Starting Zinnias Indoors

October 07, 2024 Post a Comment

Starting zinnias indoors

The ideal soil temperature for zinnia seed germination is 70°–80°F. When to start inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Transplant outdoors after last frost. Zinnias do not benefit from being planted early; wait for warmer weather.

Do zinnia seeds need darkness to germinate?

Zinnias need darkness to germinate so use a black plastic cover if possible. Seeds will germinate in 4-8 days at 70-75°F. After germination, grow plants at 70-75°F during the day and 65-70°F at night.

Should I soak zinnia seeds before planting?

Soaking zinnia seeds before planting for about 12-24 hours will help reduce germination time. Sow zinnia seeds about ¼ inch deep and lightly water after planting. After about a week, you'll see seedlings emerge from the soil.

How long do zinnia seeds take to germinate indoors?

Zinnias don't transplant well, but can be started indoors, if necessary, in peat or coir pots, 6-8 weeks before planting out. Maintain a soil temperature of 21-26°C (70-80°F). Seeds should germinate in 5-24 days.

Can I just scatter zinnia seeds?

However, you can also just scatter your zinnia seeds! I've done this in the past. If you do this, just make sure you space them out according to the variety you're growing. You can put more seeds than you need, though.

Is it better to start zinnias indoors?

Starting Zinnia Seeds Indoors Colorado State Extension notes that zinnia plants are best started by direct-seeding in the garden; therefore, it is best to sow the seeds indoors into 2 1/2- to 4-inch biodegradable peat pots that will break down when planted outside in the soil.

What is the best way to start zinnia seeds?

How to Sow

Sow indoors 5-7 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring using a seed starting kit.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula.
Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F.
Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days.

What is the best way to germinate zinnias?

So we're going to add a little bit of water. And you're going to make sure that your zinnias. Stay

How do you keep zinnia seedlings from getting leggy?

The best way to fix leggy seedlings is give them more light, ASAP! This could mean adding a supplemental grow light if you're not using one already, upgrading to a stronger light, or lowering your current light closer to the seedlings so it is more effective.

How many zinnia seeds in a hole?

Plant seeds 1/4" deep and 24” apart, using 3 seeds per hole. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate in 8 - 10 days. Once the seedlings reach 2", thin out so you have individual plants spaced 24” apart. Water regularly allowing the soil to go nearly dry between each watering.

What happens if you don't soak seeds before planting?

As a general rule of thumb, your seeds will sprout even if you don't soak your seeds before planting, but with soaking the germination time decreases, and the germination rate increases. Seeds that have a continual flow of moisture to uptake have much higher chances of success.

Do zinnia seeds need cold stratification?

Zinnia seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Zinnia seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.

How cold is too cold for zinnia seedlings?

Zinnias are sensitive to frost, so do not seed until the last frost has passed in your area. See your local frost dates. Zinnias will grow in a minimum daytime temperature of about 60°F (16°C), though a range of 74–84°F (23–28°C) is preferred.

Can zinnias grow in pots indoors?

Select the Right Container Use 6- to 8-inch containers for zinnias that only grow to a height of 6 to 8 inches. Use 10- to 12-inch-wide containers for larger cultivars. Always use containers with drainage holes in the bottom so the excess water can drain away.

How do you grow zinnia seeds in pots indoors?

And I'm going to take the seeds and plant them directly in the middle of my pot like this about an

How many years do zinnia seeds last?

Zinnia seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years.

Should you deadhead zinnias?

Zinnias should be deadheaded. Either cut mature stems to use in fresh bouquets for the home or remove the old blooms after they have faded. Deadheading and regular harvesting are essential to prolong blooming and promote branching.

Is it too late in the season to plant zinnia seeds?

It's not too late to plant zinnia seeds for late summer color that will last until the first frost. They also make an incredible cut flower with a long vase life.

Do zinnias do better in pots or in the ground?

Zinnias will thrive in your container gardening ideas. If you're choosing this option for how to grow zinnias, make sure you choose a large container that has drainage holes in the bottom. The taller the zinnias you have in mind, the larger the container should be.

Should I pinch zinnia seedlings?

The secret to getting the longest stems from your zinnias is pinching them when they are young. Here's how it's done: When plants are between 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall, take sharp pruners and snip the top 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) off the plant, just above a set of leaves.