Wilt in Seedling Flowers

Damping off can ruin a healthy seedling such as this one.

Starting plants from seed is economical for home gardeners as well as educational for children. Take preventative measures when growing your own flowers from seed to prevent the wilting that is a hallmark of damping off.

Timing

Damping off, which causes seedlings to wilt, may affect seeds right from the start, as soon as the seed begins to absorb moisture. Alternately, it may strike after the seedling has grown a bit.

Appearance

If a seed has been affected early, it simply will not produce growth. If a seedling is affected, it may suddenly stop growing or develop yellow foliage. In any case, a seedling that has been hit with damping off will quickly crumple and die.

Prevention

Damping off, and the wilting associated with it, are caused by a fungus. Moisture control is the key to prevention. Water seedlings from the bottom only, when their soil begins to dry out. You may also add a fungicide in dust form to the soil.

References

• Gardening Know-How; What Is Damping Off?; Nikki Phipps