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Post by kitchengardener on Mar 27, 2009 2:52:17 GMT -5
Hi all,
I got some American Gathering seed from Dave (thanks!), but I am struggling to get them to germinate successfully. I have sown 18 seeds, and had just two germinate so far (in the last batch of 6), but they are not looking very healthy.
Does anyone know anything about this lettuce - any advice?
Cheers,
James
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Post by flowerpower on Mar 27, 2009 5:51:07 GMT -5
Lettuce likes cool temps. Maybe it's too warm, if you are starting them inside
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Post by kitchengardener on Mar 27, 2009 8:57:30 GMT -5
It could be that they are particularly temperature sensitive, but I am germinating them in the same tray and five other varieties, all of which are at least in part coming up.
Strange...
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Post by pugs on Mar 27, 2009 10:51:19 GMT -5
I planted 6 or more lettuces, they are on a heating mat, and some are up and others not a peep. Some of the seed was old, so I'm guessing that they just won't sprout.
Pugs
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Post by flowerpower on Mar 28, 2009 4:39:38 GMT -5
What type of lettuce is American Gathering? I'm unfamiliar with that variety. I don't start lettuce inside. But I grow it mostly in big containers, so I can pick the leaves very small. That's when I think they taste the best.
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Post by kitchengardener on Mar 28, 2009 7:40:32 GMT -5
I don't really know anything about it. All I have is the following:
Name: American Gathering
SoD Status: Endangered/Poor
Info: Mentioned in 1948 (Thomas Etty File) Noted in US in 1888 Twisted and curled leaves; fine for early or late sowing.
If anyone knows anything more (type, history etc) please do share...
James
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Post by canadamike on Mar 28, 2009 9:36:28 GMT -5
late sowing , I think, would mean what the french call a winter lettuce.If this is so, definitely better germination in cold, take my word on it. I have some not so young french winter lettuce seed, they where the first to germinate compared to others, they were on the floor in my (not heated these days) garage. Not exactly the kind of place where you want to walk barefoot.»A spraying of a product like Sonic Bloom or else that contains giberellic acid would probably help a lot to germinate these old seeds.
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Post by bunkie on Mar 28, 2009 11:40:33 GMT -5
i start lettuce inside sometimes. i always start it in a cool, dark place...very little light. in fact, at times i have put black plastic over the soil to keep it dark. the cold and dark seem to work well for me. in googling this variety, i found this site that mentions two varieties... heirloomseedsmen.com/types/Lettuce/American-Gathering/perhaps they might know more... |
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Post by kitchengardener on Mar 28, 2009 12:50:52 GMT -5
That's great. Thank you everyone for your help. I wonder if they have been getting a bit warm, I have had them in a covered propagator inside. I'll try starting some off in the coldest room and keep it dark, I will also look into Sonic Boom.
Cheers,
James
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