This is going to be a short post as I've only ordered a few items from West Coast Seeds (mainly as I wanted to try some new seed companies and I usually order from companies on the "East Coast").
But I went to West Coast Seeds for one particular crop that I wanted to grow this year ... the Tromboncino Zucchini. I actually could not find this seed anywhere else in Canada (or at least google couldn't find it for me anywhere else). The main reason I wanted this particular variety is it is supposed to grow rather vigorously and hopefully will "outrun" the squash bug attacks that my garden has been prone to the last year or two. Will they really get that big?!
However, I still have the same comment as the last time I wrote about them that they have some pretty high prices. In fact, I'm totally embarrassed about what I'm about to tell you as I admit I wasn't paying much attention to the prices when I ordered. I know they tend to be a buck or two above the usual seed companies I deal with so was prepared for that. BUT ... what the heck was I thinking when I ordered these pepper seeds - I didn't notice the price until I was taking some quick photos to show what I ordered.
In case it isn't obvious, let me make it really clear:
The Gypsy peppers at $5.99 for 20 seeds is bad enough. But $10.49 for 10 seeds?? With an 83% germination rate (so $2 potentially gone right off the top)? They're just a yellow sweet pepper!
This is totally my own fault as I never would have ordered these had I paid attention to the price. Because, seriously, I'm not good enough at this to be throwing away that kind of money. I am going to have to baby the heck out of these through the entire process!
I suspect my best bet is to grow them in the greenhouse to ensure I get at least one successful plant out of these seeds.
And please, everyone give me your absolute best tips to successfully grow peppers so I'm not kicking myself more than I already am!! :)
Holy cow...those prices are crazy...hopefully the plants will pump out the peppers to help offset the cost! This past year was only my second growing peppers, so I don't really have any tips other than those obvious ones like a warm environment, full sun, lots of compost, etc., etc. - I'm still on the steep end of the learning curve.
ReplyDeleteAnd the answer to your question is....yes - Tromboncino squash really do get that big - even for squash nincompoops like me! I still can't believe I forgot to get the seeds sown on time for that one this past year. It is my favourite out of all the summer squash I've grown so far - so delicious! I have a feeling you will absolutely love it!
Some of the seed prices these days are outrageous. Let me second Margaret's assurance that tromboncino squash get big, make that HUGE!
ReplyDeleteWoah, that's expensive seed! Maybe if you're successful you could try saving some seeds for next year. Mind you, it's still probably cheaper than buying individual plants.
ReplyDeleteIf I have expensive seed or am running out of a variety I sow one seed per module to make them go further.
The trombonchino looks very cool.
High Mowing (Vermont) sells 10 Xanthi seeds for $8.25US, so you didn't pay out of line. They are just expensive seeds. I have the same concerns about pepper culture (certainly no one would call me the pepper king) and wrote a bit about it here: http://davessfggarden.blogspot.com/2013/05/pepper-culture.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to your pepper culture post, Dave! I will try that fertilizer advice as well. I did have much better luck last year mainly because I grew most of the peppers in the greenhouse so the soil was generally a good temperature I think.
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