Still, there are lots of options when deciding which zinnias to plant.

As a quick, easy annual, tuck zinnias around other plants or make a full zinnia patch.

If you plan to transplant zinnias, double-check not to disturb the roots or allow plants to become rootbound.

items for planting zinnia seeds

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

That doesnt mean you cant make the most of the growing season, though.

You still have a choice between starting zinnia seeds indoors or sowing seeds directly outdoors.

Once they sprout, thin them carefully to encourage the strongest to thrive.

Materials and tools to plant zinnia seeds

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Give enough space so that sufficient air flows around the mature flowers, preventing disease.

Moisture is important in the early weeks, but verify it doesnt get soggy.

Well-drained soil is a must to prevent problems.

Zinnia seeds planted into garden beds next to red zinnia flower

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Some varieties bloom prolifically all season long.

Heavy humidity might be your only obstacle to constant zinnias all summer.

Water Them Properly

Water and sunlight will keep your zinnias blooming fully and frequently.

Zinnia seeds placed inside natural pot

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Too much water, however, will riskpowdery mildew, one of the only diseases zinnias are susceptible to.

Provide about an inch of water per week, through rain or irrigation.

If you want to encourage tall zinnias, stake the largest so they dont flop over.

Soil checked by hand for moist conditions

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Cut the stems above the leaf or bud nodes and new stems will keep growing and producing new blooms.

No, zinnia seeds don’t require soaking before planting.

The best time depends on whether you plant the seeds directly outdoors or start them indoors.

Zinnia plantings poking through the soil

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Outdoors, you better wait until the soil has warmed to at least 70F.

Indoors, the best month is usually around April or May.

Zinnias grow equally well in the ground and in pots, provided you water them adequately.

Red zinnia flowers watered with white watering can

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Like all container plants,they need more waterthan plants in the garden.

Zinnia plant being trimmed with hand pruners

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Zinnia seeds collected after red flower blooms

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky