Growing Zinnias

My wife, Mrs. David's Garden Seeds aka Juanita, loves to grow zinnias each year in front of our Farm Store. 

Why zinnias, you ask? Well, they're unlike other flowers in a few key ways. First, they're incredibly prolific. The more you cut them, the more they bloom! It's like a floral magic trick. Second, they come in a rainbow of colors and a variety of sizes, from petite button-like blooms to giant dahlia-like showstoppers. And third, they're super easy to grow, even for beginners.

Now, you might be wondering, should I start from seed or buy pre-grown plants? Both work great, but starting from seed is incredibly rewarding and gives you a wider selection of varieties. Plus, it's more economical, especially if you want a lot of zinnias. Here at David's Garden Seeds®, we just got in a shipment of new zinnia seeds, some that we have never before carried. You can find them here. 

So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how to grow zinnias. It's a simple process, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

**Part 1: Sowing the Seeds**

Zinnias love sunshine, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They're not too picky about soil, but good drainage is key.

You can sow zinnia seeds directly into the ground after the last frost, or start them indoors about four to six weeks before the last expected frost. If starting indoors, use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix, like the kind we sell in our Farm Store.

Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Zinnias usually germinate within four to seven days.

**Part 2: Germination Time**

As mentioned, zinnia seeds are quick to sprout. Keep an eye on your seeds, and you'll see tiny seedlings emerge within a week. It's always exciting to witness the beginning of a zinnia's life cycle!

**Part 3: Soil Requirements**

Zinnias aren't too fussy about soil, but they prefer well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter. Amending your soil with compost or aged manure can give your zinnias a boost.

**Part 4: Watering Wisdom**

Water your zinnias regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about an inch of water per week, including rainfall. Water deeply at the base of the plant to encourage strong root growth.

**Part 5: When to Bid Farewell**

Zinnias are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season. Here in South Central Texas, the zinnias that we plant in March and April turn brown by August but the good thing is they drop their seeds. In August, my wife pulls up the brown ones and right away, new zinnias begin to grow. These will last until the first frost. Once the first frost hits, your zinnias will start to decline. You can pull them up at this point and add them to your compost pile.

**Part 6: Seed Saving Secrets**

Want to save seeds for next year? It's easy! Let some of your zinnia flowers go to seed. Once the flower heads are dry and brown, you can collect the seeds. Store them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them again.

**Part 7: The Art of Cutting Zinnias**

Cutting zinnias is a joy! Not only does it encourage more blooms, but it also brings the beauty of your garden indoors. Cut the stems at an angle, preferably in the morning when the flowers are freshest.

Zinnias last and when you pull them up, they replace themselves with the seeds they dropped when they turned brown. You get your money's worth when you buy zinnias.