[Mel1966]

So I started some seeds. Most seem to be doing pretty good except for the broccoli and spinach.

They have one long, thin stem and two tiny leaves at the end. They are about 4 inches tall and now falling over because the stem is way to thin to support the two tiny leaves at the top.

What am I doing wrong with these!? arrgg. This is the second time it has happened this way. I just thought I had bad seeds. Apparently it is something I am doing because I bought a new brand of seeds and have the same problem.

Maybe they are supposed to look like that...? lol

 

[MS45]

So I started some seeds. Most seem to be doing pretty good except for the broccoli and spinach.

They have one long, thin stem and two tiny leaves at the end. They are about 4 inches tall and now falling over because the stem is way to thin to support the two tiny leaves at the top.

What am I doing wrong with these!? arrgg. This is the second time it has happened this way. I just thought I had bad seeds. Apparently it is something I am doing because I bought a new brand of seeds and have the same problem.

Maybe they are supposed to look like that...? lol

If you're starting them inside, put an oscilating fan on them (low). Theyre growing up fast in search of light. This will simulate wind and help stregnthen them.

 

[TxHannah]

Here, read this thread from the GardenWeb site. I pulled it up because I recalled reading it a year or so ago.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/seed/msg0411304415902.html

It's normal. You're not doing anything wrong. It's just the way cole crops grow. They sprout, come up, make a U-shape in the little stem, and then grow on up. I've grown cole crops since I was a young teen, and every kind of cole crop I've grown does that-- broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage. It's not a big deal. Just give them all the light you can. I put my florescent lights so they're about 1" from the tops of the seedlings.

 

[Dragonid]

Not specific to Brassicas, but spindly growth can be deterred by keeping the lights very close to the plants, and applying a gentle breeze. If the plants aren't exposed to wind stress, they won't develop the strength to stand up to it.

 

[Mel1966]

Thanks all! I will add some light wind and see what happens!

 

[two bits]

Repot the plants at a deeper depth. Air movement and a bright light (sunlight). If your seeds sprout, seeds are good. After that, its normally called operator error. Spinach should be planted directly into the soil, it grows and produces quickly. You can plant succession crops with spinach. The cabbage/broccoli, etc. Need transplanted about when they are 3" tall.