Smyrna Babies

[SpyridonSmyrna]

Hello~ just posting a pic of my new little seedlings. I think I will start thinning but wanted to get some comments and suggestions from you all experienced growers. This is my first time!

 

[GreenDragon]

These look nice and healthy. Instead of thinning I would start transplanting the largest ones into individual “pots”.

 

[SpyridonSmyrna]

These look nice and healthy. Instead of thinning I would start transplanting the largest ones into individual “pots”.

I appreciate the advice and the encouragement. I’ve been monitoring their growth closely under a dome with supplemental lighting, and I’m just now seeing the first true leaves coming in.

I’m going to give them a few more days to mature, and then decide whether to thin in place or start transplanting the strongest into individual pots. I like the idea of preserving as many as possible, but I also want to avoid root stress if they’re still too fragile. Either way, Friday’s going to be transplant (or cull) day.

Appreciate you chiming in—this is my first round with tobacco, and I’m soaking up all the insight I can get.

 

[johnny108]

I’ve found that, the younger, and smaller they are, the easier they are to move.
Less roots means there is less to disturb/damage. Smaller root mass is easier to scoop up with a small spoon or a pair of tweezers.

 

[SpyridonSmyrna]

I’ve found that, the younger, and smaller they are, the easier they are to move.
Less roots means there is less to disturb/damage. Smaller root mass is easier to scoop up with a small spoon or a pair of tweezers.

You are absolutely right. I'm a little hesitant, so I hope waiting till Friday will give me enough time to build up the courage to start transplanting. I think I will go that route, but want to make damn sure I know what I'm doing beforehand. Spoon or tweezers? How many should I transplant? All these questions are rolling around through my noobie brain... ;

I appreciate all the help and feel welcomed into this newfound community.

Cheers!

 

[ProZachJ]

When they are very small you can use toothpicks so that you can be very gentle / precise.

 

[GreenDragon]

Tobacco is a surprisingly tough species. As long as you don't let the transplants dry out, or crush the roots or stem when moving they will bounce right back. I take tweezers or a toothpick and insert it down into the soil next to the seedling I want to transplant, then angle toward the plant and push up to pop the baby plant out of the soil. This keeps the roots intact and prevents crushing the seedling. It only takes a few tries to master the technique.

Do not try to pull them out of the soil by the tops. (Cue Harry Potter greenhouse mandrake scene!)