How to Plant and Grow Zinnia Flowers Posted on 25 Jan 04:35 , 2 comments
These beauties are a favorite in our Pollinator Gardens.
Zinnia flowers are an annual, so they’ll grow for one season and produce seeds, but the original plant will not come back in subsequent years.
Zinnia flowers (Zinnia elegans) are a colorful and long lasting addition to the flower garden. They're also great as a cut flower!
I found that our Zinnia flowers really attracted Bumble Bees and Butterflies. There were so many butterflies this year!
Growing Zinnia Flower from Seed
Zinnia Flowers are possibly one of the easiest to grow from seed.
Zinnias grow and flower best in full sun. They can flower in part shade, especially in warmer climates with afternoon shade, but they may be more susceptible to disease and have fewer flowers.
Plant zinnia seeds 6-8 inches apart in rows or clumps. Sow seeds approx 1/4 inch deep in the ground or container. Direct sow seeds after your last frost date.
If you'd like to start seeds indoors to get a head start, sow seeds in germination trays/seed starter pots 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant after danger of frost has passed.
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Zinnia seeds usually germinate in 4 to 7 days.
Zinnia plants do not always transplant well and sometimes become stunted or do not thrive. If you choose to transplant, it is recommended that you do so early and with care.
After zinnias flower, cut off the old flowers (a process called “deadheading”) to encourage more flowers to form.
Under optimal conditions, Zinnias generally take 60 to 70 days from seed to flower.
Ready to plant Zinnia Flower seeds? We offer a few different varieties at Mary's Heirloom Seeds.
