How to Grow Zinnia Flowers from Seed

The Zinnia is renowned for its intricate and colorful flower head. It comes in a wide variety of colors with the exception of the color blue. The flower is native to North America in warm climates such as Mexico and Florida. For the rest of us we enjoy the zinnia as an annuals. The Zinnia flower is easy to grow, and will add exceptional color to your garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunny Garden
• Rich soil
• Organic mulch
• Soaking hose
• Zinnia seeds

1. 
    

   The ideal time to sow the seeds in spring after the danger of frost has past. A bed in a sunny location with well drained soil is preferred. Zinnias aren't particular to soil, but if soil is rich in clay or rocky, you may want to add some organic compost. No need to dig a hole for the seed, just toss, and then place compost lightly over the seeds. Germination takes 7-14 days.

2. If seeds come in too thick you may have to spread them out, do so when they are about 2 inches tall. Best to transplant the Zinnia' s 6-8 inches apart

3. 
    

   Once Zinnias are established, mulch lightly to retain moisture.

4. 
    

   Avoid powdery mildew by watering with soaking hose. Best time to water is in the morning.

5. 
    

   Deadhead the zinnia will encourage more blooms. You can reseed with the spent blooms or you can give seeds away to your neighbors or friends.

6. 
    

   When all the other flowers are spent, the zinnia will be the feature in your garden with the non stop color show from summer to frost. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds especially enjoy the nectar rich zinnia, and will flock to your garden. For your mid summer garden, Zinnia is the heat seeker and drought tolerant. In fact the hotter the days the more blooms Zinnia is the gardeners' choice for late summer gardens.

7. Zinnias will bloom until frost. Deadhead all spent blooms, let seed heads dry out. Keep seeds until next season in an envelope. Indicate type of zinnia and height of flower on the outside of the envelope

Tips & Warnings

• Zinnias have been cultivated in USA since 1798
• Originally grown by the Aztec Indians
• Long lasting cut flowers
• Remove leaves from stems when you cut for bouquet

Resources

• Secret Garden
• Design Secrets for Yard and Garden
• Home and Hearth

[swanprincess2]

on 9/15/2009 I separate the seeds from the dead heads and let dry naturally. I also clip off the flower petals and save for potpuri.

[MidniteWriter]

on 8/22/2009 This is something I might have to tackle next year. I learned a lot thanks to you! 5*

[LNAngel]

on 6/17/2009 Can you replant the actual dead head that you've clipped or do you have to break the head open to get the seeds out? I'm looking to replant from seed, and I'm not sure how to do this with my zinnias (nor am I aware of how many seeds to plant per hole). I'm a complete amateur so your tips are welcomed!

[LNAngel]

on 6/1/2009 I love the Zinnias I planted (they are featured in the retaining bed article of mine you read). I've been careful to deadhead often, but the blooms are sparse and not as big as they used to be. I may try using the spent blooms for seed, as you suggest.

[tikrit01]

on 12/22/2008 What a beautiful flower! I will have to try this in my garden. 5 stars!