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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, http://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates/MI/Hancock, http://vric.ucdavis.edu/pdf/Soil/ChangingpHinSoil.pdf, https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/zinnia/slide/1, http://www.denverpost.com/2008/05/23/zinnias-can-take-the-heat-and-drought/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. GROWING NOTES. Seeds of zinnia flowers should usually be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed. Sow two or three seeds 2in (5cm) apart at 12in (30cm) spacing. It is a genus of plants of the sunflower tribe within the daisy family.They are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a center of diversity in Mexico. The simple steps outlined below will help you transplant zinnias and keep them happy and healthy. Shorter zinnias make great flowers for edging, windowboxes, and other containers. Poke seeds into the soil about one-half inch (1 cm) deep and 3 inches (8 cm) apart. When planting zinnias in the ground, space them either 6-9 inches or 9-12 inches apart, depending on desired appearance. Plant them about 1/4” right in the ground, spaced as much as your chosen variety needs, anywhere from a couple of inches to a couple of feet. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Planting giant zinnias in your landscape will add color and interest as well as attract butterflies to your property. Till over the planting site again to mix the fertilizer into the soil. Plant mums 18 to 36 inches apart, depending on the mature size of the plant. References. Dig holes equal in depth to your measurement with a trowel. Benary Giant zinnias are the gold standard when it comes to zinnias. It's a good idea to wait a few days or a few weeks after the last predicted frost date. If you don't want to alter your soil's pH, plant your zinnias in a pot or raised gardening bed with potting soil that has the right pH level. Choose an area that receives bright direct morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon. Zinnias are colorful flowers that bloom in the summer months. 5 Hold the giant zinnia plant upright and backfill the soil into the hole. Seeds from hybrid plants typically do not come true to the parent plant, so if you love a specific attribute of the zinnia, such as its double flowers or special colorings, you might be disappointed by the offspring of hybrid zinnias. Mix the compost into the top 6 inches of soil using a tiller. Tips. "The information is to the point, understandable and precise. Limestone should be added to the top seven inches of your soil. If given good soil and a steady supply of water, plants can get huge and require some type of support. They are highly regarded for consistent performance, able to survive in cool, warm and hot weather. Select a type of zinnia that is best suited for the size of the container. Whether you choose a small or a large variety, they will need plenty of personal space. Adequate spacing and regular, even watering discourages mildew and keeps zinnias productive. Zinnias are mostly annual plants, popular because of the colourful, daisy-like flowers.Native to Mexico, there are 18 species and hundreds of cultivated forms, which are grown as annual bedding plants. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost over the planting site. Thin to 8 to 18 inches apart, depending upon the variety, once the plant has grown four leaves. Thin out the seedlings, so you end up with one plant every 12in (30cm) or so. Usually, you insert the test in the soil for a set period of time, sort of like using a thermometer, and then check the test to see the pH. Water the prepared soil with the garden hose until it is slightly moist. Become a Partner. Tests vary in terms of use. Limestone is your best option to raise pH levels. Can I move the plants after they start to grow? You can plant zinnia seeds yourself or you can buy zinnia plants in a pack from your local plant nursery or a garden center. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Larger varieties should be placed 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Plant zinnias in full sun. Is this true? Yes, you can move them after mid-May. The seeds are large enough to be relatively easy to handle and should be spaced approximately 25cm apart. Stake plants when they reach 10 inches in height to keep the stems from bending with the weight of their blooms. However, in the event of a very heavy rainfall, you may want to wait a few days to plant. You’ll want to plant them about 12 inches (30 cm.) However, they are tender annuals, and they don’t always transplant well. Sow Zinnias seeds 1/4 inch deep. If you have purchased zinnias from a local nursery and … The colors range from pale to vibrant, in an assortment of just about every color except blue. They are at home in cottage and children’s gardens, and they are often grown in cutting gardens. Once your zinnias have sprouted (in approximately seven to 10 days) and grown to about 3 inches in height, thin the plants out to 10 to 12 inches apart. Five-inch blooms with layers of rectangular petals are the defining characteristic of these easy-to-grow annuals. National Garden Bureau Inc.: 2011 Year of the Zinnia, Garden Hobbies: How to Grow Zinnia Flowers. Zinnias require good air circulation between plants to stay healthy. Repeat with each plant. Then they will be ready to put outside when the air and soil temperature warms up. To lower pH levels, opt for acidic materials such as pine needles and peat moss. Zinnias can be started indoors from seed four weeks before the last frost in your region. Thin to 12 inches (30 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties. If you want to stimulate flowers, remove the wilted ones. