A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 Alyssum seedlings died - help!

Hi anyone,
I sowed my alyssum seeds a week ago, they sprouted within 4 days and today when I went to water them they had a layer of fine mold - I think that's what it was - on top and most of the seedlings were dead. Can anyone tell me what happened?

I'm new to this world of starting flowers and veggies by seed, my hubby set up a cart for me with flor. lights since I don't have good outside lighting. I also used a store bought seedling starter mix so I'm ok there I think, but I'm learning as I go. Please help me if you can.

its damping off.its also hard to point to what actually caused the damping off,(cold is a possibility)but are lots of ways to help prevent it.
Chamomile tea for watering.3 bags steeped in sterileized jug.
sprinkleing cinnamon on soil.
boiled distilled water cooled off to water potting mix.
hydrogen peroxide 3% 1 C to a gallon jug of distilled water.
sterilize pots 1 part bleach 10 parts water
and hand washing(or hand santizer gel)

Rosepetal...could you have overwatered?

Sounds like damping off to me.

Not suprising. :rolleyes:

To help gaurd against DO, use a good quality starting mix like you did. Keep it moist but not wet. If you cover the tray, remove it once the seed germinates. Keeping the air moving above the flats with a small fan set to low helps. DO is a fungus.

I WOULD SAY DAMPOFF IS CAUSED BY THE SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGE......

I HEAR THE greenhouses HAVE THAT AT TIME TOO.

DODGE

Thanks John,

I got rid of the bad areas with my alyssums and the seedlings right beside them are doing just fine. I find this interesting that only that one row in my tray went bad.

I started a fan going in the room with all my seedlings. Just misted them this morning and all are doing well. I have 12 different types of seedlings on the go and I'm utterly amazed how well they are all growing.

This is my first time with this type of gardening, I am growing quite a large garden this year with lots of flowers as well. So the success of my seedlings is giving me quite a boost.

Thanks to all on the forum as well. Things go well when we help one another.