How to Plant Zinnia Seeds

Zinnias are an annual flower that can add a variety of color to the garden. They are available in small miniature varieties and giant varieties that can grow quite tall. They are a warm-weather flower that blooms from late June until the first frost. Zinnias are easy to grow and care for, perfect for a low-maintenance garden. Miniature zinnias work well in outdoor containers and pots and the giant variety can be used to make striking flower arrangements.

Things You'll Need

• Seeds Starter pots Soil Compost Sand Mulch Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Sow zinnias inside 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover loosely with soil. Keep the soil moist in a warm, sunny place.

2. Prepare your garden bed by mixing in compost. Zinnias prefer well drained soil so add a small amount of sand if necessary.

3. Transplant the zinnias outside after all danger of frost. Space them 4 inches apart for small varieties and up to 2 feet apart for large varieties.

4. Keep the soil moist, watering up to 2 times per week. Mulch around the plants to help them retain moisture.

5. Add a general-purpose fertilizer to the soil monthly during the growing season. Deadhead the spent blooms by gently pinching them off to encourage continued flower production.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the stems near the base for indoor flower arrangements.

• Hard frost will kill zinnias, cover them if a light frost is expected.

References

• Gardener's Net