seedlings

Tree Pit Progress – Week 4 to Week 9

I can’t believe the zinnias and sunflowers are still blooming. Even my hollyhock bloomed! I’m really surprised by how successful they have been. I think it is because all three plants happen to be hardy and can handle poor soils (please correct me if I am wrong).

I have been deadheading the zinnias and sunflowers every few weeks so that is another reason why they are still blooming.

The zinnia variety is Oklahoma Salmon and the sunflower variety is Cherry Rose. The germination rate was pretty good even though the seeds were a year old.

It’s been really satisfying for me to see the weekly changes and that the neighbors are able to enjoy them too! I even saw a couple take a picture next to them. Next year I’ll have to plan something just as good or even better now that my neighbors have this expectation (or maybe I’m just giving myself expectations).

Tree Pit Progress – Week 1 to Week 3

I finally got the chance to plant the zinnia and hollyhock seedlings outside during the last week of May when night time temperatures were looking pretty consistent. I was worried that people will steal the annuals and neighbors will pluck out the seedlings, thinking that they are weeds. So far none of that has happened!

Week 1 – Last Week of May
Week 3 – Second Week of June

I also snuck in some Cherry Rose Sunflower seeds (purchased from Seed Needs a year ago). I didn’t expect them to sprout in the second week! I though the squirrels might get them. Overall, I’m really happy to see the zinnias looking so strong and healthy! I thought that because they didn’t get much sunshine for two months, they would struggle outside.

The alyssum and dianthus are also starting to grow larger and spread. I’m hoping the alyssum will cover up the bare spots once the zinnias are ready to bloom. The small blue flowers (lobelia) may fade in the middle of summer and I may have to replace them with another annual, unless the alyssum spreads quickly.

Batch #1 Seedlings – Pansies growing fast!

It’s been cooler than expected here in New York. I was planning on keeping the seedlings outdoors at least 4 days a week so they will grow faster. It’s been about two months since I’ve started these seeds. Maybe in two more months I’ll see blooms.

Hollyhocks have been a bit weak looking. Perhaps they need more sun.
Some are in their 6th pair of leaves
Some are on their 9th leaf! I’ll stop counting leaves once they are bushier. They probably get the most sunlight in this east facing window.

These are the tulips I’ve planted last November at my grandma’s! I was worried I wouldn’t see them bloom since I was staying at home as much as I could. They were on sale at Lowe’s! It seems like the Angelique tulips didn’t come back this year. I’m glad the peony that I transplanted away from under the arborvitae (?) has come back just fine.

The limelight hydrangea seems to be doing well! I hope it blooms this year!

Batch #1 Seedlings – True Leaves

Lately it’s been getting wet and cool in NYC. Usually when it’s above 50’s, I will put the seedlings out on the fire escape until the sun sets. Hopefully the sun will come out soon! Watching them grow has been helping me cope with being indoors for two weeks.

I’ve also started some hollyhocks about two weeks ago. I collected the seeds from a hollyhock my company bought at Atlantic Nurseries. So far only 3 out of 9 has sprouted. The first one to sprout is showing their second pair of leaves! I’ll post an update in a week or two.

Zinnias have been repotted since they were getting leggy and growing lots of roots. This was taken 5 days ago! The zinnias and violas now their second pair of leaves.
I’ve never grown Hollyhocks before. Can’t wait to see them bloom. Picture was taken 5 days ago.

Batch #1 Seedlings – Progress

The zinnias were the first to pop up, 3 days after I sowed. I didn’t even notice cause I didn’t expect it to sprout until at least a week later. The next day one of the pansies sprouted. I noticed it in the morning. By the time I came back from work, about 8 more have sprouted! I was surprised how fast they grow.

Now I am worried that they are not getting enough sunlight because they are stretching. Perhaps next week I’ll bring them outside during the day and put them inside at night.