[fluffstermum]

When the back of the seed packet says to grow under glass, does it have to be under glass to germinate?

I've just sown some onion seeds (Bedfordshire champion). A tray of 40 x 2.5" pots with one seed in each (I'm feeling lucky!).

At the minute they are on the dining table by the window. The room is quite warm. Can I just leave them there until they germinate? Or should I be covering them with a bag or something?

Also the packet says sow from March onwards, but I've noticed a few people on here sowing them much earlier (Boxing Day seems to be popular). Do I have to do anything special as I've sown them early, or can I just plant them outside at the usual time?

[LilacSandy]

I got a bit ahead of myself with some of my onion seeds as they were also maked to plant in March. I put min in a heated propogator on the kitchen table but yours should germinate without bottom heat.  I would cover them with some sort of clear lid or plastic just to give them a warm damp atmosphere.  Take the cover off as soon as you seed the seedlings appear.

I potted mine on into plastic drinking cups when they got to the crooked stage just before they straighten up and have put them into an unheated greenhouse where they will stay till I plant them out when the weather warms up.

[Higster]

I've got my Bedfordshire Champion in trays in a cold greenhouse and there are coming on a dream
I think it helps a little with the mild weather

[fluffstermum]

Oh that is good to know. Thank you!

[sunshineband]

In answer to your question: no!

It means somewhere warmer than outside and usually gives an optimum temperature for germination 

[fluffstermum]

Thank you sunshine.
So to us common people, 'under glass' can also mean 'on dining table in front of window' then 
I'll see how they get on...

[sunshineband]

Thank you sunshine.
So to us common people, 'under glass' can also mean 'on dining table in front of window' then 
I'll see how they get on...

Your onion seeds hsould germinate within a bout two weeks, but remember to think about light intensity and direction too, because it is easy for plants to quickly grow toward the light and get long and thin.

Someone recommended a little reflector made of aluminium foil covered cardboard to keep plants of the windowcill better lit (It was DD really  )

[fluffstermum]

Oh yes I remember reading about DD's tin foil invention  :happy:

All the little pots are in the tray right now, but as soon as they germinate I think I'll relocate them to the front windowsill, a single row with foil behind so they get a bit more sun.

This is my first attempt at growing onion from seed so I'm a bit excited about it!

Is it too early to start off some sunflowers indoors do you think? I'm a little impatient and have a feeling we'll have a freezing cold spell before it gets warmer.

[sunshineband]

What will you do with them when they get to be five foot or more tall before you can plant them out? 

Yes Too soon!!! 

[fluffstermum]

What will you do with them when they get to be five foot or more tall before you can plant them out? 

Yes Too soon!!! 

Pah! 

I can just see my hubby's face when he has to share the front room with a forest of sunflowers. Sounds fun! 

[sunshineband]

What will you do with them when they get to be five foot or more tall before you can plant them out? 

Yes Too soon!!! 

Pah! 

I can just see my hubby's face when he has to share the front room with a forest of sunflowers. Sounds fun! 

As ong as you post a piccie, we'll let you plant the seeds 

[fluffstermum]

Watch this space 

[DD.]

Nooooooooooo - don't do it - really - don't! Sunflowers are outdoor plants, but not at this time of year. If you have to keep them indoors, you end up with weak plants.

I think you've gone a little "over the top" with one seed per pot, mine were quite happy last year in one plant per small module, after pricking out, but fingers crossed.

It won't hurt to throw a sheet of polythene over them, this will help retain moisture and save some watering, but be sure to remove the pot as soon as you spot the seedling.

[fluffstermum]

I think you've gone a little "over the top" with one seed per pot, mine were quite happy last year in one plant per small module, after pricking out, but fingers crossed.

I figured if it doesn't work out then there's plenty of time to sow more and put it down to experience (or buy some sets!  ). I love the 'making it up as you go along and see what happens' method 

Thank for your help