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jgwoodard

ideal photoperiod for growth

jgwoodard
20 years ago

I am wondering how much light/dark is ideal for hellebore seedling growth. Since most growth is achieved during early spring and later in fall, I am thinking hours of light/dark (as well as temperature, etc...)are important for hellebore growth.

Anyone have experience with this or even received wisdom?

I am growing on recently germinated seedlings indoors to avoid the summer heat and need to set the timer. I have traditionally used 16 hours of light for one-year old seedlings with good success, but these are brand new babies...

Comments (3)

  • goswimmin
    20 years ago

    That is an interesting question. I was wondering about that as well after sending a group of my seedlings to Alaska for a trade. Their summers seem to be mild with many more hours of sunshine than I have.
    Mary

  • johandk
    20 years ago

    Hello joseph,

    Yesterday , I tried to give some ideas for your artificial light problem .
    Once again the whole thing got in troubles , all my writings disappeared .
    Perhaps the Gardenweb-computer must remember our names ???

    I have no experience with Hel's . The only thing that I could observe is that the seedlings react well on green light ; my cold greenhouse is made of green plastic folio etc. ( see my website for pics ) .

    But I have some experience with exotic orchids . ( 14 hours lightening was enough , in my cellar at night . )
    The main problem was to imitate the light of the sun .
    This was done by using tubes ( TL blue light ) and bulbs ( red light ) .
    In the case of Hel's as they react well on green light , simple tubes must be sufficient ( the cheapest you can find ) .
    Also I think that the temperature should be as low as possible .
    This can be done by using a ( small ) ventilator and by sprinkling some water from time to time . Attention their is electricity in the air !
    Another thing to do is to put away the transformators from the frames , this is very simple by using a cable for electricity , and just remember the connecting points.
    The heat of the transfos can be used elseware ex. under the exotic aquarium .
    It is now possible to bring the Hel babies very close to the tubes as there is no more danger for burning .

    Now I can see that some persons are always gardening , others are always experimenting an I am still waiting for information on color genetics for Hel hybrids .
    There are some correspondents but as ever , they are occupied with breeding for better colors ( better yellows , blacks ) , but I think this must be a plastid problem .

    May I promiss you that I will ask those correspondents if they can give some hints for your very interesting problem . If one can keep them growing the whole year , it must be possible that they flower in less than three ( two ) years .

    Johan

  • dbarron
    20 years ago

    From conversations with a commercial grower, I believe they can get them them flowering in not a whole lot more than one year (however, this is not healthy for the plant at all (to "rush" it). How..sorry, I don't know...

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