Finally Planted seeds

12 years ago

I bought a light set up and seeds for begonias and coleus last winter, but got busy and never planted them. Now I'm in a new house with more space in the basement and much more shade in the yard. So, I got the lights set up and got the seeds in dirt today.

The planting instructions recommend 80 degrees F and suggest bottom heat. Can anyone comment on the difference in results with or without bottom heat? The light stand has a plastic cover that will keep a little of the heat from the lights in. I could also plant another shelf worth of coleus beneath the begonias and let the heat from a second, lower tier of lights act as the bottom heat. Though I wouldn't have the lights on 24/7. Any thoughts?

Martha

Comments (3)

hc mcdole
12 years ago
If you have a cold space then use bottom heat but if you have a moderate cool to warm space then I doubt you need bottom heat. Bottom heat often dries out your potting soil faster than you would like.
docmom_gw
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the quick reply. I think I'll just go with the lights for a month or so and see what kind of germination I get. If I don't have good results, I'll put some heat underneath.

Martha
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tom8olvr
12 years ago
I have a cooler room that I germinate seed in. I have always used lights and bottom heat for my begonias long enough for the seeds to pop (which sometimes can be tough because they are so incredibly small!). Then I turn off the bottom heat and use lights (which can get pretty warm too, btw).