Day 38
UPDATE#10
Grower update
Update #10
"It's deja vu all over again." These are apparently wildflower seeds.
GrowLog
FailedMislabeled Phlox Twinkles Packet Produced Tall Wildflowers
Grow log by Sher · Original thread
10 visual updates13 photos38 replies
View recapCrop🌸Phlox, wildflower
VarietyPhlox Twinkles Dwarf Mix (packet label), unknown wild phlox or wildflower
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Harvest
Plants6
AudienceExperimental
What you can learnA valuable seed-quality failure diary documenting slow growth, reseeding, reservoir management, bloom feeding, thinning, successful flowering, and final discovery that the packet contained the wrong seed.
Actions:1 Equipment1 Planting1 Solution1 Nutrients1 Finished1 Pruning
Useful practices
- reseeding a failed pod
- removing germination domes
- reservoir rinse-and-refill
- adding bloom supplement
- removing stunted pods
- thinning crowded plants
- notifying the seed vendor
Problems encountered
- very slow growth
- one failed pod
- light-burned leaves
- two severely stunted pods
- crowding
- mislabeled seed packet
- plants taller than the advertised variety
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
S
Looking at the specs, they can grow to 20". Yikes. After a few of my own mishaps, I look closer at those heights now. Even my Queen Spohias say 10" but are at 11". Whereas my Strawberry Blondes say 8-10" and are at maybe 6" TOPS. You Grow and Learn. I do not mind fails. Yes it is disappointing but if I get one I know I can grow something new
S
But the Twinkles packet said they reach 9". I checked very carefully. I just didn't expect the wrong seeds to be in the packet. I like the flowers for outdoors. I am thinking of rooting cuttings and putting them outside. This will be my last Twinkles update. Moving on!
S
Looking forward to your next project!
U
And please keep us updated as to the refund and customer service you received after they re-open the site so we can know if they are worth ordering from in the future or if they are to be avoided for poor customer service.
S
Will do, Corinne.
S
I wrote Baker Creek (rareseeds.com) telling them about the mix-up. I did not want a refund because they offer free shipping and always send free seeds with every order. I have been very happy with everything else I have ordered from them. I just asked them to pull the seeds so others were not as disappointed as I was. I did not receive a reply, but with the covid crunch, I am not surprised. But I do know that the Twinkles are now listed as out of stock. So they either pulled them, or sold them all.
S
I bet they pulled them. You may still get a reply.
Day 37
UPDATE#9
Grower update
Update #9
These little phlox look similar to the ones that carpet the roadsides in spring back home in Florida. I have decided to forgive them for not being Twinkles.
Conversation
S
Lovely.
U
The clusters are very pretty Phlox, but I would still ask for my money back.
S
As soon as they open their phones back, I will. These are also taller than the Twinkles and are hitting the lights on the left side of the Harvest. I am having petunia flashbacks!
Day 34
UPDATE#8
Grower update
Update #8
I am SO disappointed. These are not Twinkles. I expected better from Baker Creek Seeds.
Conversation
U
What a strange outcome!..a pretty flower, but not what was expected with the spiked petals. I would wait until more plants bloom, snap a photo and request a refund..but that is because I am cheap. But I am sure you paid at least $6 with shipping which is nothing to sneeze at.
S
Sorry you are disappointed but as @cornne said wait and see what else blooms. maybe just maybe this seed was put in the phlox batch . Hey we know it can happen but if not let them know and get your money back!
S
I did send them an email letting them know that the wrong seeds were in the packet -- mainly so they could pull them so others wouldn't be disappointed. But they are so backed up from the corona virus that their website and phones are down, so I doubt they will have time to bother with it. Although their website is down and they are working with a skeleton crew, they are still feverishly filling orders. And I will continue to let these bloom. They are sweet, just not what I expected.
U
These beauties give hope for summer! Show more... show us more.
Day 32
UPDATE#7
Grower update
Update #7
Actions taken
SolutionChanged the reservoir solution during the budding stage.
NutrientsAdded 4 ml AeroGarden nutrients and 1 ml bloom fertiliser.
FinishedRemoved two severely stunted planting positions.
PruningReduced crowding to give the plants room to grow and flower.
I did an R&R using 4 ml AG nutes and 1 ml DynaGro Bloom (3-12-6) to give the budding a boost. I also removed 2 very stunted pods, and thinned too-crowded pods to give the plants room to grow -- and bloom! The plants look a lot healthier than their last picture.
Conversation
U
I have never seen that color in bloom..I can't wait!
S
Neither can I!
S
Sheesh, give me another plant for my To Be Grown list LOL
S
LOL! I have a list that should keep me busy for years!
Day 30
UPDATE#6
Grower update
Update #6
In spite of burning a couple of leaves that were too close to the light, I have Twinkles buds. I hope they surprise me with flowers soon!
Conversation
U
I am wishing you an explosion of twinkles to make it look like the 4th of July!
S
That's the best wish ever!
Day 22
UPDATE#5
Grower update
Update #5
The Twinkles are making progress. I am especially anxious for these flowers to do well.
Conversation
S
I am so looking forward to them.
Day 18
UPDATE#4
Grower update
Update #4
The Twinkles are growing very slowly. It looks like the pod I reseeded might make it. I have more than one plant in each pod. Should I thin them to one?
Conversation
S
I am glad the one reseeded pod is taking.
Day 11
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
These little flowers are so slow! The pod I reseeded has a little sprout in it. I am really looking forward to watchjng these grow and bloom, especially since they are not supposed to top 9".
Conversation
S
I too am looking forward to seeing these.
Day 7
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
Actions taken
EquipmentRemoved the domes from the established seedlings.
PlantingReplanted the right-rear position.
I just took the domes off last night. I reseeded the right rear pod. Nothing up there yet.
Conversation
U
Those are doing well. I wish mine came up.
S
They are VERY slow growing! Try again. It might have just been your batch of seeds, maybe?
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
We have Twinkles in all but one pod. I will reseed that pod tonight.
Conversation
S
Exciting
U
My garden with the Twinkles did not pan out. I really should start those seeds for outside. But for now I will enjoy yours..they are one of my bright shining faves!
S
I do hope they thrive. Back home wild phlox carpet the roadsides in spring. It's breathtaking. I miss that!