Thinning/not thinning annuals

[thomas.r.silverman]

Hello,

In the pictures attached are my sprouted seeds (hollyhock, African daisy and cosmos.)

Would I need to:

- Thin these down to one plant per cell in these current seed trays?
- Let them grow for a while then pot them up individually before going in the ground?
- Or will they be ok to grow to a decent size alongside each other in these cells and then plant them directly into the ground?

Seed starting mix is general all purpose compost and perlite, roughly 1/1.

Many thanks in advance,
Thomas

 

[Marck]

Let them get a little larger so that they're easier to handle. A good stage is when they show two to four true leaves.

Then, either separate and repot them, or, pinch out the smaller seedlings. This depends on how many seedlings you need or want.
You should get more if you separate them, though occasionally you'll lose some due to the trauma.

 

[thomas.r.silverman]

Got you, thanks Marck.

I'll be wanting to keep as many as possible so i'll go for the re-potting route.

Thanks again for your advice!