me for starting experiments. I am going to try some other seeds. The eggplants are seemingly fine. I potted them up to plastic cups and they'll probably be there for another 2 weeks. Thanks for your input!

4/4/2025 10:15:53 AM

Portland, CT

Little Ketchup: I have 10lbs of manganese sulfate so I guess I could try a pinch of that too if this next experiment doesn't work.

4/4/2025 10:17:17 AM

Portland, CT

Ken: I am going to set up a temp controlled mini greenhouse this weekend and see if they do better in there with natural light. Matt said he's sure its not the light and I trust him but at this point I'll try anything.

4/4/2025 10:19:32 AM

Portland, CT

big moon: Honestly I think that's a possibility because all of my test seedlings have been the same seed. I am going to try other seeds and see how they do. Thank you for your reassurance. Worst case scenario, I just germinate in little plastic cups and the second I see the 1st true leaf direction I transplant them.

4/4/2025 10:24:51 AM

New Castle, Indiana

I still say your chamber could be cooking them despite what the numbers say. Have you tried one with just a grow light hanging from above?

4/4/2025 10:36:42 AM

Grittyville, WA

Like iron, manganese may not work efficiently unless its chelated. Lots of good suggestions here. Check the humidity in your grow chamber and try some other potting mixes. The results can be almost random due to many factors. We are the Guinea pigs, there's nobody stopping poor performing products from making it to the consumer.

4/4/2025 1:04:45 PM

Syracuse, NY

Thank you and for the ItemIzIng! eric g

4/4/2025 4:14:15 PM

Upa Creek, MO

When plants are that small, it shouldn't be this complicated especially with ferts. They don't need anything that small especially for trials.

I bet it is some type of over-doctoring like Steve suggested.

4/4/2025 5:54:33 PM