How to Plant Zinnia

Zinnias are carefree and easy to grow and add color from early summer to fall. If protected from early fall frost, they will bloom well into the fall, creating a blanket of color in borders or as background plants that reach 4 feet or more. Short dwarf varieties only 4 inches high add sparkle to garden beds and containers and are excellent as cut flowers. Available in a rainbow of colors from shades of pink and red, yellows and orange to white, cream and green, there is a color to suit any garden.

Things You'll Need

• Garden tools Compost/well-rotted manure Zinnia seeds Water-soluble fertilizer

Instructions

1. Choose a location for zinnias that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. These tender annuals are native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico and thrive in the sun.

2. Start zinnia seeds in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Till the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and add plenty of organic matter. Well-rotted manure or compost improves the texture of the soil, enhancing drainage and adding valuable nutrients. Zinnias require well-drained, fertile soil to bloom profusely.

3. Rake the surface of the soil, removing any rocks or debris. Plant the seeds and cover lightly with soil. Space according to the final height. Dwarf varieties should be spaced 4 inches apart, while giant zinnias need 24 inches between plants. Zinnias grown for cut flowers can be planted closer. Firm down with your hands and spray to wet the soil. Keep evenly moist until seeds germinate in four to seven days.

4. Fertilize twice a month with water-soluble fertilizer once seedlings are 4 inches high and have the second set of true leaves. Pinch out center leaves to encourage branching and to develop a bushy plant. Water when the soil dries.

5. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage zinnias to continue blooming. If allowed to go to seed, zinnias will stop blooming. Deadheading fools the plant into thinking it has not yet reproduced, and it will continue to bloom throughout the season if deadheaded regularly.

Tips & Warnings

• Zinnias grow best in temperatures above 50 degrees.

• Zinnias can be difficult to transplant. If started inside, grow in peat pots to eliminate the need to disturb young roots when transplanting.