Growing from Seed - Indoor/Outdoor

[mandrews93]

I have two trays of maple seeds starting to push through. One is inside on a heating mat, under a grow light, and the other is outdoors in a n area that only gets morning sun, shaded the rest of the day. Currently about 65-70 every day and 45-50 every night here in SLO, CA. The indoor seeds are germinating at a higher rate and growing taller than the outdoor seeds (pics attached).

Where should I put each tray to ensure the best growth and survival? I’m concerned indoors is not the best environment long term, but at what point do I move them outside? Do I move the outdoor tray inside onto the heat mat to induce better germination?

Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[RoadManDenDron]

The indoor are growing 'taller' but not in a good way, this long growth with no new leaves and a long internode is what we call ' leggy'

This tells us the seedlings are stretching to find light so your light is either poor quality or too far away (or both)

I would leave the outdoor seedlings outside to complete your experiment,

When you come to move the indoor ones outside you will need to do so gradually as indoor leaves are not strong against outside conditions, sun/wind etc so they need acclimatising

Good luck!

 

[mandrews93]

The indoor are growing 'taller' but not in a good way, this long growth with no new leaves and a long internode is what we call ' leggy'

This tells us the seedlings are stretching to find light so your light is either poor quality or too far away (or both)

I would leave the outdoor seedlings outside to complete your experiment,

When you come to move the indoor ones outside you will need to do so gradually as indoor leaves are not strong against outside conditions, sun/wind etc so they need acclimatising

Good luck!

Thanks for that detail, I figured that was what was happening with the indoor ones. Planning to leave them inside during the day for now, and take them out for evenings in the shade. Unfortunately was hoping the outdoor tray would be the more successful one, since it has seeds from many random varieties sent to me by Momiji-en in WA. The indoor tray was all seeds from a Bloodgood in my area. Hoping I still get some variety and genetics does its thing.

 

[Desert O'Piñon]

Unfortunately was hoping the outdoor tray would be the more successful one, since it has seeds from many random varieties sent to me by Momiji-en in WA.

As the outside low temperatures increase, you will probably see more germination; it's likely still a bit cool for them to sprout with much vigor. I wouldn't give up on them yet.

 

[Shibui]

Thanks for that detail, I figured that was what was happening with the indoor ones. Planning to leave them inside during the day for now, and take them out for evenings in the shade. Unfortunately was hoping the outdoor tray would be the more successful one, since it has seeds from many random varieties sent to me by Momiji-en in WA. The indoor tray was all seeds from a Bloodgood in my area. Hoping I still get some variety and genetics does its thing

Need to differentiate between long growth and useful growth. Long internodes are not great for bonsai.
Indoor seed will generally germinate earlier and quicker because it's warmer. I often find that the outdoor trays eventually catch up as the weather warms.
Fresh seed always germinates quicker and better than older seed. That may explain why the outdoor trays are not giving the same rates. It's definitely no valid to be comparing germination rates when you have several variables at play.
Some individual trees give a greater rate of variable seedlings. Also depends on the cultivar and what other JM are available for cross pollination. Generally, to get much VISIBLE variability you'll need to grow a lot of seedlings. Lots of variability in plants is not initially visible. Think growth rates, ultimate height and spread, cold/ heat hardiness, disease resistance , colour and shape of samaras, etc, etc.

 

[mandrews93]

Need to differentiate between long growth and useful growth. Long internodes are not great for bonsai.
Indoor seed will generally germinate earlier and quicker because it's warmer. I often find that the outdoor trays eventually catch up as the weather warms.
Fresh seed always germinates quicker and better than older seed. That may explain why the outdoor trays are not giving the same rates. It's definitely no valid to be comparing germination rates when you have several variables at play.
Some individual trees give a greater rate of variable seedlings. Also depends on the cultivar and what other JM are available for cross pollination. Generally, to get much VISIBLE variability you'll need to grow a lot of seedlings. Lots of variability in plants is not initially visible. Think growth rates, ultimate height and spread, cold/ heat hardiness, disease resistance , colour and shape of samaras, etc, etc.

Thanks, I have them all outside now, in an area that only gets sun in the morning, and they are all doing well. Moved inside for a few hours today due to high winds and heavy rain. First set of real leaves are coming in.