Salvia Grow From Seed - A Journal (of sorts anyway)

[MasonJarBong]

^^
Just FIY: I'm really eagerly awaiting any new post in this thread, but I don't have to contribute anything, therefore I remain silent.

But keep up the good work. I think you have a big audience...

It is always gratifying to know others enjoy your work. I appreciate the feedback, my friend!

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 15 (from planting), Seedling #1
Slightly different angle on these images. More useful for monitoring growth progress on the first true leaves.

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 15 (from Planting), Seedling #2

 

[MasonJarBong]

As I sit here agonizing over slow progress, I must remind myself that the first seed sprouted a mere week ago. A watched pot never boils I guess. :roll:

I will post more pictures in a couple of days. The first true leaves are indeed growing, but it is tough to see unless comparing images side by side.

On a technical note, I switched out the 5000K LED bulb with a more powerful 23W (100W equivalent) 6500K CFL. Salvia prefers 6500K, but I initially employed the 5000K since that is what I had on hand. I intend to eventually switch over to a T5 6500K fixture, but am taking baby steps in terms of increasing light intensity. I am likely being overly cautious, but I do what I want. :lol:

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 18 (from planting), Seedling #1 aka "Frank"
It was my intent at some point to give all of my seedlings female names, in homage to the Shepherdess. I had been referring to seedling #1 as a she in fact. However, and quite unexpectedly, every time I would refer to seedling #1 as female, it simply felt wrong. I would actually hear and feel a voice in my head telling me so. And that feeling has not passed. So with that in mind, and seeing that it's merely a name bearing no reflection upon dioeciousness, seedling #1 will now also be known as "Frank". The name Frank comes from one of my favorite movies, Donnie Darko.

Here is a picture of Frank showing his first true leaves, which are lengthening and becoming more visible by the day.

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 18 (from planting), Seedling #2 aka "Dot"
Seedling #2 has never offered any objection whatsoever to being referenced as female, and thus she will now bear a female name. I chose the name "Dot" because of the small circular scar she has always borne upon one of her cotyledons. When Dot first sprouted I was very worried for her, but she has shown herself to be a fighter, and thus she should bear her scar with pride.

 

[MasonJarBong]

A minor note about my pictures:
The flash on my camera makes the seedlings appear a paler green than they truly are. They are both a healthy green. I could correct the color with additional post-processing, or photographing under natural light only, but both would require additional effort I find for now not worthwhile. Just an FYI.

 

[downwardsfromzero]

A minor note about my pictures:
The flash on my camera makes the seedlings appear a paler green than they truly are. They are both a healthy green. I could correct the color with additional post-processing, or photographing under natural light only, but both would require additional effort I find for now not worthwhile. Just an FYI.

I had a fiddle with the RGB settings and got it to look a bit greener. Strictly for fun.

 

[MasonJarBong]

I had a fiddle with the RGB settings and got it to look a bit greener. Strictly for fun.

:lol: It's like the Shrek version!

I did something similar but it just threw the background tint off unpleasantly. To do it right I would need to toss the picture into GIMP or Photoshop and add a layer just for the seedling itself. The real issue is with the seedling being so thin, the flash blasts right through it, making the seedling nearly translucent.

 

[downwardsfromzero]

Yeah, this was done with GIMP. Different settings used for the shadows, so they look a bit sepia.

Couldn't be bothered with layers!


Soon she'll have lost those cots so all that'll remain of the dot is her name! (I used to have an auntie Dot so I rather like this.)

 

[MasonJarBong]

(I used to have an auntie Dot so I rather like this.)

This made me smile. Thanks for that. :thumb_up:

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 21 (from planting), Seedling #1 aka "Frank"
First true leaves lengthening.

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 21 (from planting), Seedling #1 aka "Frank"
Profile shot of Frank.

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 21 (from planting), Seedling #2 aka "Dot"
Her first true leaves are also lengthening.

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 21 (from planting), Seedling #2 aka "Dot"

 

[Spaced Out 2]

Looking good MJB! Frank and Dot were meant to be, lol

I know you keep saying that they like taking their sweet time, and I agree, at this stage they do, but once they are root bound they grow like weeds believe it or not. Then you'll have a ton of it before you know it!

 

[MasonJarBong]

I know you keep saying that they like taking their sweet time, and I agree, at this stage they do, but once they are root bound they grow like weeds believe it or not. Then you'll have a ton of it before you know it!

Over the last couple of days, as the first true leaves have begun to grow more prominent, I have noticed a daily difference in these tiny plants. A difference I can now discern with the naked eye. I know it will still be awhile before they truly begin to boom, but it is already quite exciting!

 

[downwardsfromzero]

once they are root bound they grow like weeds believe it or not

Is this perhaps an argument for starting them off in as small pots as are possible?
For future reference, clearly.

 

[MasonJarBong]

Is this perhaps an argument for starting them off in as small pots as are possible?
For future reference, clearly.

I too am curious as to what SO's experience has been.

I started my salvia seeds in small jiffy pots since I knew salvia divinorum seedlings take awhile to get moving. Watering a large pot of soil to my mind seemed cumbersome and also posed an increased risk of rot and mold. Repotting also provides the opportunity to introduce fertilizing amendments into the soil which might not have been suitable for delicate seedlings. Finally, I have found (with many other plants), allowing the central root mass to consolidate somewhat in a smaller pot, then transplanting into a larger pot, promotes more vigorous growth overall and results in more productive plants.

 

[MasonJarBong]

Day 24 (from planting), Seedling #1 aka "Frank"
Frank's first true leaves are growing quickly and are already rivaling his cotyledons. If you click on the image and download it, then view it full size, you can already discern the next set of true leaves emerging.