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Dill Plants

Q.etiolation?

Zone Baltimore | rschmidt672 added on December 29, 2018 | Answered

I’m brand new at growing herbs indoors from seed. I’m puzzled at why some of my plants (dill, parsley, coriander, marjoram) seem to start off just fine, but then grow to about 2 inches, droop and lay flat. I was thinking – too much water, not enough water, to much light, not enough light. I am using two 75 watt Philips Plant Light (Agro-Lite BR30 – medium base). I have tried placing them from one foot to 2 feet from seedlings. They bend towards the light. I thought there was too much heat, but then I read that when the plant bends to light, they are not getting enough light. Is this the right kind of light I am using? Should I get a different light? Should I put the light even closer than 1 foot? I refuse to give up on this and would welcome any advise. Thanks – Rick.

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MichiganDot
Answered on December 29, 2018

Nothing fancy is needed to grow indoors. An inexpensive "shop light" with 2 to 4 T5 fluorescent tubes is adequate. Some advise half T5, half T8 bulbs. With regular fluorescent or LED bulbs, the light is placed 2 inches above the top leaves. (If you buy "high output" fluorescents, the distance is 6-8 inches. You are mimicking the sun so the light should be overhead. The Agro Lite is incandescent so it is too hot to place 2 inches from the plants. I think it is primarily for boosting the indoor light to mature houseplants. Seedlings need more intense light and it needs to be overhead light. It is relatively easy to construct a lamp stand using lumber or PVC pipes. There are DIY videos to help you out. Don't get discouraged. Every new step is a learning experience. May I suggest that you wait to plant dill outdoors. It grows fast and tall and easily sprouts from seed sown in the garden. Use the search feature at the top of this page to look up growing tips for specific herbs. Here is a general herb article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/hgen/growing-herbs-indoors.htm

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