Last fall I pulled out all the daylilies that were planted at the end of our driveway to make way for new plantings in the spring. I planned to fill the space with Limelight Hydrangeas then Covid-19 happened and I began thinking that these flower beds should be filled with flowers that would bring a smile to our neighbors and all the walkers in our neighborhood. Something unexpected. So I planted a half-pound of zinnia seeds!
From the time we purchased our first home I have planted zinnia seeds. Kirk and I have sweet memories of zinnias in our mom’s flower beds. They are a regular around our house partly because of the memories that are tied to them, both for us, and for our children, but also because they are easy to grow and we enjoy them.
Planting zinnia seeds
Zinnias are one of the easiest seeds to plant, perfect for beginners. Before I plant my seeds I hoe and rake the dirt to eliminate large chunks of dirt. Next, I simply scatter the seeds tossing with my hands into the dirt. After they are all dispersed I lightly cover them with purchased soil (from a garden center, Walmart or Costco) and lightly tap the dirt with my hands or or lightly walk on the soil. It’s pretty windy here in Minnesota so adding a little soil on top and tapping it down keeps the seeds from blowing away.
Planting Zinnia Seeds
Zinnias need the air and soil to be warmed to the 70s F to germinate and thrive so be sure to wait until after the last frost in your planting zone. They do like full sun but can tolerate a little shade.
I find that the easiest way to start zinnias is to plant them directly outdoors. They grow quickly and it saves replanting time and a sore back. This year I purchased my California Giant zinnia seeds from Eden Brothers. I ordered two 1/4 pound packages of seeds. It was the perfect amount for our beds on either side of our country driveway.
Planting Zinnia Seeds Outdoors
The California Giant blooms get to be up to five inches across and come in a mixture of red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and purple flowers.
I have planted zinnias in rows in other flower beds, but my favorite way is planting them “en masse.”
Zinnias are prolific bloomers. The more you cut, the more they bloom! They also bloom all summer long and butterflies love them. It’s not unusual to have groups of butterflies around our zinnias. Did you know a group of butterflies is officially called a kaleidoscope? How fun is that?!
Hummingbirds also really like zinnias you can see hummingbirds visiting our zinnias in THIS POST
In years past I have put bouquets of zinnias in cleaned soup cans, or thrift store vases at the corner of our lot near the road with a free flowers sign, along with some free produce from our garden. I’m hoping to do that again this year too.
I hope this inspires you to grow some zinnias next summer!
Post Script note: Zinnias are annuals, meaning they only bloom once. In the fall they will die back/dry up and you will have to pull them and prepare the flower bed for next spring. At this time you can also save the seeds from the flowers. Pulling the zinnias can be done in the fall or spring.