Yes, And Here’s Why
- Zinnia started indoors withstand pest damage more easily No matter what region you live in, you probably have snails, slugs, or earwigs just waiting for your zinnias to be planted in the garden. ...
- Give seedlings the advantage over weeds ...
- Get a headstart on the season by sowing indoors ...
- Starting zinnias indoors is easy ...
How do you grow Zinnias indoors?
No matter which type of zinnia you choose, to get a head start on the blooming season, start the seeds indoors. Start zinnia seeds four to six weeks before the last expected frost. Plant in peat pots that are 2 to 3 inches tall.
How long do Zinnias live indoors?
Potted zinnia flowers may live a few months indoors, but don’t expect zinnias as houseplants to survive indefinitely. Here are some tips for indoor zinnia care. Although you can grow zinnias from seed, it’s easiest to start with small bedding plants from a garden center or nursery.
Do Zinnias need full sun to grow?
While you should take advantage of the sun (it’s free and perfect for plants) there are limited circumstances where indoor natural light is enough for Zinnia plants to grow well. A very bright window can cut your grow light needs in half, but if you want to grow lots of Zinnia, you’ll still need one.
Can you save Zinnias for next year?
There are plenty of heirloom varieties, though, that you can save seed from and grow year after year. You will have to put up with some unsightliness; spent zinnia flowers can be on the ugly side. The only way to get seeds is to let the pods dry on the plant.
How do you take care of zinnias indoors?
Water indoor zinnias whenever the top inch (2.5 cm.) of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, and never let the pot stand in water. Fertilize potted flowers every other week, using a dilute solution of a water-soluble fertilizer.
How long do potted zinnias last?
It is not too late to plant a few zinnia seeds for late summer color that will last until the first frost. In addition to zinnias' spectacular garden show where ever you need a burst of color, zinnias are an incredible cut flower. Many varieties of zinnias will last from seven to 12 days in a vase.
Can zinnias live in pots?
Zinnias are colorful additions to any flower garden – they're great for cutting, they are easy to grow and start from seed – so they make a great choice for container gardening.
How long do zinnias stay alive?
With proper care, zinnias should give a vase life of about five days. The great part about zinnias is the more you cut, the more they bloom! So cut away or be sure to deadhead regularly. For the best stem lengths all season long, don't get shy on cutting deep from the plant.
Do zinnias come back every year?
Zinnias work year after year. It's easy to save zinnia seeds. Simply let the flowers dry fully on the stem, then collect the seedheads and lightly crush them in your hand to release next year's seed crop.
Do zinnias only bloom once?
Zinnias are a “cut and come again” flower, so when you cut the plant “hard,” it responds by sending out even more long, strong stems all season long.
How often should you water zinnias?
Watering: Zinnias need moist soil to grow their best. This is especially true of young plants. Water deeply a few times a week so the soil stays moist 6 to 8 inches deep. Don't overwater because zinnias can also succumb to rot diseases especially on wet, clay soils.
Do zinnias like sun or shade?
Plant zinnias in full sun. Zinnias thrive in full sunlight and should be planted at the beginning of the warm weather season. "They are short-day plants that flower when the day length is less than 11 hours, therefore they are perfect for early spring planting when the nights are longer," Mbofung-Curtis explains.
Can I plant zinnias in window box?
Zinnias (Zinnia spp.) are one of the best flowering plants for full-sun window boxes. These annual plants are available in heights from 6 inches to 3 feet. They bloom from spring to first frost, producing flowers in many different colors, including apricot, bronze, pink, purple, red, white and yellow.
What temperature is too cold for zinnias?
The zinnia flower fears the cold and must be sown in a sheltered place if temperatures don't yet exceed 65°F (18°C).
How many times do zinnias bloom?
Zinnias are annuals, so they'll grow for one season to produce flowers and seeds, but the original plant will not come back in subsequent years. They have bright, solitary, daisy-like flowerheads on a single, erect stem, which makes them great for use as a cutting flower or as food for butterflies.
Do zinnias need to be deadheaded?
To keep your zinnias blooming, one of the most important steps in learning how to grow Zinnia is to deadhead the blooms. Deadheading Zinnias prolongs the plants blooming time, encouraging the flowers to continue to bloom. Once the blooms begin to fade, cutting back the Zinnia flower heads will promote new growth.
Do zinnias bloom all summer?
Blooming from mid-summer until frost, Zinnias are some of the easiest wildflowers to grow, adding their bright, cheerful color to any sunny spot with enthusiasm. These beloved annuals are deer resistant, long blooming and very prolific - the more you cut for bouquets, the more flowers your plants will produce.
How do you deadhead potted zinnias?
Learning how to deadhead zinnias in pots is simple. Begin deadheading by snipping off spent blooms and removing them from the area. New growth, and eventually flowers, flowers should appear from the leaf joints on the stem. Compost the dead flowers or search for seeds you can scatter or save for next season!
Do zinnias like sun or shade?
Plant zinnias in full sun. Zinnias thrive in full sunlight and should be planted at the beginning of the warm weather season. "They are short-day plants that flower when the day length is less than 11 hours, therefore they are perfect for early spring planting when the nights are longer," Mbofung-Curtis explains.
