What Should I Do Today

Today I decided it was best to care for the seedlings already started rather than to move forward with a new wave of seed sowing. So I did the following chores:

• Topped off two more hibiscus plants; the top leaves looked pale and flimsy. 
• Pinched off the long, spindly growth of many lobelia seedlings. 

• Threw away three pots of celery that hadn't yet germinated. Decided I had enough celery to transplant into the garden. 
• Officially declared the Alyssum Basket of Gold (sowed March 10) and Yellow Trumpet Vine (sowed February 25) seeds not viable. 
• Threw away a sweet potato tuber started on February 28. The leaves continue to develop white crystal-like particles. The organic ones which I cut in half and placed in glass bread pan are doing well and have started to develop good-sized sprouts. 
• Transplanted three impatiens flavours hybrid from 4"x8" container. There was very poor germination from that seed packet.

Postscript #1 - The seeds that have yet to germinate are Columbine Tequila Sunrise, petunias and Eggplant Shooting Stars. 

Shuffling Seedlings

I am a stickler for keeping things tidy and in order.  I find it very satisfying to organize seedlings according to height and size and to cluster similar types of plants. Consequently, it's a continual shuffling of containers between the kitchen table and the shelving unit in front of the slider.

Onions, oregano and flowers on the kitchen table

Looking down the line - Sweet William, vinca, and geraniums

Lupines Flexing their Muscles

Granted, all the seeds that germinated today were early, but the lupines were particularly impressive. They were expected to germinate in 25-30 days, but appeared in only 3 days!  And I didn't even pre-soak the seeds!!  I hope these lupines flourish much like those sown by Alice Rumphius, the main character in the children's book, "Miss Rumphius." Filling her pockets daily with lupine seeds, Miss Rumphius scattered the seeds wherever she went to make the world a more beautiful place.  A big thank you to my daughter-in-law for introducing this book to our sweet grandsons. 

Postscript #1-  Today I thinned lobelia and transplanted verbena and white hibiscus. 

Postscript #2 - Seeds that germinated today include black-eyed susan (sowed February 28, 7 days), echinacaea (sowed February 28, 7 days), chamomile (sowed February 28, 7 days) and lupines (sowed March 4, 3 days).  

Postscript #3 - I have a suspicion that the dusty miller seeds sowed on February 11 are not viable. The expected germination time was 21 days and it's already been 24 days.  I'm nearly ready to re-use its seed starting mix and container. 

Time to Sow More Flowers

Lobelia seeds snug in their pots ready to go under growlights!

I hope to add a wider variety of flowers to my flower bed this year.  In my opinion, planting perennials have a slight advantage over annuals; once well-established, perennials come back year after year saving time, energy and expense.  But, at the same time, annuals can't be beat for having more flower production and a longer blooming period. Not to mention, too, that annuals quickly add color where you need it.  
Following are the seeds I sowed today:

Hibiscus (Disco Belle): Seed swap, 2009.  Planted 5-7 seeds in two 2" pots 1/4" deep.  Expected germination time, 14-21 days.  Characteristics: perennial, large, light pink flowers with burgundy eyes, 36" tall bush, flowers short-lived, continuous supply of flowers from summer until first frost, blossoms the first year.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-disco-belle-hibiscus-seeds-33221.html

Hibiscus (White): Harvested, 2014; originally received from an online seed swap, 2009. Planted 5-7 seeds in five 2" pots 1/4" deep. Expected germination time, 30 days. Characteristics: perennial, large, white, dinner-plate-sized flowers, flowers short-lived, continuous supply of flowers from summer until frost, blossoms the first year.
See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-perennial-hibiscus-seeds-39635.html

Lobelia (Crystal Palace, Palacio cristal, Lobelia erinus): Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted twenty-five 2" pots, covering seeds 1/4" deep as recommended on the packet.  In response to online research stating that lobelia seeds required light to germinate, I sprinkled additional seeds on top of the seeding mix. Expected germination time: 15-20 days. Days to bloom, 60-77. Characteristics: annual, 4"-6" tall, sun to partial shade, dainty, cobalt blue blooms, bronze-colored foliage, suitable for containers, spaced 6" in the garden, enjoys cool weather, blooms all summer if well watered. I intend to prepare a few hanging baskets this season and use the lobelia in window boxes. 
See: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-best-tips-for-planting-lobelia-seeds.htm

Verbena (Florist, Mixed Colors): Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted fifteen 2" pots 1/8" deep. Expected germination time, 14-20 days.  Days to maturity, 55-80.  Characteristics:  annual, hybrid, sun to partial shade, 8-12" tall, space 12" apart in garden, multicolored, fragrant flowers, blooms up to 11 weeks.
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Verbena-Florist-Seed-8073/202244845?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ryhttp://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-Verbena-Florist-Seed-8073/202244845?N=5yc1vZc8qlZ5ry

Vinca (Colores Mixtos):  Ferry-Morse, 2015. Planted twenty-five 2" pots, burying seed 1/8" as recommended on the packet.  Online sources state vincas need total darkness to germinate. I am concerned the 1/8" may not provide adequate coverage.  I'll cover the containers with cardboard until I see signs of germination. Expected germination time, 14-21 days.  Days to maturity, 84-98.  Characteristics: annual, full sun, 12-15" tall, spacing 10", mix of pink and white single blossoms that bloom until frost, an old-time favorite, excellent for beds and borders, highly tolerate of heat/drought, humidity/moisture. 
See: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ferry-Morse-200-mg-Vinca-Mixed-Colors-Seed-1111/100166726

Postscript #1 - Today, after two weeks in the refrigerator, the delphinium and lavender containers were ready to join the seed trays on the shelving unit in front of the slider. I will watch their germination carefully to determine if pre-chilling the seeds aided in germination.  I'll keep you posted!