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What would explain dying zinnia tops?

16 years ago

I took forum advice this year and started my zinnia seeds in little pots (lots and lots of them). The seedlings didn't go in the ground on schedule because I was sick for a few weeks around that time, but they eventually got there.

I would say more than half of them turned brown at the top. Most of these seem to have sprouted side shoots, and none of the plants died completely, but those brown, droopy tops are a mystery. I figured someone here can solve it for me.

Thanks!

Susan

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Comments (2)

oilpainter
16 years ago
Did you harden them off before you set them outside? If you were sick I'll bet you didn't.

It could be a case of sunburn. Plants grown inside are not used to UV light and have to become used to it gradually a few hours each day. First in the shade and gradually getting more and more sun over a period of a week or 2.
alisande
Original Author
16 years ago
Yes and no. They were planted late enough so that I kept them outside in the sun most of the time, along with my sunflower seedlings. But when I got sick they went onto the porch, which I'd say was a semi-sunny location. It's quite possible the abrupt transition back to full sun could have caused the problem.

Thanks, Oilpainter.
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