Zinnia Seeds

Are Zinnias Easy to Grow from Seed?

Yes, zinnias are easy to grow from seed, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. Zinnia seeds germinate quickly and develop into sturdy, low-maintenance plants that produce vibrant blooms all summer long.

Warm temperatures and well-draining soil are crucial for keeping your zinnias healthy. Zinnia seeds need moist soil to germinate but once they’ve become established it’s important to avoid overwatering.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Zinnia Seeds?

You can sow zinnia seeds directly in the ground after the last frost or, if you want to get a jump start, germinate them indoors and transplant them once the soil has warmed. Here are some simple tips for growing zinnia seeds:

• Consider your climate - Check the last frost date in your zone to avoid sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings too early.
• Plant in warm soil - Wait until the soil is consistently above 60-70℉ to sow zinnia seeds or transplant seedlings.
• Don’t sow too deep - Plant zinnia seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in well-draining soil in an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
• Harden off seedlings - Before transplanting seedlings, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.

While zinnias are fairly hardy and relatively drought-tolerant, they are sensitive to cold. Check the USDA plant hardiness zone map for the last frost date in your area to determine the best time to plant your zinnia seeds.

How Long Do Zinnias Bloom?

Healthy zinnias bloom continuously for several months starting in the early summer and lasting through to the first frost. At Park Seed, we offer a wide range of zinnias including popular varieties such as:

• Double Zahara Salmon - This compact plant produces salmon-colored blooms that draw bees and butterflies to your garden.
• Whirligig Hybrid - An heirloom variety, these cheerful daisy-flowered blooms sport a wide range of colors and patterns.
• ‘State Fair’ Mix - This old-fashioned variety yields jumbo-sized blooms in classic orange, red, pink, purple, and white.
• Queeny Lime Red - Produces large, double flowers that shade from deep maroon to lime green with soft pink hues in between.
• Peppermint Stick - This colorful candy-striped variety features patterns of bright scarlet, purple, orange, rose, and vermilion.

To keep your zinnias blooming, be sure to deadhead spent flowers to encourage new growth. You can also plant new zinnia seeds every few weeks to keep your garden lush all summer and well into the fall.

Can Zinnias Be Grown in Containers?

Yes, zinnia seeds can be grown in containers —especially low-growing and compact varieties like Zahara, Thumbelina, Magellan, Profusion, and Dreamland.

To keep your zinnias healthy, plant them in well-draining soil and place them in full sun. Water regularly to keep the top inch of soil just damp and remove spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.

Buy Zinnia Seeds Online with Park Seed

Cultivate your dream garden with our collection of premium zinnia seeds. Choose from a diverse range of varieties, from timeless heirloom varieties to one-of-a-kind exclusives. All of our seeds are 100% non-GMO and backed by the Park Seed guarantee.

Ready to grow? Browse our full collection of flower seeds and plants.