Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Zinnia Dahlia Flowered Mix

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Zinnia Dahlia Flowered Mix is a warm-season annual that grows quickly from seed. Direct sowing outdoors after frost danger has passed gives strong plants and beautiful blooms from early summer through first frost.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors after the last frost, once soil temperatures reach about 60°F. For continuous blooms, succession-sow every 2 to 3 weeks through midsummer.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day and well-drained soil. Dahlia Flowered Mix grows tall, reaching about 30 to 40 inches, so give plants enough room and consider light staking in windy spots.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Well-drained soil is important, as zinnias do not like soggy conditions.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Spread seeds evenly over the planting area. Aim for 8 to 12 inches between plants after thinning. For an even stand, broadcast the seeds first and thin seedlings later.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Cover seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil and press gently for good contact. Zinnias need sunlight to germinate, so do not plant seeds too deep.
• 6. Water the Area
  Keep the soil moist for 5 to 10 days until germination, but do not overwater. Water balance is key - do not flood the area or let it dry out during germination.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and help prevent powdery mildew. Plants bloom from early summer through first frost and make excellent cut flowers.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

Zinnias can also be started indoors for earlier blooms, especially in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost.
• 2. Sow the Seeds
  Sow seeds in a fine seed-starting mix and cover with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. Do not plant too deep.
• 3. Keep Warm and Moist
  Keep the growing medium evenly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days in warm conditions.
• 4. Provide Bright Light
  Once seedlings emerge, place them in bright light or under grow lights to keep plants strong and compact.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Plant after all frost danger has passed, spacing plants 8 to 12 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.

Growing Tips

• Zinnia is a warm-season annual - direct-sow after frost danger has passed.
• Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Cover seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil - do not plant too deep.
• Keep soil moist during germination, but avoid flooding or soggy conditions.
• Germination usually takes 5 to 10 days in warm soil.
• Thin seedlings to 8 to 12 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.
• 1 oz covers up to 140 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 40 inches tall.
• Consider light staking in windy areas because this mix grows tall.
• Water at the base of the plant to help keep leaves dry and reduce powdery mildew risk.
• Succession-sow every 2 to 3 weeks through midsummer for continuous blooms.
• