Zinnias are frost tender, so most of us save them for spring sowing.

seedmama,
I don't understand what you said.
I already WS'ed my Zinnias.
Is it a problem?

ellenr

Frost tender means that frost will kill your plant. Think of an evergreen tree. It can withstand temperatures way below freezing. It is NOT frost tender. Zinnia plants on the other hand will be killed by frost or near freezing temperatures.

Ellenr, "Is it a problem?" Not necesarily. Your zinnia seeds will be safe all winter long in freezing temperatures, no problem. But once they sprout your free ride is over. When it warms up enough for them to sprout, and you have no subsequent frost or freezing temperatures you will be fine. However, if you have sprouts and get (near) freezing temps, you will have to move the sprouts inside, or protect them in some other way. If you don't, because they are frost tender, they will turn to green goo.

One of the tenets of the Winter Sowing method is minimizing the work and complication. By sowing zinnias before freezing temps are over, you have put yourself at risk for the hassle of protecting frost tender plants. Not the end of the world, but potentially more hassle.

Hope that helps.

Green goo! Ack. :)
Thanks I didn't know this.
I will protect them, after sprouting.
And I'll get some more seeds just in case.

Gee whiz...come to think of it - that will mean a trip to a seed rack, hmmm. I know there's something else I need. lol

ellen

They winter sow fine - BUT if they sprout and we get a freaky cold spell they suffer serious injury if not death. That's why I reserve cosmos, zins, marigolds and ipomoeas until later. They will germinate SO easily, but then crash if they get hit by cold temps. Other plants do just fine and don't care - there are pictures of snow and ice on lettuce sprouts - but these guys are wimps in cold weather.

But all is not lost - simply keep and eye on them and remind them that they MUST produce big beautiful blooms for you this summer. I just throw a towel on them if we have a later than usual cold spell.

Thank you!!
Audrey