Should I Thin Out These Cockscomb?

Question

Hi there! We are new to gardening. Our generous neighbors gifted us Cockscomb starter plants last year. They were gorgeous in our 100 year old bathtub planter. (See photo of last years crop) We saved every seed. My sweet husband planted them for me…but he planted the entire bucket of seeds in the tub. I’m worried they are so dense that they won’t bloom. Should we do something? If so, what and how? Please see attached photo of current state they are in. I spread the plants apart to show the base. Many Thanks! Jennifer Johnson

Answer 1

Ideally, for them to be happy, they need about 7 inches between plants. Unfortunately, thinning needs to happen when they are seedlings, though.

At this point you can, continuously, cut to the base some of the plants (don't pull them out) to leave about 6 or 7 inches between each plant in all directions. This will help ensure proper flowering.

Here is an article to help you care for the plant:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cockscomb/growing-cockscomb-flowers.htm

Answer 2

Wonderful! I will work on cutting the bases as you suggested. It is so hard to cut something so pretty. (They are like my babies to me now!)
Many thanks for your reply.
By the way…are you THE Bush Doctor that makes the Coco Loco Potting Soil?

Answer 3

No, no, no… You are thinking of the company, FoxFarm. They make a soil called Bush Doctor: CocoLoco. I do use it when I don’t have my own soil built up and ready to use.