At a Glance
Zinnias , with their vibrant hues and long - survive blush , are abeloved additionto any garden . Bysaving seedsfrom last year ’s flowers , you could easily propagate these pollyannaish plants and enjoy their sweetheart for seasons to come . Here ’s a comprehensive guide to help you successfully plant old maid seeds from last class ’s flowers :
Harvesting and Storing Zinnia Seeds
1 . Select Mature prime : Choose healthy , fully open zinnia flowerswith plump , dark - color source heads.2 . Cut and Dry Seed Heads : Cut theseed headsfrom the stems and set them in a composition bag or gasbag . fall the bag in a warm , dry placefor 2 - 3 week , or until the semen caput arecompletely dryand brown.3 . Remove seed : mildly mash theseed headsto exhaust the seeds . apply a fine - meshwork sieve to separate the seeds from any chaff or debris.4 . Store in a Cool , Dry Place : Store the zinnia seeds in an airtight container in a cool , dry place , such as a refrigerator or adark pantry . They can stay practicable for up to 3 years .
Preparing the Soil and Planting Seeds
1 . Choose aSunny Location : Zinnias thrivein full Dominicus , receiving at least 6 60 minutes ofdirect sunlightper day.2 . Prepare Well - Drained grunge : Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter toimprove drainageand fertility . Zinnias prefer more or less acidulous soil with a pH of 6.0 - 6.5.3 . Sow Seeds in Spring : Plant thezinnia seed indoors6 - 8 workweek before the lastfrost escort . instead , you may inseminate themdirectly outdoorsafter the soil has warmed to at least 55 ° F ( 13 ° C).4 . Plant Seeds Shallowly : Sow the seeds about 1/4inch deepand space them 6 - 8 inches aside . Gently tauten the soil around the seeds and water softly .
Germinating and Growing Zinnia Seedlings
1 . Provide Warmth and Moisture : Keep thesoil consistently moistand leave a warm surround for the seed to pullulate . you may cover the jackpot orseed trayswith a moldable bean to make a mini - greenhouse effect.2 . Germination Time : Zinnia seedsusually germinate within 7 - 14 days . Once they emerge , off theplastic domeand supply slew of sunlight.3 . Thin Seedlings : When theseedlings developtheir first set of true leave , thin them out to the strongest ones . Space the seedlings 6 - 8 inches apart to promote sizeable growth .
Caring for Zinnia Plants
1 . Water on a regular basis : Water zinnias deeplyand on a regular basis , especially during hot , juiceless weather . quash overwatering , as it can head to root rot.2 . Fertilize Monthly : fertilise zinniasevery 4 - 6 week with a balanced fertilizer . This will supply them withessential nutrientsfor optimal growing and flowering.3 . Deadhead Spent flush : on a regular basis remove spent bloomstoencourage continuous floweringthroughout the season.4 . Pest andDisease Control : Zinnias are by and large low - maintenance plant life , but they can be susceptible to aphid , spider pinch , and powdery mold . Treat infestations right away with appropriate constitutive or chemical controller methods .
Conclusion: Reap the Rewards of Zinnia Seed Propagation
By following these footprint , you’re able to successfully plant old maid flower seeds from last year ’s flowers and enjoy theirvibrant bloomsfor seasons to come . Not only is it a toll - effective style to expand your garden , but it also allows you to preserve the beauty of your preferent zinnia smorgasbord . Embrace the joy ofseed propagationand let the colorful tapestry of zinnias grace yourgarden yearafter year .
Frequently Asked Questions
1 . Can I plant old maid seeds directly outdoors?Yes , you’re able to sow zinnia seeds directly out of doors after the lastfrost date . However , begin them indoors 6 - 8 weeks earlier will give them ahead startand make bigger , more vigorous plants.2 . How long dozinnia seedstake to germinate?Zinnia seeds typically germinate within 7 - 14 days under optimum conditions.3 . How deeply should I plant old maid flower seeds?Sow zinnia seed about 1/4inch deepin well - drain soil.4 . How far asunder should I space zinnia seeds?Space zinnia seeds 6 - 8 column inch apart to provide enough room for their roots and foliage to develop.5 . Do zinnias want full sun?Yes , zinnias thriveinfull sun , receive at least 6 hour ofdirect sunlightper day.6 . How often should I water zinnias?Water zinnias deeply and on a regular basis , specially during spicy , dry weather . keep off overwatering , as it can guide to root rot.7 . How can Iprevent powdery mildewon zinnias?Provide good air circulation around zinnia plants andavoid overwatering . you could also apply afungicide specifically designedfor powdery mildew .
