From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Albert County, New Brunswick,CANADA

Anyone have experience that would know if you grew a light stretched giant cabbage plant that was otherwise very healthy,only a longer than normal stem to leaf distance,would this be a problem? anyone try it. Not growing for looks mind you,just weight. pete

2/9/2011 8:54:38 AM

Cornwall UK

Pete it should not be a problem as long as it is not too tender, just bury the plant up to the base of the lowest leaf.

2/9/2011 1:26:12 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Give it a Fan to prevent it from getting leggy

2/9/2011 1:32:45 PM

Alaska

If weight is the goal then your focus should be leaf layers, head size, density and pups. You know those little baby cabbages that grow in between each leaf layer. Stretch IMHO just makes for a weak plant?

2/9/2011 3:55:26 PM

Bethlehem CT

I don't know why but all of my brassica seedlings are always stretched out at the base before the first true leaf. ( the stem is thin and wiry) I grow them in a greenhouse so I am pretty sure they get enough light. I don't know why this happens yet they always grow fine when set out. I usually set them a little deeper this helps to prop up the fragile seedling.

2/9/2011 4:56:17 PM

Alaska

Sorry if I misunderstood what you were saying. Anything below the cots will usually root so if that's the elongated part your talking about then sure just bury the plant right up to the first true set of leaves. I personally don't want any growth above that leggy. Mind ya most all cabbage seedlings when grown to warm or under less than ideal light conditions are gonna be leggy. Not a problem.

2/9/2011 5:37:46 PM

Albert County, New Brunswick,CANADA

Thanks for the help. You may think this is crazy but I read somewhere that you should brush against the tops of the seedlings with your hand every day after some leaves are set and that will stop its outward growth.

2/10/2011 7:37:22 AM

Georgetown, Ontario

Thats the reason to put a fan blowing gently on them. The constant movement will keep them short and stocky.

2/10/2011 10:42:30 AM

Cameron

We hate getting leggy seedling. A flo grow light @ 1/4" from the top of the cot leaves, along with a light breeze from a fan keeps our plants short & strong. We place them under the light as soon as we see a plant starting to break through the dirt. The fan is turn on shortly after that.

Jane & Phil

2/11/2011 8:03:12 AM

Western PA

Phil and Jane,
Do you leave the fan on 24/7, or just a few hours a a day?

2/11/2011 9:15:27 AM