Proper Way to Plant a Flower and How Deep to Seed - Eagle Landscaping Supply (2024)

FAQs

How deep are you supposed to plant flower seeds? ›

Seeds generally are planted at a depth of two times the diameter or width of the seed. As an example, consider a seed that is 1/8 inch thick. This seed would be planted approximately 1/4 inch deep. Place tiny seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them lightly with vermiculite or soil.

Under most conditions, the optimum seeding depth for small grains is 1.5 to 2 inches. Aim to place the seed in a zone with ample moisture, but shallow enough so the crop can quickly emerge. Adjusting and monitoring your seeding depth is critical.

How deep you should dig a flower bed will ultimately depend on the types of flowers that will be planted. The minimum depth should be at least 6” as the majority of plants will need a depth of 6-12” deep. 12” is also a safe bet.

Lightly scatter seed directly over the areas. Tamp seeds down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Doing this to a flower meadow is like working on bare spots in a lawn, and can be done once a season when soil temperatures are between 55-70° F in the spring, or after two hard frosts in the fall.

If you have don't have the packet, a good rule of thumb is to plant the seeds at a depth equal to twice their width or diameter (depending on seed shape). A pencil is a handy tool to make a hole and determine the correct depth. You can measure the point of the pencil ahead of time to denote a quarter or half inch.

All plants have surface level roots that are responsible for taking up water and nutrients to the rest of the plant; if the root ball is planted too deep, these roots can suffocate or rot. This causes the plant to decline rapidly.

So, the general rule of thumb for proper planting depth is to dig the hole two to three times as wide as and no deeper than the bottom of the root ball to the trunk flare.

Planting when soil is wet destroys the healthy soil structure you've worked so hard to build. The result is compacted soil which can take years to repair.

How to plant a flower garden for beginners? ›

The rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth equal to two or three times their width. It is better to plant seeds too shallow than too deep. Some seeds, such as certain Lettuces or Snapdragon, need light to germinate and should not be covered at all.

Wildflower seeds are much smaller than vegetable seeds, and their optimal germination conditions are on the soil's surface. The two scenarios where you may cover your seeds are if you are planting on a steep hill or if you're planting on a site exposed to strong winds.

If you covered the seed with a hefty layer of soil they just might be planted too deep and can't find their way to the surface. I suggest resowing, but try this. Wet the soil in the pot. Next, rough it up using a small hand rake, or even your fingers, making fairly shallow furrows in the soil.

Another option is to tuck seeds directly into soil outdoors. Planting seeds this way is called direct sowing, and it is an easy process that yields great results. Unlike indoor seed starting, direct sowing involves unpredictable elements: weather, wildlife and insects.