How to Plant Zinnias from Seeds – Step by Step

Zinnia flowers are beautiful and can last for almost two months every year. Zinnia flowers are very simple to propagate from seeds. Zinnias bloom all summer and you can plant Zinnias in a pot. In this article, we will explain how to plant Zinnias from seeds step by step and how to care for Zinnias in pots and in the grown. 💐

Due to its variety of colors and shapes, we will have a wide range of choices when deciding on one of them.

Characteristics of Zinnias

Zinnia flowers have strong and resistant stems, thanks to these they can withstand stronger winds than other plants. There are two main families of Zinnias, the difference is in their sizes, some grow up to 18” (45 cm) in height and the others reach a little over 40” (1 m) in height.

Are Zinnias Annuals or Perennials?

Zinnias are annuals. Meaning Zinnia flowers will not return the next year, because Zinnias are not perennial flowers.

Do Zinnias Bloom All Summer?

Do Zinnias Bloom All Summer? Zinnias usually bloom between early and mid-summer and last well into winter. Some cases also bloom during the spring. 

Can You Plant Zinnias in a Pot?

Can You Plant Zinnias in a Pot? Another advantage of Zinnias is that they can bloom in pots. So, you can grow Zinnias in a pot, easily and have pots with Zinnias bloom all summer.

How to Plant Zinnias from Seeds Step by Step

Now we are going to explain the steps you need to follow to know how to plant Zinnias from seeds. These are very simple steps with a high success rate.

When is the Best Time to Germinate Zinnias Seeds?

When is the Best Time to Germinate Zinnias Seeds? You should sow zinnias seeds in late winter and early spring. Make sure that the frosts are over.

Growing Zinnias from Seeds Step by Step

1. Get good quality Zinnias seeds. Quality zinnia seeds here.
2. You can plant the seeds directly in the ground or pots. If in pots make sure they have good drainage.
3. Prepare the soil with good drainage and rich in organic matter.
4. Place the seeds on the soil and apply a thin layer of soil.
5. Zinnias seeds do not need to be buried.
6. Water the soil or pot.
7. If you used a pot, place it in a sunny spot.

How Long Does it Take for Zinnias to Grow?

How Long Does it Take for Zinnias to Grow? After 8 to 12 days the Zinnias seeds will germinate. When the seedlings are bigger you can repot them directly into the ground or a larger pot. 

How Long Does it Take for Zinnias to Bloom?

How Long Does it Take for Zinnias to Bloom? It will take between 3 to 4 months for Zinnias to bloom, depending on the variety. If you sow zinnias seeds in late winter or early spring, Zinnias flowers will bloom early to mid-summer. Zinnias species that can grow up over 40” (1 m) in height will take more time to bloom, between 4 to 5 months, and will bloom late summer until winter.

Now let’s go to the details of each step of planting Zinnias from seeds. Continue reading for all the tips to grow Zinnias from seeds for care for Zinnias.

You already know How to Plant Zinnias from Seeds, now we will give you some tips on How to Care for Zinnias so that they bloom all summer.

How to Plant Zinnias from Seeds: Best Soil for Zinnias

Planting Zinnias from Seeds – Best Soil for Zinnias. Zinnias need soil rich in organic matter and good drainage. You can add perlite to improve the drainage of your soil.

How to Plant Zinnias from Seeds: Light

Planting Zinnias from Seeds – Full Sun. Choose a sunny spot. Zinnias like the sun and need between 6 to 8 hours of sunlight. It can also grow in semi-shade, but it is not ideal for correct development.

The more hours of sunlight the Zinnias receive, the faster it will develop and grow stronger, thus avoiding pests and diseases.

Care for Zinnias Watering

Zinnias Watering. Zinnias require moderate watering. They should be watered every 2 or 3 days. If the soil is dry, we should water them but never flood them.

Can you plant Zinnias in a Pot? Potted Zinnias placed in sunny spots may be needed to water every day, just a brief watering to keep the soil humid or not too dry, but not too wet.

It needs humid soils but is not flooded, since its roots do not support soils with an excess of humidity.

We recommend watering directly on the soil without wetting the leaves, otherwise, we can cause them to rot or fungus always do it in the late afternoon or evening.

Care for Zinnias – Pests and Diseases of Zinnias

Care for Zinnias – Pests and Diseases of Zinnias. There are a few insects that love to devour our Zinnias attracted by their scent and color. You should be on guard for the following:

Ants: They usually nest at the base of the stems and build their tunnels along with the roots. This causes empty air chambers where that cannot absorb nutrients from the soil. Spray insecticide into their burrows to get rid of them.

Caterpillars: The terror of every plant lover. If you are careless in one night, they can devour half of your Zinnia. You must be attentive and check for possible eaten leaves of your bush. If you spot one, move it far away using your garden gloves.

Beetles: They are very dangerous because they devour the most precious part of your plant: its flowers. As they are usually very brightly colored, you should have no problem noticing their presence. Spray them with a little insecticide to get rid of these annoying tenants.

Remember good soil drainage and not wetting the leaves is a great method of preventing pests and diseases in Zinnias.

Are Zinnias Deer Resistant?

Are Zinnias Deer Resistant? Zinnias are deer resistant. Fortunately for our gardener readers who live in areas with deer, these flowers are not attractive to deer.

Are Zinnias Poisonous to Cats?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Zinnia species (family Asteraceae) are not poisonous to dogs, not poisonous to cats, and non-toxic to horses.

Are Zinnias Poisonous to Cats? Zinnias are non-toxic to cats.

Are Zinnias Poisonous to Dogs?

Are Zinnias Poisonous to Dogs? Zinnias are not poisonous to dogs.