![]() It thrives in humid weather with cool nights. Powdery Mildew looks like a white powder on leaves. Deadhead them frequently to keep them blooming since it stops them from producing seeds and encourages them to begin the bloom cycle again. Once your seedlings have 4 sets of leaves, clip or pinch back to just above a set of leaves to encourage them to branch out. Mulching can help keep down weeds, avoid soil splashing that can spread disease, and as well as keeping soil more consistently moist. Water the soil, being careful to avoid the foliage. Keep zinnias consistently moist but not soggy by allowing the top inch of soil to dry between watering once plants are established. Cultivate shallowly – zinnia roots are close to the soil surface.įertilize if the soil is deficient with a slow-release or liquid, phosphorous-rich fertilizer. Well-weeded patches of zinnias will also get more airflow, which helps avoid fungal disease. Keep them weeded well so there’s no need to compete for water or nutrients. Keep in mind it’s best to transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening to reduce transplant stress. Transplant seedlings after the threat of frost has past, as zinnias are frost sensitive. Harden-off seedlings for 7 to 10 days prior to transplanting, by moving plants outdoors for a portion of the day to gradually introduce them to the direct sunlight, dry air, and cold nights. Pot zinnias into a larger container before they become rootbound while being careful not to disturb roots. Zinnias are often started in 4- or 6-celled pots, and biodegradable pots work well. ContainersĪlmost any clean container with proper drainage holes will work. It is best to use a weak fertilizer solution more often rather than to over-fertilize. If your seed starting mix does not contain nutrients, feed your seedlings regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer that has equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By thinning early, you minimize the negative impact of crowding, like stretching for light. Look for thick, strong stems and deep color – the strongest plant may not be the tallest. Sow two seeds per pot, thinning to the strongest plant once leaves appear – clipping extras at soil level with scissors. ![]() Sow seeds 1/4″ deep using a lightweight seed starting mix/media. Zinnias do not benefit from being planted early wait for warmer weather. Indoor SowingĤ to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow a group of 3 seeds every 8″-12″ apart and ¼” deep, depending on the variety (consult your seed packet). A soil test is the best way to know how to amend your soil. ![]() Zinnias thrive in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun (6 hours or more). The ideal soil temperature for zinnia seed germination is 70°-80☏. Sowing Outdoor Sowing (recommended)ġ to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Zinnias which are native to Mexico, appreciate warm weather and bloom heaviest when daylight is less than 12 hours. The more you cut them, the more they will branch and bloom.
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