Do zinnias need to be deadheaded?
To keep your zinnias blooming, one of the most important steps in learning how to grow Zinnia is to deadhead the blooms. Deadheading Zinnias prolongs the plants blooming time, encouraging the flowers to continue to bloom. Once the blooms begin to fade, cutting back the Zinnia flower heads will promote new growth.
Preparing your Planter & Watering Zinnia Plants
Zinnia plants do well in moist soil conditions. If the soil dries out completely the roots will die back and it will be tough for the plant to recover. On the other hand, if the roots are exposed to standing water for too long, they can rot.
Starting your Zinnia Indoors: Seed vs Cutting vs Nursery Plant
New Zinnia plants can be started from seed, propagated from an established plant, or purchased live at many garden centers. We prefer to sprout from seed or propagate from a stem cutting, as it results in plants that are adapted to your growing conditions and limit the chances that you accidentally bring home pests.)
Where to grow your Zinnia plants
While you should take advantage of the sun (it’s free and perfect for plants) there are limited circumstances where indoor natural light is enough for Zinnia plants to grow well. A very bright window can cut your grow light needs in half, but if you want to grow lots of Zinnia, you’ll still need one.
Taking Care of Zinnias Week 1-2: Check for Sprouts
You could see seedlings in as little as 3 days (though 5 days is more typical). If it’s been 7 days and you still don’t have any sprouts, it’s likely that your setup is too cold.
Taking Care of Zinnias Week 3: Thin Your Seedlings
Thin your planter to only have 1 seedling per site – leaving the largest plant. If you are using the reccomended planter (at least 4″ / 1 pint) this will mean you’ve got 1 plant after thinning. By getting rid of the smaller seedlings, you’re allowing the biggest and strongest one to flourish by reducing its competition for water, food, and space.
Taking Care of Zinnias Year 1: End of Life
You can prolong your zinnia’s life by pruning it and removing flowers before they have a chance to go to seed, but eventually, it will die. At this time is best to clear the plant and start over.
How much sun do zinnias need?
They require full sun which means at least six hours of direct outdoor sunlight each day. Outdoor sunlight is much brighter than natural indoor lighting, but there is a way around this. It will just take a little extra effort.
How to grow zinnias from seed?
They are easy to grow from seed and there is a much wider selection of cultivars from which to choose. Buy seeds online or at a garden center. Start the zinnia seeds directly in their permanent containers with houseplant potting soil. Set the containers in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist. They should germinate in a week.
How tall do zinnias grow?
Choose Short or Dwarf Cultivars 1 Creeping zinnias ( Zinnia angustifolia) do well in containers. The Cascade Beauties series ( Zinnia angustifolia Cascade Beauties) and Crystal series ( Zinnia angustifolia Crystal) grow to 10 inches tall. They can be grown in regular containers or hanging baskets. 2 Dwarf common zinnias ( Zinnia elegans) like Short Stuff series ( Zinnia elegans Short Stuff) and Small World series ( Zinnia elegans Small World) can be grown in containers. Short Stuff zinnias grow to 10 inches tall while Small World zinnias top out at 6 inches.
How tall do creeping zinnias get?
The Cascade Beauties series ( Zinnia angustifolia Cascade Beauties) and Crystal series ( Zinnia angustifolia Crystal) grow to 10 inches tall. They can be grown in regular containers or hanging baskets.
Do you have to remove zinnias?
Remove flowers of common zinnias as they fade to encourage them to produce new flowers. There is no need to remove the flowers on creeping zinnias.
Zinnia indoors advice
I planted these Zinnia purple prince on 2/17 and today this is what they look like. They are going to reach the top height of my growing stand indoors. I am new to growing flowers indoors. Today I have read about pinching them off to encourage more branching out and a fuller plant.
Comments (17)
You started them way too early for your zone. They need only a 2 week start and should be planted out when all danger of frost is gone, which is 2 months away for you.
How to start zinnias indoors?
Start zinnia seeds four to six weeks before the last expected frost. Plant in peat pots that are 2 to 3 inches tall. Starting seeds in peat pots will do away with the need to re-pot as they grow. Zinnias are annual flowers that come in ...
What is a zinnia?
Zinnias are annual flowers that come in many colors and styles, including single- and double-petaled flower heads.
How big do zinnias get?
21 September, 2017. zinnia image by maslight from Fotolia.com. Zinnias are annual flowers that come in many colors and styles, including single- and double-petaled flower heads. Depending upon the type of zinnias, they can grow from 8 inches to 4 feet tall, so before selecting zinnia seed, consider where they will be planted.
How to thin seedlings in pot?
Thin the number of seedlings in the pot by snipping the weaker ones off at the base.
How to keep a plant from spotting in a pot?
Continue to keep the soil moist, but water the plants from the bottom by keeping water in the seed tray. Check the soil inside the pot for moisture with your fingers.
Why are my Zennias tall?
If the window where the zennias grow isn't sunny enough, they will be tall and lanky from stretching toward the light.
Do zinnias need sun?
