A-Cat -

I would raise them to be 6" under the lights. Streps are generally higher light plants and if you want them to bloom their heads off - use 4 tubes.

Good Luck

Irina

Thanks so much Irina, will raise them up and try to get 4 tubes going :)

Followup - it's the end of June and those original seedlings are blooming their little hearts out! I have some more tiny seedlings started which are growing great. Thanks so much for the advice Irina, they are very happy that distance from the 4 tubes.

Just in case I can't keep them under the lights during the winter, I'll have to see where everything that comes inside fits then. Would an east window with my violets be possible. I do have a drop light shining on the violets during the winter because the hybrids seem to need additional light (the optimaras bloom fine without it) Or during the winter months would they prefer a south window or a south window with a sheer curtain? There is slight tree shade in both windows. I will have plastic up on the windows to stop any drafts.

Thank you :)

Streps do well on the windows. I saw really nice ones actually in hanging baskets.

Irina

Excellent to hear. Since there are quite a few now I'll try a few in different windows to see what they like best, I'm sure it will change as the leaves drop. Thanks again!