I've managed to germinate a few tiny seedlings for Artemesia tridentata (Big Sagebrush), one of my favorite plants. Problem is, I've never managed to complete the growing-transplanting-hardening-off process before...either the seedlings get too spindly or I set them out too early and they die. The California Central Valley summers are hot enough to fry a new plant in a day...am I supposed to keep the seedling inside for a year? I don't have much space and I'm not home during weekdays to dote on them. Can anyone advise? Thanks.

I always had spindly seedlings, too. Try fertilizing them with some fish emulsion - 1T per gallon of water every week or two. It smells bad, but your seedling will love you for it. Make sure the little buggers have plenty of light also- a window may not be enough. I use shade cloth when setting out seedlings in the hot season - lots of suppliers carry it. I got mine from Plant Natural via their web site.
Good luck - Jen in Tulsa

Why aren't you sowing your seed in the winter? My Mom lives in FL and sows seed in the winter, nature knows when to start growing. Plus you have stronger plants than when transplanting. Transplants have to adjust to new sun, wind, and soil conditions. Seedlings are tougher when sown directly. Good luck.

Why aren't you sowing your seed in the winter? My Mom lives in FL and sows seed in the winter, nature knows when to start growing. Plus you have stronger plants than when transplanting. Transplants have to adjust to new sun, wind, and soil conditions. Seedlings are tougher when sown directly. Good luck.

Well, I tried sowing in the winter, but I'm using three grass seeds from Plants of the Southwest, and there were no hints on the seed packets about growing conditions, so I did my best guessing. I haven't seen any sign of germination outside yet (and it's been 70F since mid-Feb. here in the Central Valley). So I tried the same seeds indoors, and they germinated within a week! I know it's late, either way, to start growing seeds...I'm very new to seeds. Plus, the growing season starts so early here that I have to remember to order seeds a year in advance so I have them on hand in December/Jan.

I will try the fish emulsion...how big should the seedlings be before I start? And do you think Southwestern grass seedlings can handle nighttime temperatures in the 40s?