How to Grow Zinnias

No flowers are easier to grow than zinnias - just plant, stand back and watch them grow into cheerful, brilliantly colored blooms perfect for cutting. The red and bright-pink varieties are especially attractive to butterflies.

Seeds
Bypass Pruners
Gift Bags
Fertilizers
Garden Trowels
Plants
Gift Bows
Mulch
Wrapping Paper
Tissue paper
Compost Makers
Garden Spades
Gift Ribbons

Instructions

- 1
  Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky, with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flowers on them - they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering.
- 2
  
  Choose a site in full sun, although zinnias usually appreciate a little afternoon shade in especially hot regions. Zinnias like rich, well-drained soil.
- 3
  Plant seedlings or seeds in spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Seeds can be sown directly in the soil, 1/4 inch deep and a few inches apart. Thin to 6 to 12 inches, depending on the variety's mature height. Seedlings, which will produce earlier blooms, should also be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart, again depending on their mature height.
- 4
  
  Keep soil somewhat moist. Mulching is a good idea. Zinnias can survive in soil that's on the dry side but will wilt in very dry conditions.
- 5
  Trim faded flowers, or cut flowers often for bouquets, to promote more and longer blooming.
- 6
  Fertilize every four to six weeks, or work in a slow-release fertilizer (or plenty of compost) at planting time.
- 7
  Tear out and discard plants in fall, after frost fells them.

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