Overheating, especially under a germination dome or on a heating mat, can also cause a burst in growth that leads to legginess. In a similar vein, poor soil with improper drainage can stunt growth as seedlings struggle to absorb the necessary water and nutrients. Seedlings may also grow leggy if they are not adequately watered. “If the plants are close together than the shade each other and compete for the light that is available.” “Crowding is related to the light conditions,” Gaper said. Overcrowding in seedling pots will also cause legginess as the seedlings compete for light. Some windows also have coatings that can further hamper access to the sun’s rays. As the seedling gains height, it sacrifices in girth and strength, resulting in thin, pale, fragile, stretched-out stems.Įven if seedlings are situated on a sunny, south-facing window, the average amount of sunlight in late winter to early spring generally does not meet the 12 to 16 hours required for strong seedling development. When the light source is too dim or distant, seedlings grow quickly in height to get closer to that light. The most common cause of legginess is an insufficient or uneven access to light. “If you’ve got a plant that wasn’t getting enough sunlight they’re not going to be able to withstand the rigors of sun and wind.” What causes legginess in seedlings “The other things that happens with the leggy seedlings is that they aren’t storing as much carbohydrates,” said David Graper, South Dakota master gardener coordinator. Legginess is often an indication that your seedlings will fail to thrive once they are transplanted. If these conditions are not met, seedlings can become “leggy,” which is a term used to describe seedlings that have long, thin and pale stalks and small leaves.
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