How to Grow Zinnia Flowers

Zinnias are annual flowers that come in a wide variety of exuberant and colorful blooms. Extremely versatile, zinnias can be used in floral arrangements or to bring life to window boxes and walkways. Ranging in size from miniature to giant, narrow-leaf and common zinnias are excellent for filling gaps left by dormant spring bulbs, while creeping zinnia makes for excellent ground cover or gorgeous hanging baskets.

Things You'll Need

• Zinnia seeds of your choice
• Water
• Planter or clay pots
• Potting soil
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Choose locations that contain well-drained, enriched soil and provide access to full sunlight. Window boxes and hanging baskets are an option, if you have limited yard space.

2. Plant one color per location, if you plan to save seeds. Zinnias are cross-pollinators, so each color must be planted at least 1/4 mile apart in order to retain true colors from harvested seeds.

3. Start seeds indoors for early blooms. At least 6 to 8 weeks before the last predicted frost date, plant 1 to 2 seeds in peat or clay pots. Cover with 1/4-inch of soil, and water generously. For creeping zinnia varieties, simply press seed in to soil, but do not cover. Enclose each pot in a plastic bag until seedlings have sprouted.

4. Transplant zinnias to their outdoor home after all danger of frost has passed, and leaves have started to develop. Dig a hole deep enough to hold the potted seedling, then gently remove seedling from pot and set in hole. Cover with surrounding soil and water.

5. Plant seeds directly in to soil at outdoor location, after all danger of frost has passed, if you do not wish to start them indoors. Sow into soil, cover with 1/4-inch of soil and water thoroughly.

6. Thin zinnia seedlings to provide at least 12 inches between each plant, or 18 to 24 inches for larger varieties.

7. Add fertilizer monthly, once zinnias have started to bloom. Water each plant just enough to keep the soil moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Pinch off (deadhead) expired blooms to extend blooming time. Mulching around plants will prevent weeds and improve appearance of the flower bed.

• Keep foliage dry to prevent fungal diseases such as rust and powdery mildew.

Resources

• Organic Fertilizers
• About Zinnias