How to Start Zinnia Seeds Indoors

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Want to get a jump the growing season and grow zinnia varieties that are not readily available at the garden nursery? Wait until you see how easy it is to start zinnias from seed.

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Zinnias can be started indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost in your locality. Use a seed starting tray or small pots with drainage holes filled with a quality organic seed starter mix that is pre-moistened.

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Make a small hole then sow the seeds then lightly cover them with vermiculite. Sow only one variety per cell tray as the different plants will germinate at different times.

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Cover seed trays with a clear dome and move them under the grow lights on a heat mat to speed up germination. They typically germinate within a few days to a week.

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Cover seed trays with a clear dome and move them under the grow lights on a heat mat to speed up germination. They typically germinate within a few days to a week.

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Keep soil moist by bottom watering only. Before transplanting zinnia seedlings outdoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 14 days.

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When seedlings are hardened off and ready to plant in the garden, space zinnia transplants about 9 inches apart after the last frost date.

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Water young plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Feed with an organic fish fertilizer for a few weeks and then use a slow-release fertilizer so feeding them is set-and-forget. This will help promote healthy growth and lots of blooms.

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Follow along to learn more about how to grow zinnias and enjoy the flowers.

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