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Direct Sowing Zinnias: There's Still Time!

By stacy ling

Gardening Tips & Tricks

Grow beautiful zinnias with minimal effort! This guide teaches you how to directly sow seeds outdoors for stunning results.

Timing Wait until all danger of frost has  passed, typically 2-3 weeks after the last frost date to be safe. Aim  for a soil temperature of above 60 degrees for optimal germination. If  you aren’t sure how warm your soil is, you can use a soil thermometer  like this one.

Choose a sunny spot Zinnias thrive in full sun, receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

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Ensure well-drained soil Poor drainage can lead to root rot. Amend your soil with compost, leaf mold, or other organic matter to improve drainage if needed.

Prepare the planting area  Remove any weeds, debris, or previous plant material. Rake or till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to create a good planting bed. Amend the soil with 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage. Create a level surface for planting by raking it smooth.

Follow spacing instructions Refer to the seed packet for the recommended spacing between seeds and rows. Common spacing  ranges from 6-12 inches for dwarf varieties to 12-18 inches for taller  varieties.

Sow seeds thinly Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to competition for resources and disease problems.

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Plant at the right depth, Cover Lightly and Water Well Gently press seeds into the soil to the depth specified on the seed packet. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds. Water gently to settle the soil and ensure good moisture contact with the seeds.

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Follow along to learn more about starting zinnia seeds.

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