The age-old question from beginning gardeners is often how many seeds should I plant per hole or per container. There is no standard answer. Several factors figure into seed planting numbers. Read on to learn more.
How Many Seeds Per Hole?
The size and age of the seeds to be planted figure into the equation. So does the expected germination rate for each type of seed. To learn the expected germination rate for each type of seed, it is normally found in the information on the back of the seed packet, or you may search the online.
Age of the seed is a factor too. We expect seeds to be fresh when packaged, but after that our only indication of their true age is the expiration date on the packaging. Some seeds continue to be viable past the date when they expire.
Perhaps we have seeds left from last year’s plantings. These seeds will possibly still sprout. These are situations where we will increase the number of seeds per hole. Some gardeners always plant at least two to three seeds per hole, just in case.
Number of Seeds Per Hole When Planting
Depending on the rate of germination and how fresh tiny seeds might be, plant two or three per hole. Some herbs and flowering ornamentals grow from tiny seeds. Often, all seeds will sprout, but this is not a problem with these plants. You may leave them all to grow together. If all seedlings that sprout are not top quality, snip them off at the soil line instead of pulling, leaving the best seedling in place.
When planting medium sized seeds that may be old, make the holes slightly bigger if you’re planting two or three. Don’t exceed three seeds per hole. If more than one germinates, snip off extras at the soil line also. This prevents disturbance of the seedling roots on the one you’ll continue growing out when thinning.
Don’t add more than one large seed to a hole. If you’re attempting a specific number of plants or just want a fuller pot, plant the large seeds closer together. You can snip or pull out those that are too close. Remember, seedlings need good airflow around them to avoid damping off.
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Other Factors That Affect Seed Planting Numbers
Some seeds have a thick outer shell. These sprout more readily if soaked overnight or nicked with a sharp tool. Plant these afterward, according to size.
Some seeds need light to germinate. If this is the case with the seeds you’re planting, don’t allow extra seeds in the hole to block others from getting light. You may cover seeds with a light layer of perlite or coarse sand to let the light through.
Growing plants from seed is the best way to get unusual varieties. It is less expensive than buying all your plants. Now that you’ve learned the basics of how many seeds per hole to plant, you’re one step closer toward successfully growing your plants from seed.
FAQs
Usually, you want to plant two or three seeds per hole because not every seed will germinate. The packet your seeds came in will also let you know approximately how long it will take for them to germinate. Make sure you label the container with the date and the name of what you planted.
How many seeds to plant in a pot? ›
Add one seed to each pot or cell. Use the crease of the seed packet or place seeds in a creased piece of paper to help direct the seeds where you want them to go. Sometimes not every seed will germinate. To increase your chances of success, add 2-3 seeds to each pot and thin out the extras once everything has sprouted.
How many seeds should I plant in one hole? ›
Like most things in gardening, there are always exceptions to this rule of 2-3 seeds per hole. If you're planting large seeds like cucumbers, melons, or pumpkins, you should only use one seed per hole. However, you can still plant seeds close together and then thin them out once they've established themselves.
Is it OK to plant more than one seed in a pot? ›
Depending on the seed, it's usually a good plan to plant more than one seed (but not too many!) Some seeds just aren't viable, so it's good to plant two or three just in case. You can always cull them later if you have multiple sprouts.
Do I plant the whole packet of seeds? ›
If only a few plants are needed, it is not necessary to plant all the seeds in a packet. Surplus seed often can be saved for a later planting date. Keeping seed dry and cool or at least at room temperature in a closed container is best.
How many seeds per 4 inch pot? ›
Fill pots to about half an inch to an inch from the top with a moistened seed starting mix. Then place seeds on top of the soil – up to 20 can be started in a 4 in. pot and later transplanted to individual pots. Alternatively, purchase a seed starter tray, which is designed for one seed per slot.
What happens if you plant too many seeds close together? ›
Crowded seedlings are a common problem that can prevent plants from reaching their full potential. If you don't plant your seeds far enough apart, they'll have to compete for the same sun, water, air and nutrients in the soil.
Can you plant too much seed? ›
Quality grass seed labels include guidance on optimal seeding rates to maximize your results. Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.
Can you start seeds in 3 inch pots? ›
The rooting space is rather limited, though, so I try to move seedlings out of them as soon as possible. These 3-inch pots are from previous herb purchases, I think. They too are handy for starting small seeds, but as they are somewhat taller, they're a little less stable if they're not in a tray.
What size pot is best for seeds? ›
For standard sized plants like lettuce, I find that 2.25" square pots offer a nice balance of rooting size in a compact space. For larger plants like tomatoes, you can easily upgrade to 1 quart pots, allowing the plants to stretch out nicely. You can also select pots that have a more depth for better root systems.
Plant Your Tomato Seeds
Place 2 or 3 seeds in each container or cell, and use a seed starter mix such as Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix to encourage fast root growth. Fill your containers with the potting mix and then add water until it's the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
Can I start seeds in 4 inch pots? ›
Fill 4-inch pots to just below the rim with a light, porous seed-starting or potting mix. (You can make your own mix by combining 1 part each of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.) Moisten the mix, and let it drain. Scatter seeds thinly over the surface.
Should I water seeds every day? ›
The Short Answer
Most seedlings require water every day or every other day. First, check the soil moisture using your finger by checking the soil color near the drainage hole. If the soil feels or appears dry or brittle, irrigate thoroughly until water pours out of the bottom of the tray, then stop.
Do you soak all seeds before planting? ›
Almost all seeds can be pre-soaked, but it is large seeds, seeds with thick coats and wrinkled seeds that will benefit most. Small seeds benefit less and are difficult to handle when wet. Examples of seeds that benefit from soaking include peas, beets, cucumber, corn, squash, pumpkin and beans.
How many seeds should you plant together? ›
In terms of germination rate, you'll want to plant for optimal success with your plants. Instead of thinking in terms of starter pot count, consider how many holes you'll make in the soil. Tally that up, and compare that to the germination rate. Chances are you should plant at least two seeds per hole.
How many seeds are in a 3 inch pot? ›
You have to put 5 to 10 at a time otherwise it will become difficult later to plant them somewhere else. For large seeds normally one seed per pot unless it's a large pot. For small seeds two or three unless it's a wide shallow pot where you plant much more.
How many tomato seeds should I put in one pot? ›
Plant Your Tomato Seeds
Place 2 or 3 seeds in each container or cell, and use a seed starter mix such as Miracle-Gro® Seed Starting Potting Mix to encourage fast root growth. Fill your containers with the potting mix and then add water until it's the consistency of a wrung-out sponge.
