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Growing from Seed

When to thin out seedlings?

16 years ago

Hello-

I am wondering if/when I need to thin my seedlings to 1-2 strong plants per pot. In the case of Butterfly Weed, Parsley, and Leek, for example, I have anywhere from 4-8 little plants growing up in my 3" square jiffy pots. Should I snip them back so only 1-2 plants remain? When do I do that? Right now most plants only have 1 set of leaves.

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

yiorges-z5il
16 years ago
nost aafter 1st or 2nd set of TRUE leaves form....
oilpainter
16 years ago
Wait until the first or second set of true leaves form and then you can separate them into individual plants in individual pots. Unless you don't want that many plants then you can pinch them off now. Leave a couple per pot.
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bananastand
Original Author
16 years ago
What about leeks? Will they develop more than one long grassy type leaf?
Belgianpup
16 years ago
"What about leeks? Will they develop more than one long grassy type leaf?"

That one long leaf is the plant. They will grow more, and some of the lower ones will turn yellow and wilt, but they all grow from the same base, not in a rosette or anything.

Sue

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