Unless your zinnias are labeled as disease resistant, be sure to give them plenty of elbow room, lots of sunlight, and a location with nice air circulation. Avoid overhead watering, if possible. Some zinnias can be very prone to a wide variety of fungal and bacterial disorders. Your climate may be a really good one for zinnias and you'll be spared the frustration.

Some years ago, cornmeal was found to be helpful in the combat against plant diseases. I experimented with it on some zinnias a couple of years ago and found it to be quite helpful, unless it was just a good year for zinnias (and roses and other plants). I believe that I gently worked in a couple of pounds every 100 square feet or so, give or take.

Now, I'm one of those lazy gardeners who hones in on the resistant varieties of plants! There are some very nice disease resistant zinnia varieties, many of which have found a home in my garden areas.

I always start my zinnias early, inside under lights and with heat cables. Outside, you'll need to wait until all danger of frost is over before planting. The warmer the soil, the faster you'll see results. In toasty soil, germination can occur within a couple of days...I've had them germinate overnight in heated germination flats.

After sowing the seed, cover with a fine layer of compost or good garden soil, and water. Pay attention to any directions on your packet of seeds as to spacing of the plants. You really don't want to crowd them.

thanks rhizo! Just got an issue of OG mag, and it talks about the many diseases they can get. I didn't get the seed from a company, just bought it at the store, not knowing anything about it, except I'd like to have some pretty red flowers. Not sure where I will put them now. If they need lots of space and sun, that's limited for me and I'd rather save it for important stuff. But......
I will sow some seeds and see how they do. Summers are hot and humid where I live. So maybe just work a little cornmeal into the soil where I plan to plant them? Heard cornmeal is good for fungal problems.
Thanks for all the tips!!
Where do you get the disease-resistant varieties? What company do you order from?

I usually order my seeds from Park's, but there are plenty of good mail order sites for great seeds.

By all means, plant your zinnias! You'll never know how they might do for you if you don't give it a try. Sunlight is a must, though. Yes, to the cornmeal.

Any pics?
here is my very first one,two others coming up will take pics in the morning

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