Better living through Herbs » Discussions » Starting Herbs from Seed

• itsren

  

  Member
   

  March 22, 2009

  Are they slow to start? Do they need to be started differently? I started some in peat pots, and they are taking much longer to show any sign of life than the veggies and flowers I started. Any hints? Thanks!

  Are they slow to start? Do they need to be started differently? I started some in peat pots, and they are taking much longer to show any sign of life than the veggies and flowers I started. Any hints? Thanks!
• FoodForThoughtOU812

  

  Leader
   

  March 22, 2009

  I think their germination varies just like veggie seeds,all at different time tables.....I sowed my rosemary seeds on March 8th and they are just now coming up. While others popped right up in just a few days. Also I've found that some are warm/hot germinated while others like it cool just like your veggie seeds like different temps. :D

  I think their germination varies just like veggie seeds,all at different time tables.....I sowed my rosemary seeds on March 8th and they are just now coming up. While others popped right up in just a few days. Also I've found that some are warm/hot germinated while others like it cool just like your veggie seeds like different temps. :D
• Lainie

  

  Member
   

  March 31, 2009

  I've found that with some herbs, it's much easier to start with plants. Lavender, for example, takes forever to germinate, and even if it does come up, the seedlings always seem to be weak and sad (not that I'm not trying again this year... lol). I've found the same thing with sage and thyme (again, not that I'm not trying...).

  I've found that with some herbs, it's much easier to start with plants. Lavender, for example, takes forever to germinate, and even if it does come up, the seedlings always seem to be weak and sad (not that I'm not trying again this year... lol). I've found the same thing with sage and thyme (again, not that I'm not trying...).
• JustinDervaes

  
   

  March 31, 2009

  Herbs can take a really, really, really long time to germinate. It maybe better just to buy one plant and take some cuttings for making some more plants. Good luck!

  Herbs can take a really, really, really long time to germinate. It maybe better just to buy one plant and take some cuttings for making some more plants. Good luck!
• desertwoman

  

  Member
   

  March 31, 2009

  Hmmm I've had great luck with seeds- for all the herbs mentioned, and more. I even collect my own. Foodforthoughts comments are worth heeding. Most seeds will germinate well if kept at 65-75 degrees/ day and night- keep them on top of the frig or on a heating pad or mat, or some other warm source to achieve this temp. Then once up, keep them near a sunny window Most seedlings need 10-15 hours of light/day. Let the surface dry out between thorough waterings.

  Hmmm I've had great luck with seeds- for all the herbs mentioned, and more. I even collect my own. Foodforthoughts comments are worth heeding. Most seeds will germinate well if kept at 65-75 degrees/ day and night- keep them on top of the frig or on a heating pad or mat, or some other warm source to achieve this temp. Then once up, keep them near a sunny window Most seedlings need 10-15 hours of light/day. Let the surface dry out between thorough waterings.
• FoodForThoughtOU812

  

  Leader
   

  March 31, 2009

  Yes, Lainie my lavender and thyme both took a little bit of coaxing but they are still growing, they are a little tiny and weak looking though. I do use a heating pad when sowing my seeds for germination.
  I also agree with you Justin and although I'm still growing from seed I'd like to get some good strong plants too to ensure a good healthy harvest.
  Desertwoman, I do believe you have a green thumb and perhaps tons of experience. That's why I will continue to try growing from seeds untill I learn the tricks. Thanks for the tips!

  Yes, Lainie my lavender and thyme both took a little bit of coaxing but they are still growing, they are a little tiny and weak looking though. I do use a heating pad when sowing my seeds for germination.
  I also agree with you Justin and although I'm still growing from seed I'd like to get some good strong plants too to ensure a good healthy harvest.
  Desertwoman, I do believe you have a green thumb and perhaps tons of experience. That's why I will continue to try growing from seeds untill I learn the tricks. Thanks for the tips!
• grrlscout

  

  Member
   

  April 1, 2009

  I just came across this site yesterday, and found it quite handy:
  
  http://www.herbcompanion.com/gardening/guide-to-propagating-herbs.aspx
  
  I have just a few herbs that I bought, and some are struggling. I'm thinking of taking some cuttings and trying to start them elsewhere to see if a change of environment would help.

  I just came across this site yesterday, and found it quite handy:
  
  http://www.herbcompanion.com/gardening/guide-to-propagating-herbs.aspx
  
  I have just a few herbs that I bought, and some are struggling. I'm thinking of taking some cuttings and trying to start them elsewhere to see if a change of environment would help.
• ArtsandHerbs

  

  Member
   

  April 17, 2009

  I think it depends on the kind of herb. With more shrub-like herbs like lavender and thyme it's easier to take cuttings, more vegetable-like herbs like parsley and flowers like calendula are easier to start from seed. But then, sage looks like a bush and it's easy to seed too... I guess you will have to experience alot and find out for yourself.

  I think it depends on the kind of herb. With more shrub-like herbs like lavender and thyme it's easier to take cuttings, more vegetable-like herbs like parsley and flowers like calendula are easier to start from seed. But then, sage looks like a bush and it's easy to seed too... I guess you will have to experience alot and find out for yourself.
• FoodForThoughtOU812

  

  Leader
   

  April 17, 2009

  Yes, I think I will try some cuttings also. Especially with my lavender.

  Yes, I think I will try some cuttings also. Especially with my lavender.
• Deleted Member

  
   

  May 20, 2009

  I never thought about taking cuttings from my own plants...wow, this is a whole new idea for me and I'm loving it, thanks grrlscout. I have a third year Lavander plant that is just going nuts this year compared to other years and since you suggested taking cuttings, I may do some research on it and see what I can do to create more plants. I wouldn't mind going big time with it in my back yard. Lavander makes such a great gift on many levels.

  I never thought about taking cuttings from my own plants...wow, this is a whole new idea for me and I'm loving it, thanks grrlscout. I have a third year Lavander plant that is just going nuts this year compared to other years and since you suggested taking cuttings, I may do some research on it and see what I can do to create more plants. I wouldn't mind going big time with it in my back yard. Lavander makes such a great gift on many levels.