How many seeds to start

[DeanRIowa]

For example, if I want to grow 4 tomato plants, how many many seeds should I start?

thanks,
Dean

[kygreg]

If I were growing 4 plants of the same variety and seeds were less than 5 years old, I would plant 4 seeds and then 10 days later plant 4 more. I would keep all plants that germinated until the 4 I put in the ground were at least 15" high.

[carolyn137]

Originally Posted by DeanRIowa

For example, if I want to grow 4 tomato plants, how many many seeds should I start?

thanks,
Dean

I'm assuming four plants of the same variety.

But as greg has implied, it's often important to know the age of the seeds you're dealing with.

In his example he said less less than 5 years old and I'd do it a bit differently than he does.

I make the assumption that 5 yo seed has about a 50% germination rate, possibly a bit more, so that's a worse case scenario in terms of germination.

So for variety X I'd sow 9-10 seeds at the same time in order to be sure to get at least four seedlings.

As it often happens, you'll get many more seedlings than that, but as I said, you look at the worse scenario as to seed age first, then decide how many seeds to sow. At least that's what I do.

[kygreg]

Carolyn has much more knowlege and experience than I do and I would listen to her. If I have too many seedlings, I dont usually find it hard to give them away.

[rxkeith]

if i want 2 plants of a variety, i'll plant 5 seeds, and pick the strongest looking ones to plant. so, for 4 plants, i would use 8 to 10 seeds. you will end up with extra plants most likely, but thats a good problem. it doesn't hurt to have backups in case one bites the dust after planting out. i bring extra plants into work every year, and have never had to take any back home.

keith in calumet

[DeanRIowa]

Thank you all for the responses.

Yes, in my example I was thinking of the same variety. I think I will plant 10 seeds and pick the best to plant as recommended. I actually plan on at least 20 different varieties next year, so it looks like 200 seeds plus to plant.

Dean

[Worth1]

Just to toss in my 2 cents, I will plant from 6 to 10 seeds of the same variety not just for germination problems but for any mishaps that may occur.
I will keep these in a holding pattern for a while until the ones I have picked out are on their way.

Once all looks well I will then give all of the plants to my wife who then delivers them to work.
There my plant and tomato friends will grow them out at their home.

Its no big deal to me to sprout too many seeds as all of them will get a good home.

Worth

[johno]

I usually germinate eight seeds for any one variety and keep 2 to 6 of the healthiest ones to transplant to my garden. The rest I give away to good homes. Last year I planted about three dozen varieties plus cherry types, and had no trouble finding good homes for the extras.

[feldon30]

I sow more seeds of cherries and oxhearts than of other varieties. The seeds are usually smaller and I've had germination troubles with them. I pre-soak all my seeds in weak tea and a few drops of seaweed emulsion before planting as shallow as possible (sometimes just laying the seed on top of the soil and draping a few strands of peat moss on top).

[the999bbq]

I also seed a few extra so that I can have at least some selection of the strongest/healthiest plant for myself. I give the others away and there is usually nothing wrong with them (the evidence is that most of the people I gave plants last year are already asking me for more next year so..)
I thought there was a saying somewhere that suggest you sow one for the weather, one for the pests, one for yourself and one as a backup ;-); If you have the room and the time, it is usually better to have one too many than one short...it amazes me though how small my sowing space starts of with and what space it takes up when then plants become bigger ;-). if you sow 21 I think you have a (minimally sized) statistically relevant sample to determine the exact germination rate of your seed variety; usually you have enough seeds anyway and your next crop will provide you with new fresh seeds so, in my opinion it is better to be a bit excessive on starting. To some pinching out sounds cruel, for others it is best practice...

[Tomstrees]

I always sow 5 seeds of each variety and keep the best 2-3 seedlings tops - if they are a no show ? Another 5 will do ...

Good luck,

Tom