"Sheila" wrote in message
m...

" Hi Sheila,

I don't know what your first seedling is, but it certainly isn't
agapanthus!

Agapanthus are monocots (only one 'seed' leaf), and put up a single
grass-like leaf; as you say, a miniature of the leaf. If it looks like a
curved leaf, that may be because it's trying to grow to the light. I
turn mine around most days. My seedlings have a pale green (almost
white) basal sheath, from which subsequent leaves shoot. However, in
some seedlings, this sheath is just below soil level so new leaves appear
to come from the soil, but *right next* to the monocot leaf. Also, a few
of the secondary leaves come through doubled up, in a simple loop, then
straighten out as they grow. This seems to be due to the persistence of
the seed coat. However, as much as I would like to remove it, it is so
stubborn that I leave it to its own devices lest I bruise the leaves.

A few of my seedlings are putting up their third (very tiny so far) leaf.
I'm not boasting, of course, :~))), I'm just deeply chuffed and
encouraged!

Spider


Thanks for the very informative reply, phew, glad to hear that! I have
now moved them round, I can see the loop in mine now, and the white
sheath, the things you learn! Glad to hear yours are coming on so well.
I wonder what colour they will be when they at long last produce their own
flowers! Isn't nature wonderful!

Indeed nature is wonderful, Sheila!, but I think that's why we're gardeners
:~). This particular bit of nature is wonderful because we're sharing
(due to your generosity), new plant material, techniques and experiences.
I've sown seeds before, but I've never done anything quite like this before
and it's so good to compare notes and progress. Oh, I'm sure the experts
have all done it before, but that doesn't matter ... *we're* breaking new
ground, albeit in a very modest way. I'm really enjoying it. Thank you.

Spider