Did I kill my flower seeds?

Question

I planted some flower seeds in germination trays 3 days ago; zinnias, lobelia, dahlias. I mixed my own soil; vermiculite, pelite, peat moss. I planted them in moistened soil and covered the trays with plastic. The trays were outside in partial shade. The first two days were fine, and the soil has continued to stay moist. I have only had to spritz water on them a couple of times. The only problem is I was out of town last night and the temperature dropped to 41 degrees. I am now afraid that the cool temperature may have killed them. I hadn't realized the temperature would drop so low, otherwise, I would have brought them inside before leaving home. What is the minimum temperature these sort of seeds can withstand? And is there a chance they will still grow? BTW, they are indoors now since the temperatures are going to be in the low 40's a few nights this week.

Update:

I am aware of the germination time. That isn't what I am asking. I am concerned with their chances of surviving in the low temperature last night.

Ben N · Accepted Answer

Its ok seeds are cheap and lucky for you seeds are very resilient. Im sure there just fine, here is what you need to do, get a heating pad and some type of lid that will fit over them but still allow free flowing air. Place them next to the window with the most sunlight. Give them couple more days and you should start to see little sprouts. This technique allows for much better germination conditions and a perfect green house effect. Give them a week an a half unfortunately if takes any longer than that its time to say RIP and start over. Gardening is an art that takes a lot of trial and error but once you get it down you can start giving out advice. If you have any more questions or this doesn't clarify enough please add some more info.

Much appreciated and Happy gardening

Ben

onedrin · Answer

Was the soil frozen when you brought them in today? 4l usually won't freeze soil but if the dirt was real wet it could have gotten ice crystal in the soil. I still doubt that it hurt your seeds tho. Remember, seeds live in the ground all winter. When the plants start to die off in the fall, the seeds drop into the dirt and still come up the following spring. I think they will be okay, just keep them in the house for a while until you know that the weather is going to be okay for them.

Veritas · Answer

No...they take awhile to germinate. Look on the package and it will tell you how long it takes.
If you keep them inside, make sure they are in a sunny window.
41 degrees should not bother the seeds.

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Did I kill my flower seeds?

3 Answers