Getting back into the game after some time off. This is probably a basic question, and I really am not sure what I have done wrong. However, after my seeds sprouted and began to show their very first leaves, I placed two outside in the sun, only to notice several hours later that they had drooped and died. I had kept a large humidity dome on top that had a small hole on top so that they received some air. Should I have taken this off? Also, the medium was still very damp when I placed them outside. The temps outside are about 90 degrees, humidity about 65 percent. I now have 4 other plants that just sprouted and have risen in the small cups they are in. Right now they are in a mix of the ground up coconut husk and perlite (half of each), with a tad bit of soil (same mix as the ones that died). They are not receiving direct sunlight now. I am doing these outdoors, if that wasn't clear. Any advice would be appreciated.
You cooked-em. Outside may have been 9o but in that dome it was like 150 degrees. Shade shade shade or indoors with indirect sunlight until the first set of real leaves fully extend. What you were seeing were cotyldedon leaves (baby leaves). Then and only then start exposing them outdoors, but direct sunlight all day at 90 will still cook them. good luck,
The hardening off process takes a while, especially when it's hot. It can take up to 2 weeks. I don't see why people use domes on seeds, anyway. They weaken the cell walls in my opinion. Leaves need air circulation to strengthen the cell walls. If you want a scientific view, you need to talk to skunky or useless, LOL. peace
Outside way way way too fast. You don't need or want to dome them unless there is a reason for it. Clones, super young seedlings in pure perlite, etc. If you're doing soil, no need for it. Just plant the seed, let it get a couple of leaf sets and make sure you transplant into at least a 1-2 quart container before going outside otherwise the pot may dry out a little too fast. Try to acclimate to to the outside while its grows. An hour at 1st, then a few, etc. Let it get used to that heat.
