Everything you need to know about growing Zinnia seeds
Growing Zinnia Seeds Questions & Answers
What month is best to sow zinnia seeds?
Zinnias are warm-season annuals that thrive in temperatures between 21°C to 29°C so the ideal time to sow zinnia seeds is typically in late spring or early summer, after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up sufficiently. In most climates this is in May or June.
Does zinnia come back year after year?
Zinnias usually do not come back year after year on their own. However, in some regions with mild winters, zinnias may self-sow and produce new plants from dropped seeds.
Are zinnias easy to grow?
Yes, zinnias are considered easy to grow. They tolerate a wide range of soil types and can adapt to less-than-ideal growing conditions. Zinnia seeds are easy to sow directly into the garden or in containers, and germinate readily under warm temperatures, requiring little maintenance once established.
Do zinnias like sun or shade?
Zinnias thrive in full sun and prefer to be planted in locations that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
How long do zinnias take to grow from seed?
Zinnia seeds germinate within 4 to 7 days. Flower buds develop within 6 to 8 weeks from the time of sowing and the plant can start blooming within 8 to 12 weeks from sowing seeds.
Should I soak zinnia seeds before planting?
No, soaking zinnia seeds before planting is not necessary. Zinnia seeds germinate readily when planted directly into moistened soil and providing warmth, sunlight, and keeping the soil moist during germination is sufficient.
Can zinnias grow in pots?
Yes, Zinnias can be easily grown in pots. Just choose a container with drainage holes and fill with well-draining soil. Place the containers in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Do zinnias like to be crowded?
Zinnias generally prefer to have some space between plants to thrive and produce their best blooms. When spacing zinnia plants, aim for approximately 15 to 30 centimeters apart.
Do zinnias spread?
While individual zinnia plants can grow wider as they branch out, they do not spread extensively through runners or rhizomes like some other plants. However, zinnias can self-sow under favorable conditions, dropping seeds that may germinate and grow into new plants nearby.
How do you keep zinnias bushy?
The most effective technique to keep zinnias bushy is to pinch the main stem when it reaches 15-20cm tall and remove the top 3-5cm of growth. You can repeat this process once or twice during the growing season to promote further branching.
How do you keep zinnias blooming?
To keep zinnias blooming throughout their growing season, maintain full sun exposure, adequate watering and deadhead spent blooms regularly.
How often should I water zinnia?
Zinnias prefer consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. In general, water zinnias deeply when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
How deep do zinnias need to be planted?
Sow zinnia seeds at a depth of 0.5-1cm in the soil. After planting, water the soil gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and provide consistent moisture for germination.
