Jiffy Peat Pellets: In Regards to D. Illinoensus, M. Hostilis, & Acacias

[wearepeople]

A little update about using jiffy peat pellets;

About three weeks ago I started 9 desmanthus illinoensis, 8 mimosa hostilis, 4 acacia acuminatas (var. Narrow leaf), 4 acacia simplex, and 4 acacia burkei in jiffy peat pellets.

All of the plants were kept at 70 to 80 °F over night and put in direct sunlight during the day. All plants were watered daily with a dilute fertilizer (Daniels liquid fertilizer 10-4-3 -----1 Tablespoon to 1 gallon water). I let the water sit out for 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate before mixing the fertilizer in. The pellets were kept very saturated and never allowed to dry out.

The illinoensus seem to thrive in the peat pellets. They are doing very well and are ready for transplant. 100% germination rate, seeds from world seed supply.

The mimosa hostilis started out doing well but at about two weeks, they started to wilt. If started in peat pellets, mimosa hostilis should be transplanted around the two week mark or a few days sooner, in my opinion. 100% germination rate, seeds from world seed supply.

None of the acacias did well in peat pellets. After asking a few experienced growers, I've decided next time I'll start acacias in a very sandy soil. All but one acacia acuminata molded or never sprouted.

Of the species I started, I only recommend jiffy peat pellets for D. Illinoensus. Though the M. Hostilis sprouted, they need to be transplanted much sooner than illinoensus.

Happy growing!
Wearepeople

 

[SnozzleBerry]

Yea, I too had a troublesome run-in with peat a while back...I don't use it at all, now.

 

[jamie]

every acacia except one rotted in peat for me. The problem was fixed when I used coir the next time.

Coir wins peat looses.

 

[wearepeople]

Cior = coconut fiber

(Coconut fiber has excellent draining and aeration properties, so this version may be indicated for seeds that have long germination times, and hence higher risk of molds due to compaction, sustained water saturation and low ventilation.)

From this post:

Basics for Successful Indoor Gardening - The Ethnobotanical Garden - Welcome to the DMT-Nexus

 

[Vodsel]

Yes, peat pellets can be great for certain things (specially for rooting cuttings of quick-rooting plants like cannabis or salvia) but for germination they can be a problem if the seed doesn't sprout real fast.

I did germinate M.Hostilis in pellets the first time, but now for germination (of non-succulents) I use a mix of 25% compost, 25% perlite and 50% coco coir as you and jamie mention.

With this mix I've seen successful germination of Acacia, Mimosa, and Caapi. Not to mention strawberries :)

 

[wearepeople]

Oh my!

Thank you Vosdel! I've been looking for a mix to try out.
I'm off to the nursery ASAP to get coir. Starting another batch of seeds today!


wearepeople

 

[Vodsel]

Nice

Hint - for tropical species with low germination, when using some compost, sterilize it in the oven - or skip compost completely and stick to the coir and the perlite. I had to abort one caapi seedling due to mold from non-sterilized compost.

 

[nicechrisman]

Not a fan of pellets in general whether they be peat or coir. I prefer plantable pots filled with a good seed starting mix.

 

[۩]

The only thing peat has over coco is its ideal electrical conductivity but I am not entirely sure just how much this really matters. Especially considering the rate of failure with these particular plants.

 

[Vodsel]

It's difficult to talk about ideal EC values without referring to a specific plant. Actually, most plants do not require salts in the medium in the early stages of germination since the seed itself provides for the first shot of nutrients, and medium-high ECs can be more a problem than a boost. Once the seedling has peeked out of the soil and the feeder roots start working, good EC can start to make a difference. But in slow seeds, or seeds with low germination rates, the breakthrough is getting the root and the cotyledons out, and for that EC is seldom relevant, afaik.