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Damping off?

Last post 24-04-2012 10:40 PM by ChiliUpNorth. 3 replies.

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  • 03/04/2012 09:05 PM
    • Simon
    • Chichester
    • 08 Jul 2008
    • 49
    Top 150 Contributor
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    I am growing beetroot, starting it off in little degradable cardboard pots which normally suits it well. They are on a windowsill. They are watered fron underneath, keeping the soil damp by standing the pots for a few minutes in some water. They have started to germinate OK (this is an old variety so I was told to expect less successful germination). The little seedlings in the first set are about two weeks old, and are just starting their second pair of leaves. They have all developed brown patches on the leaves (mainly the tips) and some distortions. But they are still growing. Previously when I have had "damping off", the seedling flops over at soil level and dies very quickly - these have been struggling on for a week in this condition. The second sowing are just coming up, and look OK - but then again, so did their sick older siblings! Is this another form of "damping off"? Shall I throw away the whole lot and scrub everything and try again? Or might they pull through? Any suggestions gratefully received.

  • 06/04/2012 01:14 PM
    In reply to
    • madmuncher
    • Nottinghamshire
    • 20 Mar 2010
    • 140
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    damping off cause the seedlings to keel over and die..any brown marks on leaves when the seedlings are still otherwise up and 'happy' is more likely to be some form of scorch..that can be caused  by many things but  if its only 'cosmetic' and don't otherwise effect plants growth there is no need for worry..new growth should be just fine.

    Windowsill can be quite hot place and how the weather has been recently..it maybe that they've been 'sunning' a bit too much.

  • 06/04/2012 09:14 PM
    In reply to
    • Simon
    • Chichester
    • 08 Jul 2008
    • 49
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    Many thanks for your reply, MM. The seedlings are still growing, so I'm going to persist with them, based on your advice. I think you are right about the amount of sun lately. More like June than March/April, so that might be the reason. Again, many thanks.

  • 24/04/2012 10:40 PM
    In reply to
    Top 500 Contributor
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    Hi - I had issues over the past 2 years with chilis damping off - which normally occurs when growing indoors/under glass. This year I gave the heated propagators a thorough clean and used a "cheshunt compound" alternative - forget the name sorry. No probs this year. I have always grown beetroot from direct sowing - not in pots. This year went for the bolthardy type alongside a fleece tunnel late march. Seem to be doing ok.

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