Hi everyone. First time vegetable gardener. I decided on growing Armenian cucumbers and lemon cucumbers. I started them indoors, which I don’t think was necessary. Next time I’ll start outdoors. Anyways all of Armenian cucumbers look pretty leggy. I think this happened because the lemon cucumber sprouted several days earlier and were growing quickly so I raised my T12 light (I know, not ideal bulb). I didn’t prop up the Armenian cucumber which led to them becoming leggy. I didn’t expect as many seeds to germinate so I think they’re a little crowded. I was going to wait to see true leaves before thinning them out. As you can see the leaves are also curled, except for 2 seedlings that look like they’re doing okay. I thought perhaps they weren’t getting enough water so I watered them 2 days ago. The leaves are still curled. So perhaps I overwatered them? Or are they too close to my light now ? As you can see in the last picture, the lemon cucumbers seem to be doing really well. I put on fan rotating on my seedlings today, hoping to strengthen some of those leggy stems. Any tips for helping these little guys? I’ve heard some people just bury a good amount of stem and the plants do okay. Thoughts? Do I have to wait for true leaves to do this ?
Leggy Curled Seedlings
- Thread starter StonedApe24
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Greetings, welcome to the Forums.
The elongated hypocotyls (seed stems) are a result of etiolation due to low light. Are these seedlings going to be planted outside in full sun at some point?
The elongated hypocotyls (seed stems) are a result of etiolation due to low light. Are these seedlings going to be planted outside in full sun at some point?
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According to your weather forecast for the foreseeable future you can place your plants outside in full sun now. They will do better in bright full sun than under any type of manmade lighting. Leggy plants are caused by insufficient lighting. The curling of the leaves is probably an environmental issue caused by too much water and/or a lighting change. They will grow out of it when placed outside.
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If money is a big issue, I'd agree with what's been posted, although they'll never be the best plants.
The best option, if you can afford it, is to throw them away & start again, which I suspect you suspected when you posted...
Welcome to the forum.
The best option, if you can afford it, is to throw them away & start again, which I suspect you suspected when you posted...
Welcome to the forum.