How to sow zinnia seeds outdoors

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How to sow zinnia seeds outdoors

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 31 May 2019 at 9:15 am

We show you how sow zinnias outdoors in the warmth of late spring and early summer.

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If you're looking to grow flowers for vibrant summer colour, look no further than zinnias. With so many zinnia varieties available, it's no wonder they're such a popular cut flower.

Zinnias can be sown indoors from February to April, but can also be sown outside in May. Just choose a fertile, weed-free area, whether it's a gap in a border or a patch of bare soil, and get sowing.

Once they're in bloom you can expect a profuse display of summer colour up until the first autumn frosts.

Learn how to sow zinnia seeds outdoors, below.

You Will Need

Rake
Soft string or twine
Zinnia seeds

Step 1

Making a shallow drill

Rake weed-free soil to a fine, crumbly consistency. Use a taut string to make a straight line and take out a shallow drill.

Step 2

Sowing zinnia seed

Sow the seeds along the drill, making sure they are 10-15cm apart. Use your hand to fill the drill with soil, lightly covering the seeds.

Step 3

Watering the drill

Water the seeds well, adding a label to the area so you know what you're growing. Keep the soil most, but not saturated, as seedlings begin to grow, and cover with a cloche.

Step 4

Thinning out zinnia seedlings

When seedlings have formed a couple of pairs of leaves, thin them to around 30cm apart. Water frequently in dry weather and keep weed-free.

Zinnias for pollinators

Zinnias are attractive to pollinating insects, particularly hoverflies. To ensure they can reach the pollen and nectar, grow single-flowered varieties that don't block pollinator access.

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