Zinnia: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow zinnias outdoors?
Sow zinnias outdoors once frost has ended and the soil has warmed. In a cool garden, waiting longer is better than sowing early into cold, wet ground. Choose a position in full sun, with freely draining soil and enough space for the variety you are growing.
Remove weeds and prepare a fine surface without unnecessarily working the soil very deeply. Distribute seeds with room between them and cover lightly, following the depth on the packet. Dwarf varieties and tall cutting zinnias do not have the same mature width. Adjust spacing to their growth instead of imposing 20 cm on every variety.
Water gently so that you do not move the seeds. Keep the seed zone moist during emergence without soaking the ground. Germination depends on warmth and seed quality; a precise waiting period cannot be guaranteed for every seed lot.
After emergence, thin carefully once the young plants are easy to distinguish. Keep vigorous seedlings and sufficient room for air to circulate. Watch for slugs and seedling losses, then identify the cause before taking action. Mark the area so that the seedlings are not accidentally removed while you weed nearby.
When do zinnias flower?
How to care for this plant
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Remove faded flowers
To encourage further flowering, remove faded flowers with their short stalks without damaging buds. Leave any heads you want to set seed or keep for wildlife.
