How long can 2 1/2" peat pots support seedlings?

[markgreene]

How long can 2 1/2" peat pots support seedlings? I have a limited veg area and grow box is slightky larger in comparison. I would like to keep the seedlings in the peat pots as long as possible, then go to 6" pots. I would then like to transfer the 6" pots into the grow box and determine sex before transplanting into 10" pots. Does that sound ok?

markgreene Reviewed by markgreene on 08-31-2006. How long can 2 1/2" peat pots support seedlings? How long can 2 1/2" peat pots support seedlings? I have a limited veg area and grow box is slightky larger in comparison. I would like to keep the seedlings in the peat pots as long as possible, then go to 6" pots. I would then like to transfer the 6" pots into the grow box and determine sex before transplanting into 10" pots. Does that sound ok? Rating: 5

[phytokind]

I'm not entrely sure, but keep in mind that every time you transplant, growth is slowed as the plant recovers from the stress of transplanting. I think that it's probably best to put them in the 6" pots as soon as possible, then keep them in those until they're sexed, then transplant to the 10".

[stinkyattic]

I have a limited veg area and grow box is slightky larger in comparison. I would like to keep the seedlings in the peat pots as long as possible, then go to 6" pots. I would then like to transfer the 6" pots into the grow box and determine sex before transplanting into 10" pots. Does that sound ok?

Cropping! That is a good plan! Yay!
That is EXACLTY what I do to deal with my space issues.
It depends how hast your seedlings grow. So 'long' in terms of time is irrelevant.
I would say when they are 4-5" tall with 4-5 sets of adult leaves they will want a bigger home.
But that's what mine like and I am sure our soils etc. are different, so judge by keeping an eye on the bottom of the peat pots and when you see root tips poking out, go ahead and put them in a new home.
BTW with peat pots I would advise damaging the pots slightly before transplanting so the roots can get out more easily.
To ease transplant shock, give a product that has B-12 Thiamine in it- like SuperThrive or transplanting solution.
Once the plant is rootbound enough to transplant, it's ready to go and shock should be negligible if you do it right.