How to Plant Zinnias in Containers
Zinnias are the workhorses of summer flowers. They grow easily, bloom profusely and want very little attention. While they fill up a garden bed quite nicely, zinnias also are happy in containers, making them an ideal patio plant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Clay pot shards, rocks or screen
- Potting soil
- Trowel
- Fertilizer for flowering plants
Instructions
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Place a few shards of clay pots, large rocks or a piece of screen over the drainage hole in your container. Don't completely cover the hole, but arrange so that the soil will not flow out of the pot. Fill the pot with general-purpose potting soil and water thoroughly.
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Sow seeds directly into your container, as zinnia seedlings do not like to be transplanted. Place the seeds directly on the soil and cover lightly with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. Water gently, and keep the soil moist until the plants are established.
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Dig a hole just larger than your plant's root ball, if you are using plants from a nursery. Place the plant into the hole, backfill with soil and tamp down firmly. Water thoroughly. Always water your zinnias at the soil level to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to disease.
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Put your container in a location that gets at least six hours of full sun each day. Zinnias need lots of sunlight and air circulation to avoid powdery mildew.
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Water your plants once a week after they are established. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Zinnias are quite drought tolerant.
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Fertilize once a month with a fertilizer for flowering plants.
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Tips & Warnings
Pinch back, deadhead and cut your zinnias's blooms often to encourage repeat blooming. Zinnias make excellent cut and dried flowers.
