Dumb Question - spacing of seedlings

17 years ago

Hi gardeners,

I am sort of new to growing from seed, but I have been planting early indoors under grow lights.

Whenever I see pictures of peoples gardens, they look so full - my question is do you really have to plant seedling 12 or 14 inches apart like some of the packages say? When I have done this in the past my gardens look so empty.

Like right now I have about 48 zinnias - how may inches aprt would you plant them?

Thanks for your help

Frustrated gardener - who wants to get her plants in the ground Monday

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Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
What kind of zinnias? Makes a difference.
mamacatnyc
Original Author
17 years ago
What kind of zinnias? Makes a difference.

Oh boy, do I have a lot to learn - LOL

The one that says 12" apart is Thompson & Morgan "Giant Double mixed - half hardy annual

The other one is Burpee Oklahoma Mix (a cut & come again)
okay, these say 2" apart.

Thanks for responding.
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mxk3 z5b_MI
17 years ago
I would follow the spacing on the packet. You may be able to squeeze them a bit closer (for example, if it recommends 2' you can plant 1.5' apart), but don't push it. Annuals grow FAST when the weather warms (actually when the soil warms). If you plant too close together, plants compete for nutrients/water/root room and may suffer.

Am I reading the Burpee right - 2 *inches* apart? Can't be - that's too close for *any* annual.
mamacatnyc
Original Author
17 years ago
Am I reading the Burpee right - 2 *inches* apart? Can't be - that's too close for *any* annual.

OOOPS!! Banging my head into the wall, I just rechecked the package, it is 2 feet part!

Wow - I can't believe you need so much space between these seedlings, and they will fill out??

Thanks again for your response.
jackied164 z6 MA
17 years ago
Personally I think 2 feet is way too far. Somewhere recently I read that a mistake many gardeners make is that they plant annuals too far apart and perennials too close together. I am definately guilty of the latter but cram in my annuals to get a big mass of color.

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Dumb Question - spacing of seedlings

Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

mamacatnyc
Original Author

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mxk3 z5b_MI

mamacatnyc
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jackied164 z6 MA

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Dumb Question - spacing of seedlings

Comments (5)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

mamacatnycOriginal Author

Related Discussions

mxk3 z5b_MI

mamacatnycOriginal Author

jackied164 z6 MA

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

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mamacatnyc
Original Author

mamacatnyc
Original Author