At what point do I remove the heat mat?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:40 pm

I am using heat mats for the first time and am currently starting broccoli seeds. They are sprouting nicely.

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:41 pm

Thanks for the question, I am new and was also wondering!

Jody · Post by **Jody** » Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:41 pm

If they are leggy, bend the stem and bury it so it is a better height.

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:41 pm

Broccoli doesn't need much heat to germinate. Cool is better.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:41 pm

I leave all of mine on the mats until the first set of true leaves appear and are a decent size. To avoid leggy lower your lights to be just above the plants (4-6”) so they are not “reaching”.

Don · Post by **Don** » Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:42 pm

Your heat mat should just be used to help germinate the seeds. Once you see growth you can take the seeds off of the heat mat. If you leave your ceilings on the heat map they will get leggy. I've never had good luck trying to recover leggy plants.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:42 pm

I remove from heat as soon as I see germination. Otherwise things get leggy.