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Location

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Owensboro, Ky.

Once again, as I start a seedling, I have the cots curling up something terrible...what causes this...one is curled side to side, the other one folded in 1/2 from end to stem. Did I expose them to too much light too early, or is this a genetic thing? All info appreciated. Peace, Wayne
PS...plant looks very healthy, deep dark green, and first true leaf is starting to grow....hoping, and planning to have plant in the hoop house on Monday!!!

3/25/2007 12:54:07 AM

Berlin,mi.(zuhlke2@hotmail.com)

WAYNE: two years ago the curly cots seemed to be everywhere. then last year you didn't hear anything. i'm not sure if anyone ever came to a conclusion about them. i know i had them and all the plants did just fine. it's nothing to worry about.

3/25/2007 9:41:30 AM

Last year, my first,, I had the same problem with the cots. I asked a friend that was helping at the time and here's the link where I posted the information he provided:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=47000

3/25/2007 10:28:05 AM

Long Island,New York

I think curled cots are great and if I had my choice I'd want all curled cots. They act as stabilizers in the wind for a topheavy plant being as they get closer to the soil.

3/25/2007 12:11:42 PM

Pumpkintown, SC

Did you use any H202 in your seed soaking? BF

3/25/2007 11:55:24 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

BF, yes I did...approx 10% solution of 3% h202.

3/26/2007 7:30:41 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

How long was the soak?

3/26/2007 12:33:25 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Approx, 5 hrs, and then into damp towel, for approx 28 hrs when I noticed rooting had started and then into 1.5 gal container at 85 degrees. The plant looks very healthy, other than the curled up cots, and is now in the patch, under a small heated (not that I need heat round here right now) hoop house. Wish me luck. Peace and Thanks...Wayne

3/26/2007 8:26:36 PM

Pumpkintown, SC

I would say that is most likely the cause. In my book your 10% @ 5 hours is right on the threshold for curled cots. Are you adding anything else in your soaking solution? BF

3/26/2007 10:31:01 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Nothing else in solution. Should I weaken the solution, shorten the soak time or both? Thanks

3/27/2007 6:38:01 AM

Ohio

G, Im sitting here trying to figure out what to type back to you about your curled cot answer,,, and for the life of me my mind cant think of a darn thing,,,,LOLOL!! YOU KILL ME G!!! haaaaaa HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
""STABILIZERS!!"" LOL

4/16/2007 5:26:07 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan (michiganpumpkins@sbcglobal.net)

10% solution of 3% H2O2 seems fine to me. But I'd go less on the soak time. Maybe an hour, then switch to straight H20.
Or just use straight H20 like the good ol' days...

4/17/2007 7:37:34 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We usually use straight 3% for the 15 minutes it takes to get everything together. Then I dilute the peroxide 50/50 with water & soak the seed 6-8 hours (over night) at 85°F. I've never seen curled cots as a result of using this treatment.

4/18/2007 1:32:33 AM