Growing seeds under lights

[jwrivers]

Hi All

Has anyone started any maples or any other seeds under fluorescent lights?

I live in Canton, OH and I was wondering if I could get a head start on some seeds this winter in my basement under my lights I use for my tropical plants.

Any info would help.

Thanks

John

 

[Bill S]

John the seeds themselves don't need light to germinate, but after that point they need the good sunlight. If you did it now they would see half a growing season in conditions that are far from optimal. If I were to recommend a time to do this it would probably be early March, but that doesn't really give you an appreciable head start. Throw on top of that the years it will take them to grow out and up, and I say sow them at the appropriate time for normal outside growing.

 

[Chris Johnston]

Bill is absolutely right. Any head start you got out of starting them this winter would be more than offset by the weakness of the shoots because of the poor conditions. Better to start at the right time horticulturally and see them grow vigorously and become strong!