brassica seedlings

[gwynnethmary]

I sowed broccoli, sprouts and cauli a few weeks ago and have been growing them in good light on a windowsill. The cauli have been potted on into newspaper pots, the rest are still in seed trays.  I carefully spaced the seeds so that they were the correct didtance apart to avoid having to thin them. They all have their first true leaves, which look fine, but the first leaves that came through appear to be drying up and curling.  Is this normal or are they dying?  I've never planted veg seeds before!

[Robert_Brenchley]

If you're referring to the cotyledons, or seed leaves, that's OK as long as the true leaves look healthy.

[Vinlander]

It's OK, sure, just about, but it is a bit odd - are the seedlings covered with a propagator lid or fleece?? If so that would make it even odder.

If not - is the air very very dry?

Is something deflecting hot air from a radiator directly onto the plants?

Cheers.

[chriscross1966]

If they've got two real leaves then the cotyledon's work is done, but it's a bit odd to lose them with just one true leaf through. They don't really need to be under glass anymore though, though if you're as paranoid about pigeons and slus as I am then I understand it ....

Um... get them into bigger pots and get them haredened off and outdoors (not planted out, just so yoiu can keep the pots outdoors) ASAP... suggest a net cloche though...

chrisc

[cornykev]

Most of mine just died off last year, I think its too warm in the kitchen for them, I have put mine in the summer house this year where its a bit cooler, whats the weather like up there Gwyn.   

[shirlton]

Summer House. wooohoo

[davyw1]

If you have a conservatory put them in there,but don,t put them outside, you have to remember that with some things  we are about a month behind others because of where we live.
If your plants don,t work out just ask and thou shall be given.

[Digindep]

Brassicas...don't like or need heat....first leaves always die off...don't worry if they do..so long as they have 2nd leaves pot on...pot on upto the 2nd leaves...
others may say different...its the old addige ask two gardeners ...expect three answers....
Pot them on, keep them cool, till your ready to plant 'em...then bury 'em upto the next setta leaves....

Enjoy ....never worry....