You may remember that about three weeks ago I planted lots of seeds to bring on indoors in a propagator. One type was Echinacea 'Pink Flamingo' (I also used the white version of this plant in the garden at Frobisher Place) these particular seeds have developed quickly into strong seedlings and this week I showed you how to thin them out in to small pots - this is often called 'pricking out'.
When you're thinning out seedlings you should always be careful to handle them as little as possible and always hold them by their leaves, to avoid damaging the plant stems. Use a stick to lift them out of the old compost - I find a chop-stick is perfect!
Transfer the seedlings to new compost spacing them about 3-4cm apart - I put 3 in each of the small pots I was using. They should be planted so as the seed leaves are at compost level and firmed by pressing near to the roots with the stick. You should ensure that the roots are not hanging in an air pocket.
Obviously, before they can ultimately go out into the garden they must be gradually hardened off - if you have a cold frame you can raise and lower the lid to help with this. If not you will have to carry them all back into the house each evening for a while!
These particular seedlings will eventually grow into perrenial plants with beautiful pink daisy-like flowers at a height of about 1.2m. Handled with care they should produce flowers from July to August this year and then from June to September in following years.
If you would like to contact me about the programme you can email me at:
nina@somewhere.org.uk
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