Cuke seedling problem?

crocee · July 5, 2013

I started 8 pickle bush seeds last week and they sprouted almost overnight. At present they are about 6" tall but only the spindly stem and seed leaves. I've got them situated in front of a window with blinds down and partially closed. The seeds were started in peat pucks and kept consistently moist but not soaking wet. No regular or first actual leave have started and they look rather odd being so tall. Is there an issue or is this somewhat normal? Will they go on to be normal cuke plants?

I plan on setting these out in grow pots or swc's after hardening off to the stronger sunlight.

Father'sDaughter · July 5, 2013

My guess is not enough light. I'd try opening the blinds and letting the sun shine in.

crocee · July 5, 2013

I'll open the blinds a little further and see if that helps. Thank you for the suggestion.

RayR · July 5, 2013

If you start cukes indoors, you'll need to put them under strong fluorescent lights, windows won't do unless they are getting a good dose of direct sunlight.
They've got a long spindly stems because they are trying to reach for light. Cukes need lots of light, pot those peat pucks into pots with some soil, give them a light feeding and get them outside at least in partial shade until they are stronger and putting on true leaves.

July 5, 2013	#1
crocee Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Arkansas Posts: 27	Cuke seedling problem? I started 8 pickle bush seeds last week and they sprouted almost overnight. At present they are about 6" tall but only the spindly stem and seed leaves. I've got them situated in front of a window with blinds down and partially closed. The seeds were started in peat pucks and kept consistently moist but not soaking wet. No regular or first actual leave have started and they look rather odd being so tall. Is there an issue or is this somewhat normal? Will they go on to be normal cuke plants? I plan on setting these out in grow pots or swc's after hardening off to the stronger sunlight.

July 5, 2013	#2
Father'sDaughter Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MA/NH Border Posts: 4,917	My guess is not enough light. I'd try opening the blinds and letting the sun shine in.

July 5, 2013	#4
RayR Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 2,466	If you start cukes indoors, you'll need to put them under strong fluorescent lights, windows won't do unless they are getting a good dose of direct sunlight. They've got a long spindly stems because they are trying to reach for light. Cukes need lots of light, pot those peat pucks into pots with some soil, give them a light feeding and get them outside at least in partial shade until they are stronger and putting on true leaves.