For how long should I be protecting seedling cuttings?

HandyGringo

Sapling
Messages
40
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Location
Denmark
USDA Zone
8a
Hey, I was just wondering if there are any guidelines or rules of thumb when it comes to moving seedling cuttings out of the shelter? They're currently under shade, in a grow tent, so they're not bothered by wind or direct sunlight at the moment. (JBP and scots pine)

But of course, I'd like for them to get direct sunlight and wind as soon as it's feasible.

Thanks!
 
No rule of thumb... but I was more concerned with animals and birds than with the elements.

Where are you located?

Denmark, not ideal conditions for JBP sadly but it's doable. I've just been treating them as regular cuttings, normally you'd keep them in a dome or a tent with high humidity and slowly acclimate to wind/sun, but maybe that doesn't apply in this situation?
 
I took them ~4-6 weeks ago, and have this morning started to give them a little more of the environment. If we gat a wet week, I will put them fully exposed. Should have rooted by now.
 
Seedling cuttings root very quick. Way quicker than most other cuttings. As @leatherback says, a few weeks is usually enough to have callus and probably the start of roots. Pines are hardy to sun so could probably go into sun with minimum of adjustment but to be safe make the move a bit more gradual.
 
I took them ~4-6 weeks ago, and have this morning started to give them a little more of the environment. If we gat a wet week, I will put them fully exposed. Should have rooted by now.

Seedling cuttings root very quick. Way quicker than most other cuttings. As @leatherback says, a few weeks is usually enough to have callus and probably the start of roots. Pines are hardy to sun so could probably go into sun with minimum of adjustment but to be safe make the move a bit more gradual.

I'm in about the same situation time-wise, so I think you're both right that they could start being moved out. I appreciate the advice, thanks
 
I'm in about the same situation time-wise, so I think you're both right that they could start being moved out. I appreciate the advice, thanks
Seedling cuttings are typically in smaller trays or containers and have shallower roots. Therefore, often the biggest issue is moisture retention in the soil and humidity levels around the foliage. It is wise to ensure that the change is gradual and the moisture levels maintained.
I transition my selling cuttings from inside to outside over a period of 7-10 days. Extra hour or two each day. But watch the moisture levels carefully until they have much more advanced root systems. Maintain good moisture levels for the first growing season and provide extra winter protection for the first winter for best results.
 
Seedling cuttings are typically in smaller trays or containers and have shallower roots. Therefore, often the biggest issue is moisture retention in the soil and humidity levels around the foliage. It is wise to ensure that the change is gradual and the moisture levels maintained.
I transition my selling cuttings from inside to outside over a period of 7-10 days. Extra hour or two each day. But watch the moisture levels carefully until they have much more advanced root systems. Maintain good moisture levels for the first growing season and provide extra winter protection for the first winter for best results.

That is good insight. Might have to err on the side of caution and start by just opening the tent up to airflow gradually, would be a shame losing a lot of em.
 
That is good insight. Might have to err on the side of caution and start by just opening the tent up to airflow gradually, would be a shame losing a lot of em.
My approach is to move them outside with a plastic shroud initially, opening it gradually. Similar to the process when exposing new grafts to the elements
poke holes in the bag, gradually make them larger and give the new growth time to adapt.
 
My approach is to move them outside with a plastic shroud initially, opening it gradually. Similar to the process when exposing new grafts to the elements
poke holes in the bag, gradually make them larger and give the new growth time to adapt.

Basically what I've been doing the last week. I have them in a small grow tent, outdoors, with closed doors into the tent. Been opening the doors gradually over the last two weeks.

I'm thinking, when they've acclimated to having the doors fully open, they should be able to go outside fully (Maybe not in full sun from the get-go)

Thanks for the help
 
Basically what I've been doing the last week. I have them in a small grow tent, outdoors, with closed doors into the tent. Been opening the doors gradually over the last two weeks.

I'm thinking, when they've acclimated to having the doors fully open, they should be able to go outside fully (Maybe not in full sun from the get-go)

Thanks for the help
I always cringe when we use the generic term full sun. So different around the world and within a single country.
Pines love full sun in most climates. New growth on any species should be acclimatized gradually if started indoors or very juvenile.
Your approach is sound.
 
I always cringe when we use the generic term full sun. So different around the world and within a single country.
Pines love full sun in most climates. New growth on any species should be acclimatized gradually if started indoors or very juvenile.
Your approach is sound.

Appreciate the input. It's a bit like hardiness zones. Very relative and not really something you can compare, even if you got the same hardiness zone.
 
I always cringe when we use the generic term full sun. So different around the world and within a single country.
Pines love full sun in most climates. New growth on any species should be acclimatized gradually if started indoors or very juvenile.
Your approach is sound.
Excellent point. Most nursery plants that say "full sun" means 6+ hours. But there are many plants that 6 hours of Texas sun is fine, 10 is too much. Technically both "full sun".
 
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