Separating seedlings.

Hi Kate...looking good. How exciting. You have done something I have never managed to do in germinating these in a propagator. I think perhaps one seedling in each new pot would be best, but if you are prepared to disturb them again in a few monts......It's so exciting waiting to see what colours you will get!

Thank you Karen and Julia. I was quite nervous about damaging any of the little plants. I kept thinking, why didn’t I get bigger pots!
I think I’ll definitely separate them again in April - if that seems ok? Too late now I guess..
I am looking forward to seeing them grow and discover the colours!

well done Katie it is great when we start new seeds into growth. Using small pots was the good thing to do. its better to put seedlings into small pots and when they have grown move them into the next size or 2 up. if you put them into too big a pot they don't do as well.

I always wait until I can see the true leaves before I pot them on. these are the seed leaves and the roots are also very young and as you say delicate. It just means they are more robust and easier to handle.

You may find that April is too soon. they are slow growers. when I pot seedlings up from the garden it is usually mid summer/late autumn. When you can see roots coming out of the bottom of the pot that's the signal to pot them on. Hellebores have quite brittle dark roots to not lots of white thread like roots like many plants.

Well done, it's always exciting when you first start propagating things, it is so addictive you find you are swamped by the amount of plants you end up with! Have fun.

Thanks Eileen, good advice, much appreciated. Think Karen mentioned leaving them a few months too.
I’m pleased you mentioned the pot size, I was starting to think I’d made a big mistake! Thanks for all the helpful info.

Honeysuckle, thank you! I hope I it will be fun. I did find it quite therapeutic yesterday, so, hopefully it’s the start of something new.

Welcome to the propagation club, lol. I usually sow into small pots, then when the roots just show thro the bottom, pot them into a larger one. (I fill a larger pot with soil with an empty pot inside, of the same size as my seedling pot, then when the soil is stable take out the inner pot and replace with the plug wth the seedling, for plants that don't like root disturbance.

They look nice and healthy Kate. It will be exciting to see what colours you get - patience is a virtue - can take a number of years until they flower. If they will be standing in front of a window its a good idea to turn them regularly - they look a bit as though they are reaching for the light though they are somewhat shade tolerant as you know..

Thanks Siris! Sounds like your advice is similar to Eileen’s. I will definitely be taking on board what you’ve suggested, as I’m a novice to it all! Fingers crossed.
Thanks Sue. I have them under a propagator on a bench at one side of the house. I’ll be taking your advice too, and turn them routinely. Looking forward to the process and seeing how they grow and develop!

Sounds very rewarding. Cheers to your success! How long do you have to wait to see flowers? Looking forward to the big reveal.

anything up to 4 years in my experience from seed to flower. they are not a quick grower.

Well done for having a go......nothing ventured......my OH does this side of the gardening thankfully.....I wouldn’t have a clue, I am the ideas and designer side ( the easy side) you also need patience, and time....and I am running out of both 😆

Well done Kate , but I don't think I could wait 4 years like Seaburngirl said ! I am far too impatient and at my age I need instant flowering plants ! Hahaa!
I used to love propagating and sowing all my own seeds when we lived in Willow Cottage and had large gardens and two green houses , but now downsized into a bungalow with a decent sized garden which is just enough for me.

I think I would have run them over with the lawn mower before then. You have the patience of Mother Theresa. Your patience shall be duly rewarded

Thanks for the replies, Eileen, Bathgate, Dd and Rose.
Gosh! I hope it’s not that long, Eileen! I’m patient with lots of things, but, 4 years seems a while. Fingers crossed it was magic seeds Brian sent me! 😉

Just the fact they've sprouted is huge. Just wait and see. You can always make a little trip to the garden center for instant gratification.

Thanks Bathgate, I am really quite chuffed to be honest. I was worried my little project would fail! I agree though a trip to the garden centre is definitely a gratifying day out! My fave kind of shopping!

Haha You've got the bug you wont be able to stop now Kate you'll be taking over the garage and any other spare space ,its the most rewarding way to build up your stocks ..

Thanks Amy, I think you’re right! It was very enjoyable I must admit, and rewarding. 😊