Thinning Seedlings

[Artisan]

Why is it stated that vegetable seedlings have to have two true leaves before they can be thinned?

Greg

[veggiechicken]

I leave mine to grow more than the 2 seed leaves and use those as a "handle" when pricking out into larger pots. -

[Artisan]

Thank you. I just wondered why. I have some Kohlrabi seedlings in rows in the plot that will need thinning. Although they have yet to grow true leaves I could easily thin them now. Would that be or not be a wise move?

[veggiechicken]

Depends on how confident you are that the ones you leave will survive! Maybe how thinly spaced they are too.

[Artisan]

Thank you!

[Bren In Pots]

If I'm not replanting my thinnings I eat them in salads.

[Penellype]

Seeds of dicotyledon plants (most veg apart from the onion family) have 2 halves which turn into the seed leaves. You can see this most easily with beans and peas - if you remove the outer coating from one of these it will fall in half. While the plant has only the 2 seed leaves it is using the energy from the seed to form a network of feeding roots. Once the true leaves start to form this is a sign that the plant now has a reasonable root system and should be strong enough to cope with transplanting.

[Artisan]

Thank you for a very interesting explanation

[Snoop Puss]

Brilliant explanation, Penellype. And thanks for asking the question, Artisan. I've learnt something today.

[Artisan]

Yes, I agree.