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Water growing zinnias when the top 2 inches of soil become dry. Thin seedlings to stand 8-24 inches apart, depending on the variety, when they are about 1-2 inches tall. Profusion Zinnias have been called the best zinnias on the market today. The zinnia is a great plant for the home garden. Zinnia plants are started from seeds. Start growing Mexican zinnias in fertile soil. For large, abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded. I personally plant mine close and don’t thin them. It flowers profusely, and is relatively easy to care for. Learn How to Grow Zinnia, Growing Zinnia flower, Zinnia plant, Zinnias care. Why Do the Ends of Peace Lily Leaves Turn Brown? Weather is unpredictable and there's always a chance the forecast could be wrong. That is a kind of "honeycomb" layout. The vibrant, tropical colors of zinnias work well in a hot border, picking up the hues of other reds and oranges. It takes air and soil of more than 70 F to germinate well, so wait until spring is firmly in place before planting zinnia seeds. Tamp the soil down firmly around the root ball. Start s… Proper spacing is important as overcrowded zinnias may not grow. Plant your sm… How Far Apart To Plant Zinnias. If you need to lower your soil's pH fast, opt for sulfur. Start zinnias indoors in peat pots and place the sprouted plants under fluorescent lights four to six weeks before the last spring frost is expected. Well-drained soil is important because zinnia seedlings can be prone to rotting in cool, wet soils. Select a spot that receives good air circulation and has well-draining soil. This will give you an idea of how many plants will be required. Plant zinnias in spring by sowing the seeds about 1/4-inch deep in the soil and space each seed about a foot apart from the next. Turn over the soil with your shovel or garden fork in the area we want to plant your zinnias. Water the zinnia plants with a garden hose to ensure that they are well hydrated for planting. I've been told by a well-meaning neighbor to snip off the first bud on my zinnias so they will branch out. Taller zinnias make great backdrops for flower gardens. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,100 times. With a little time and effort, you will have a beautiful garden of zinnias to enjoy over the summer. Small varieties of zinnias should be placed 4 inches (10 cm) apart. Zinnias thrive in full sunlight and should be planted at the beginning of the warm weather season. Keep the area lightly moistened. (Many common varieties are planted 6 inches apart within the row and 2 feet in between rows.) Mostly, they are planted 6 inches apart within a row with each row being 2 feet apart. It's a good idea to bring a measuring tape to ensure proper … Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Giant zinnias are sun-loving plants that reach heights of 2.5 to 4 feet. The easiest way to start zinnias is to plant them directly in their final beds outdoors. Ideally, I like my zinnia plants to be about 18 inches apart. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Seeds from open-pollinated plants, though, will grow true to the parent plant, so it makes sense to harvest those seeds. For best results, start your zinnias inside in late winter or early spring, and then transplant them after the weather warms up outside. Starting Zinnia Seeds. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. You will see the Zinnia seedlings begin to come up in about 5-7 days. Apply a 20-20-20 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium slow release granular fertilizer to the planting site. This is done to maximize air circulation. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. I space my rows 16 inches apart, with the idea that if the plants are "staggered" from one row to the next, they will be about 18 inches apart in all directions. Each plant should be spaced at least 6 to 24 inches apart. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Zinnia. Space the holes 12 to 18 inches apart. Zinnia plants can take a few weeks to become established, but once it warms up, expect them to bloom from summer right through fall. Cover to the depth specified on the seed packet with a light soil/sand/vermiculite mix or use a preprepared seed raising mix. The package should indicate how much fertilizer should be used depending on the size of your garden. But usually the seed packets will give you some guidance on this. Measure the height of the giant zinnias' root balls. How to plant Zinnias. Space seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart when large enough to handle so plants have good air circulation and enough elbow room to grow and bloom freely. Zinnias famously hate root disturbance, so it is best to sow directly into freely drained soil with a fine tilth. Review your fertilizer's package for precise instructions on use. The peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) Bloom colors include bright oranges, pinks, yellows, reds and whites. If you're interested in gardening as a hobby, zinnias are a fun addition to any garden. The soil will be very wet and adding sand may not be enough to dry it out. Space the holes 12 to 18 inches apart. Water the seed bed well with a fine … Step 1: Choose the Location. If you wish to start growing zinnia plants from seeds indoors, plant the seeds in peat pots, poo pots (pots made from cow dung) or other biodegradable containers that can be planted directly into the garden later. Mexican Zinnia Plant Care. Don't forget to water them generously when you do it. Zinnia seedlings grow in about 4 to 7 days after seeding. Plant giant zinnias anytime in late April through May on an overcast day or in the early evening hours. Yes, new branches will appears to replace the bud. One plant can grow up to 12-18 inches wide, with multiple flowers on long stems. Space plants 4 to 24 inches apart, depending on variety. See back of seed packet for variety-specific advice. Plants are spaced 9 inches (23 cm) apart with five rows per bed. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. Water the planted zinnias to a depth of 6 inches. According to those growing Mexican zinnias, these plants get 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 cm.) Seeds of zinnia flowers have to be directly sown. Growing zinnia plants can be inexpensive, particularly when growing them from seed. Your zinnias will grow best in moist, rich soil. Zinnias thrive in a sunny location, so choose an area without a lot of shade. Plant zinnias in spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Zinnias do best in dryer soil and benefit from occasional watering and trimming. A preferred method for starting your zinnias is to plant them direct in your garden soon after the danger of frost has passed. is a tropical plant commonly grown as a flowering house... California. For example, if you planned to plant and there was an unexpected rainfall, some sand can be used to improve conditions. Zinnias grow quickly and you’ll have beautiful bright blooms in about 60 days. Make the holes twice as wide as the root balls. This article has been viewed 16,100 times. Great in form, comes in a variety of colors, and absolutely massive when it comes to their size - a good four feet tall (if not taller) with large 3-4” flowers that are absolutely stunning. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow.