Completely new to this and feeling overwhelmed.

[Terminally_Curious]

Hey zoklet! Just discovered this site a few weeks ago and finally registered.

So, I'm a total "noob" when it comes to growing. I was doing some tidying up when I came across a seed I've had for ages. I thought it would be fun to try to germinate it, not thinking it'd sprout because of how old it was.

I was wrong. It cracked open very quickly. I ended up keeping it in the paper towel/ziplock for about 5 days because I kept forgetting to go and get some potting soil. When I finally planted it, the sprout was probably around 2.25" long. I just buried it so that the bitty leafs were just at the surface (also, the soil is just organic potting soil from wal-mart).

It's been about a week now and the little thing is about an inch and a quarter above the soil. The initial little leafs are beginning to open and I can see green growth inside.

I've had it sitting in it's pot on a shelf in my room under a single CFL bulb. The light is usually on from noon until 3-4am.

I'm only keeping it for another week, then giving it to a friend.

So that's where I'm at right now. I tried looking up growing tips and there's so much out there that I'm just kind of lost. Will the little thing grow up and actually produce without any plant food or special equipment? Once it goes to my friend's, it will be in a closet with a timed light, but will the fact that it's just chillin' on my shelf right now mess it up?

Also, how much light does just a single plant need?

Really sorry if these are frequently asked, but I've been all over the internets getting contradicting information and I'm about ready to pull my hair out.

Thanks a bajillion in advance,
~TC

P.S. I'll post pictures of it in a bit.

[Slapshot]

If you're just growing for a week, it would be best if you kept it in a sunny window during the day, and cfl all night. The more light the better.

[beefymcmanstick]

I do not trust new arrivals.

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd512/crimsonking842/1296656849296.jpg

[zombo.com]

a question is a question, if you've nothing to contribute in a specialist forum, please don't bother.

Back on topic, slapshot has it right, that young you don't really want to be feeding it, the best thing you can do is water it and give it as much gentle light as you can manage.

[Terminally_Curious]

Cool, thanks for the tips. I'm driving it over to my friend's house in like, 5 minutes. If I can tack another quick question about lighting:

From what I've read, the plant will do okay with cool white CFLs. Are there any other types of lights that aren't horrendously expensive to supplement, or replace the CFL?

Thanks a bajillion for the help so far,
~TC

[Erorr]

lol i have a very beginner question, figure this thread will suffice instead of making a new thread.

After germinating you place the seed with the sprout facing down ward or upward in the soil?

[zombo.com]

YouTube - A Land Down Under - Men at Work

you know...this is fucking hilarious, because i literally had to answer the same question from my mother a few hours ago.

[Trix Are For Kids]

Sprout down but it really doesn't matter. The seed will turn down or up if it has to.

[The Greek]

...Just put them sprout down.