7 Key Factors for Choosing Seedlings

If you can’t grow your vegetables and herbs from seeds because you just don’t have the time. nor space, then you’ll have to purchase seedlings from your local garden center. But don't just choose the first seedlings you see; there are 7 considerations for choosing your seedlings.

What to Look for When Choosing Seedlings

1. Moist Soil

   Gently touch the soil in the container to make sure it’s moist; a moist soil indicates that the plant is being cared for by the shop. If it’s too dry, then it’s being neglected.

   
   

2. Strong, Sturdy Stem

   Choose a seedling where the main stem is about 2-4 inches tall and appears sturdy. Seedlings that are tall and thin often indicate a lack of sunlight, so the plant is stretching itself to try and find sunlight. Avoid these leggy seedlings. 

   
   

3. Healthy Leaves

   The leaves should be a shiny, vibrant green. If the leaves have yellowing, wilting or blemishing, this could mean the plants is stressed and probably will not recover well.  Also, make sure there are at least 3 true leaves; and what I mean by this is that the seed has an embryonic leaf or two that is part of the seed and not true leaves.  They’re called “cotyledons”, and you’ll see them right above the top of the soil.  So, look further up the stem for at 3 to 5 other leaves. 

   
   

   

4. Healthy Roots

   Check for healthy roots by gently squeezing the container to remove the seedling from the container. The roots should be white or light-colored, firm, and not circling the inside of the container. If the roots are circling around the inside of the container, then the plan is root-bound.    

   
   

   

5. Check for Pest or Disease

   Carefully examine all parts of the plant for signs of pests, such as insects or holes.  Also look for diseases, such as spots or discoloration. Avoid these plants because the pests or disease may spread into your garden and infect other plants.  

   
   

6. Balanced Growth

   If all seedlings are in the same size container, choose the one with the most balanced growth, i.e, where the top growth is in proportion to the root system. 

   
   

7. Blooming Plants

   For vegetables or annuals, avoid plants that are already in bloom, because their energy is focused on producing flowers, not on establishing their roots. 

Lastly, certain plants don’t like to be transplanted, such as root vegetables (beets, carrots, etc.), radishes, peas and beans. It's better to start them from seed.

Happy gardening!

Resources:

Murphy, S., Grow Your Own Vegetables

Image:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotyledon