[Njal]

Hi,
I planted some cabbage seeds about 10 days ago.
They were indoors in a loft room with only one velux window.

The popped their heads up after only 3 or 4 days but grew so rapidly that they were 6cm tall after about a week.

I moved them to a downstairs windowsill but they are now around 10cm tall with two tiny leaves at the top.

They look so spindly I can't see them surviving outside.

I'm going to sow some more today, are these ones a lost cause or should I plant them out anyway?

Is the lack of light to blame for their thin, tall nature or is that how they grow?

Thanks.

[Elcie]

It sounds like they haven't had enough light.  You could repot them and bury the stems up to the leaves though.  This might save them.  But put them somewhere with more light.

[andtiggertoo]

I have same problem with my first batch of calebrese. I need to either put them in deeper pots burying the leggy stalk or plant them out in my raised bed. Even though they've been outside a couple about 3 weeks under a cloche I'm not sure if they are ready to go out yet.

[lucywil]

i know what DD would say!!

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=16067.0

[DD.]

Simply too warm, not enough light, a problem that is cropping up time & again this year.

Brassicas are very hardy, they do NOT need the warmth of the inside of a house or a heated greenhouse.

I by all means try & rescue them as suggested, I cover all bases & re-sow. Far better to do this outside than inside. Cold frame or cold greenhouse at the most!

[DD.]

i know what DD would say!!

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=16067.0

Given the height they are and the fact they've still only got their seed leaves, I fear it too late even for that!

[sunshineband]

If you are going to resow as DD suggests then it might help to know mine germinated within ten days and are growing away like mad, in the open ground 

[DD.]

That's 'cos that's where they were made to grow!

[andtiggertoo]

Thanks DD, I will stop faffing with brassicas in pots in the cloche and sow them outdoors now.

Also thanks for the tin foil reminder, it will hopefully help my leggy tomato plants.

[DD.]

Get some seed tray inserts - 20 to a half size tray. One seed per cell. Keep moist & you'll get nearly 100% germination.

When the first two proper leaves appear, pot on into 3" pots. grow on to about 6"-8" height & plant out in final position.

Makes a packet of seed last years. The Savoy I've sown this year say to use by 2004, but they're still OK.

[Njal]

Thanks for the info.

I have resowed indoors but after reading the latest posts will move them outside!