Busy Lizzies just keep dying on me, why?

davidscot

Im onto my second batch of Busy Lizzie plug plants which I sent away for and at least half seem to be dying on me.
Once I get them, I pot them on into single pots and put them in the greenhouse. Almost within a day at least half are showing signs of dying off with leaves going very soft and falling off. Im very careful when planting on as not to damage them but its always happening.
Anyone any ideas? am I planting too deep or overwatering etc?
Any help much appreciated.

Mortal

is it a heated greenhouse? Are you covering them with fleece at night? It's been pretty chilly at night recently.
It's unlikely too deep, but if they're overwatered, and cold, you might have your answer.

Zazen999

And you don't know where they have been so it could be a shock for them......can you try growing from seed yourself?

Orange_King

I'm having similar problems with mine from plug plants - don't think I'll be getting any more.

alfred64

They tend to suffer from damping off - so dont overwater.

Make sure tray is clean (sterilised) before use - and use a good compost. if it's your own home made - again, use sterilising solution before use.

davidscot

I have bought other plug plants and they seem to be getting on fine, its just the Busy Lizzies that seem to be a problem:(

peter_the_piper

Lizzies must be kept at no less that 10deg C whilst they are growing. Any less and they are checked. Any less than 5deg C and they wither.

Kay_Peel

How do you water them?

I leave mine to get quite dry. Then I stand them in a tray of water. Once the top of the compost starts to 'shine' with water, I lift them out. I never water them from above.

Ruud

your overwatering them , plug plants dont need lots of water because they have a small root ball

peter_the_piper

Lizzies tend to be more sensitive to temp more than water, providing that the compost has sufficient aeration. I water (hose) mine every day, twice if necessary. Claggy compost will kill more small plants than a very open one.

davidscot

Looks like its been a combination of everything mentioned here, lack of heat, watering etc.
Turns out it wont be the bargain I thought I was getting but you live and learn, hopefully next time I will be a bit more succesful