Re: [CH] A Little OT: Tomatillo Question

(no name) (rlwat@uswest.net)
Mon, 26 Apr 1999 16:24:43 -0500 

RST G wrote:

> I planted several seeds for tomatillos 2 months ago and I finally got
> one to germinate.

Pepper, tomato, tomatillo -- close enough!

Poor seed germination rates can be a result of old seed stock, cold soil
or/and planting too deeply. When there are no signs of growth after 2-3
weeks, carefully check the pot to find out what's going on.
    - If you find the seeds still whole and still hard, they may not have
been viable to start with -- some seeds are slow, but 2 mos. for a
tomatillo is not normal. Check your seed packet date; get a fresh seed
source. Store surplus seed in airtight contain in cool location--veg
crisper is good.
    - If the seeds are whole but mush, or the seed coat slides off, the
soil was probably the problem -- too cold, too wet, soil-borne disease.
Throw the soil out (or sterilize it), then try planting again.
    - If you find no seed, or a string, you've probably planted too deep --
instant compost. Or, you forgot to put the seed in the pot.

Remember, you should pinch-back the seedling after it has its second set of
true leaves. Hopefully, your only sprout had two sets of *true leaves*
before the accident.  If that is the case, the remaining two leaves should
be enough to support further growth. Since you didn't say what missing leaf
configuration you have, you have two options.

    Option 1= Remaining 2 leaves true leaves are in the same plane:
Pinch-back stem material to just above the crotch of the remaining leaves.
New growth will develop in the crotch as if pinched back.
    Option 2=Remaining 2 leaves true leaves are one above the other on the
stem:  At transplant time, remove the bottom leaf and plant deeper--an inch
or so above this node. (Actually, you can do this option with any pepper,
tomato, tomatillo by a depth of one or two nodes--more if you've got good
soil that deep. This creates a shorter above ground stem with a better root
system below.)


Renee
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am not just a gardener, I am a plant manager.