Zinnia's are one of the last seeds I sow, because they do like it warm. I think I usually start them 2nd-3rd weekend in May. I also do a second round right at the beginning of July so that I can have zinnias for cutting up through the fall (well, at least September, depending on the year)

I use a time release fertilizer (osmacote)so they are fed all season. If I am starting them in pots, I mix it right in with the seed starting mix.

I would say it's too early still. I'm in zone 6, almost 7, and I have not started mine yet. However, I am planning to just direct sow. I've never ws'd them - used to start them inside, then decided to try direct sowing last year when it got to be May and I didn't have any started. They sprouted fairly quickly and took off like gangbusters. I don't think i was much longer than 6-8 weeks before I got blossoms. I wish I had written down dates, but I remember being very surprised at how quickly they bloomed.

Are you planning to ws them? If you start them too early, you run the risk of the seed rotting before it gets warm enough for them to sprout.

On the other hand, you have a shorter growing season than I do, so I can understand you wanting to get them going. You could always sprout them in the house to give them a few weeks of a head start. I've been doing that here with some things - I don't have the set-up or the space to start seeds and grow them on inside, but I have started tomatoes, peppers, basil, coleus, dahlias, etc. and am moving them outside during the day to get sunlight and back in at night in case the temps drop too low.

Good luck! I absolutely love having zinnias in the garden. They are so reliable when you want a bouquet of cut flowers!.

I WSed profusion zinnias about a week ago, and I have some sprouts.

I only use a little mild organic fert in the planting hole, if I remember to do it at all. That's it for the year. I have good soil though, many years of amending with compost. I use very little fert on any of my plants- only organic, none of those hi-test chemical things. I only use that stuff in containers.

Karen

Thanks a bunch!

Shady lady, I'm going to direct sow.

Deanna

Hi Gardenfanatic, I grow patches of the tall Zinnias every summer, and always direct sow them when it totally warms up here, which is late May or early June. They are very easy to direct sow, and grow quickly as I usually get the first blooms by mid-July. The butterflies, hummingbirds, and bumblebees absolutely love these Zinnias. They keep going till Frost and they're great for cutting. I don't fertilize either, but usually add compost to the planting area.

Here a pic of last year's Zinnias, with a Monarch nectaring.
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