Damping off

Damping Off
Damping off, which kills seedlings, is caused by a fungal attack. The shoot forms a dark patch just above the soil level and then collapses an dies.

As soon as several seedlings appear, remove the lid permanently, and do not use it again or you risk getting damping off disease, a fungus that kills young seedlings if they are kept too wet or don't get enough air circulation.

This will help reduce damping off. Usually two or three planting sessions is necessary to plant all the seed because the radicles emerge over about 2 weeks.

The seedlings are very subject to damping off so should be watered with care and kept well-ventilated.

Keep the cut seedlings somewhat protected from too much direct sun until they root, but there is no need to cover or treat with too much care. Applying a fungicide will reduce loss to damping off. Do not allow the soil to dry out.

Growing from seed gives you more control over the end result, but has inherent in it all the problems associated with raising anything else from seed, such as damping off, drying out, heavy footed pets and fluctuating conditions.

See also: Plant, Tree, Grow, Seedling, Bonsai