Quick Facts:
Giant Dahlia Flowered Mix: With massive blooms up to 4 inches in a mix of vibrant colors, this variety brings dramatic dahlia-type double flowers to your garden. Perfect for creating colorful landscapes or filling large planters.
Zinnia Sowing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
Timing: Sow zinnia seeds outdoors once the risk of frost has completely passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F. This usually aligns with late spring.
Choosing the Right Spot: Select a location that gets full sunlight, ideally at least 6–8 hours a day. Zinnias thrive in well-drained soil, so choose a spot with soil that doesn't retain too much moisture.
Preparing the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6–8 inches, and enrich it by mixing in compost or other organic matter to ensure good fertility and drainage. This will help zinnias grow vigorously.
Planting the Seeds:
Thinning the Seedlings: Once seedlings reach about 3 inches in height, thin them to about 6–18 inches apart, depending on the variety. This gives each plant the room it needs to grow and improves airflow, helping prevent disease.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 5–7 days. After that, water deeply but let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
Timing: Begin sowing zinnia seeds indoors about 4–6 weeks before the expected last frost date. This gives seedlings enough time to establish before being transplanted outside.
Setting Up Containers: Use small pots or seed trays filled with a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix. This mix should be moist but not saturated to support seed germination.
Planting Seeds:
Germination Conditions:
Thinning Seedlings: Once the seedlings produce their first true leaves, thin them to one per pot by removing the weaker one, ensuring each plant has adequate space and resources to grow.
Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting, gradually introduce the seedlings to outdoor conditions. Place them outside in a sheltered area for a few hours daily, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures.
Transplanting to the Garden: Once the risk of frost is fully past and the soil is warm, transplant the seedlings into the garden. Space them 6–18 inches apart, depending on their mature size, and water thoroughly after planting.
General Care Tips for Zinnias
