We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Growing Zinnia from Seed?

By Susan Grindstaff
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 8,749
References
Share

If planning to start the flower zinnia from seed, probably the most important consideration is whether to start the seeds indoors or to plant directly into the garden. Starting indoors requires an understanding of the germination process, and poses some risk to the plants when transplanting. Outdoor planting often produces better results, but timing is critical. Regardless of whether starting zinnia from seed indoors or in the garden, the spacing of the seeds is one of the most important factors.

Before deciding on direct sowing or indoor containers for zinnia seeds, gardeners should determine the number of plants they are going to need. If only a few zinnias will be planted, starting the zinnias indoors will not be as difficult and will not require a great deal of space. Those who plan a large bed of the flowers should probably sow the seeds directly into the garden, thus avoiding having to tend a large number of containers through the winter months.

Starting zinnia from seed indoors will require the use of containers, and it is important to place as few seeds as possible for each container. Crowding the seeds could result in smaller, weaker plants, and since transplanting can sometimes be a shock to zinnias, it is important that young seedlings be as strong and healthy as possible. Containers should be large enough to provide ample space for the seeds as they grow, typically 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) in width, and at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep. Ideally, no more than two seeds should be placed in containers of this size. Place the seeds at a depth of about an inch (2.5 centimeters), as burying too deeply will limit the amount of sun the seeds receive.

After planting, the seeds will need to be thoroughly watered and covered in plastic to seal in moisture and then moved to a warm location where they will receive indirect sunlight. When the zinnia seeds have sprouted, the plastic covering can be removed, and a normal watering routine can then be established. The soil should be kept moist, but not entirely saturated. In many cases, potted plants will tend to learn toward the source of light, so it is a good idea to rotate the pots on a regular basis. When the potted zinnias reach a height of about 6 inches (15 centimeters), they can be moved directly to the garden, as long as all danger of frost has passed.

Sowing zinnia seeds directly into the garden bed is not that much different from starting zinnia from seed indoors. It is important to begin sowing after any likelihood of frost has passed, and just as indoors, spacing is still critical. The seeds need to be placed far enough apart so that the plant can grow to maturity without crowding, ideally leaving about 12 inches (30 centimeters) between each seed. Choose a sunny location and water only if the soil begins to dry out. Zinnias are very hardy plants and may not need fertilization, but if the plants do not seem to be thriving, a time-release fertilizer can be used.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By Talentryto — On Feb 26, 2014

Whether you are planting zinnia seeds in a planter, in flowering pots, or in a garden, a tip that I have found to be helpful is to spread the seeds evenly and don't plant them too thick. If you do, too many zinnia plants will grow in one spot and will be overcrowded. However, if you notice that your zinnia plants are very thick once they do sprout, you can thin them out in overcrowded ares. If you want, you can even replant the ones that you remove from one overcrowded spot to another one that does not have too many plants in it.

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-the-best-tips-for-growing-zinnia-from-seed.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.