Learning the process of growing plants in a step-by-step manner and watching the transformation process is a rewarding process. It is more exciting than buying plants from a nursery or garden store. Tiny seeds become fully grown plants and produce more seeds when given enough time to germinate. When buying seed packets from a nursery or a garden store, you must have observed that the packets recommend planting multiple seeds in each hole.
It is a common question asked by several people as to how many seeds you should plant together such that there is a proper amount of space and depth and germination happens in the best way. It may be tempting to plant a single seed per hole and use only what is required. Planting more than the required number of seeds can harm growing seedlings. Planting only a single seed will often leave empty spaces in your garden or planter where nothing will spout.
Different important considerations come into the picture when you are getting seeds started indoors to grow plants. Other gardeners have different responses to this, and several factors come into play. Every seed is not equal from a fitness and germination perspective.
Before you start planting cannabis, hemp or any other type of vegetable of fruit seeds, let’s cover some basics that help determine the number of seeds you’ll need to grow your garden plants.
Germination Rate
Not all types of seeds are equal. Some of the plant species have higher germination rates than others. Even if it is a single plant type, some older seeds cause the germination to go down.
Seed Size and Germination
Certain fruits, like pumpkins, cucumbers, and melons, have high success rates. It is because larger seeds have a higher germination rate as a result of higher fitness. However, if there is a situation where there are already two seeds in the same hole, you need to trim them. Certain plants have tiny seeds, like lettuce, which germinate at lower rates. You will often find more success with such types of seeds when several seeds are planted in one hole.
How Many Seeds Are Required for Planting?
The most important factor affecting seed germination rate is seed size. Another main factor includes the condition of the planting area where you are deciding to plant your seeds. You must make room for any loss or failure in the hardening process. Several times, a single seed may not be enough to produce a healthy plant.
Grains, Vegetables, and Fruits
Tomatoes have medium-sized seeds with a super-high germination rate. In such a case, you can plant 1 to 2 seeds in each hole and thin the plants as required after the seeds sprout. One reason tomatoes are popular with all gardeners is the ease of growing them from seeds. It is essential to have a good seed mix to succeed with tomato seeds planted individually.
Giant onions have a medium size and a hard casing. The seeds of giant onions have a high chance of success when fresh. In such a case, 2 to 3 seeds per hole can be applied. The reason behind this statement is that onions grow in various conditions. If you have a lower success rate than expected in one growth period, you can sow more seeds later.
Final Thoughts
If you want the proper guidance to know how many seeds are required to grow a plant, you can consider the guidance of an expert gardener or carry out in-depth research online. The proper knowledge will help you better understand seeds, germination rates, and sowing.
Danielle Dixon
Danielle is a content writer at Homegrown Outlet. Aside from having a longtime passion for literature and writing, she is also an animal lover who enjoys crafting and watching documentaries.