Water, and when seedlings emerge, thin them out to the desired spacing. Zinnias prefer full sun, and the National Garden Bureau says they will do well in any soil type as long as it has good drainage. Warnings. Plant zinnias where they will receive afternoon shade in hot, desert areas.
What are the benefits of overwintering annuals?
But the biggest benefit of overwintering annuals is that they give you something to fuss over during the cold, dreary days of winter. Here are 12 annuals I have successfully overwintered in the past. 1.
Why do you overwinter annuals?
If you have an annual that you absolutely loved this season you should overwinter it. Cultivars fall in and out of favor and there’s no guarantee they will be available the next year. But the biggest benefit of overwintering annuals is that they give you something to fuss over during the cold, dreary days of winter.
Can ornamental annuals live in colder zones?
In warmer zones they can be perennials--or at least live for a couple of years--but in colder zones these are plants are usually allowed to die with the first frost. One benefit of overwintering annuals is saving money. ...
Can you bring peppers indoors in the winter?
Don't forget about those decorative peppers in fall planters. They too can be brought indoors for the winter. Did your favorite decorative annual not make my list? What annual do you overwinter every year?
Can you overwinter annuals in a greenhouse?
If you are blessed with a greenhouse or have ample window space, the easiest way to overwinter your annuals is to bring them indoors before they are killed by frost. If, like me, you only have a few windows you can take cuttings of these plants (except for Oxalis) and root them on your windowsills.
How to harvest zinnia seeds?
Trying to harvest a flower too early will result in immature seeds that won't germinate. 1 Once the zinnia flowers are dry, cut or pull them off the plant. Make sure to keep varieties separated and labeled, unless you don't mind a mix full of surprises! Also, avoid watering the flower bed before harvesting seeds, or the seed heads will need more time to dry. Place the harvested seed heads on a screen so that they dry thoroughly on all sides. This may take up to a week, depending on the seed head and moisture level.
How to get zinnia seeds out of a flower?
Take a dry zinnia flower, and "flail" the seed head--hit it gently to release the seeds, or pull it apart or rub it between your fingers over the paper plate to release the seeds . The seeds are small and arrow-shaped. Some might still be attached to the base of a petal. If that’s the case, gently pull off the seed.
How to keep a flower from cross pollinating?
For most of us, though, that's not feasible. Instead, bag or cage several flower buds before they bloom to prevent accidental cross-pollination. Leave the bag on until the flower is done blooming.
Do zinnias come true to their parent?
Before you begin, it's important to know whether your zinnias are open-pollinated plants or hybrids. 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. ...
Can you cut zinnias off the plant?
Once the zinnia flowers are dry, cut or pull them off the plant. Make sure to keep varieties separated and labeled unless you don't mind a mix full of surprises!
Can you grow zinnias from seeds?
Zinnias are among the quickest and easiest flowers from which you can harvest and save seeds. And they produce many seeds per plant, so you shouldn't have to purchase seeds or nursery plants if you want to continue growing zinnias. You also might have enough seeds that you could consider giving away some as gifts.
Can zinnias be cross pollinated?
However, seed saving requires a little planning if you want to make sure that your open-pollinated seeds remain pure, since zinnias can be cross-pollinated by insects from different varieties.
Where to store geraniums?
With geraniums, the entire plant, including the stem and root ball, can be stored hanging from a rafter, or can be wrapped in newspaper and stored on a shelf.
How to overwinter annuals?
Cut back the plant by about a third , and then plant it in a pot with fresh organic potting soil. Place the pot near a sunny window indoors. Another way to overwinter annuals is to take cuttings from your existing plants. The following steps explain how to do this.
How to know if a plant is overwintering?
No matter which method you choose for overwintering plants, make sure you're not bringing in problems with your plants. Carefully inspect each plant or cutting for signs of pests or diseases, and avoid bringing indoors any that show problems. Some common signs include discolored spots on the foliage, wilted foliage, and tiny moving insects. 1 If you want to overwinter a plant that is showing signs of diseases or pests, quarantine it well away from the rest of your plants until you are sure you have the problem under control.
What to do with Dahlia roots that are susceptible to desiccation?
With dahlia roots, which are susceptible to desiccation, make sure to slightly moisten the storage media (peat moss or vermiculite) if it becomes bone dry.
How to keep plastic from forming on potted plants?
Place a plastic bag over the pot, supporting it with skewers, twigs, or stakes to keep the plastic up off of the plant. Set the pot in location with plenty of bright indirect light, but preferably not in direct sunlight.
How much light do plants need?
Remember that most plants will require longer exposure if they are getting most of their light from artificial sources. A plant that needs six hours of sunlight, for example, may require as much as 12 to 14 hours if receiving artificial light only.
Can annuals overwinter?
Overwintering annual plants can be a tricky proposition, as you may well find that some plants just aren't friendly to any of the methods. And there is the issue of providing the right growing conditions. Many plants require a lot of direct sunlight, and this can be difficult or impossible to provide during the short days of winter. Supplementing with artificial lighting is sometimes an option, but some plants don't really like grow lights and will overwinter only if you can find a spot where they get direct sunlight for virtually the entire shortened day.
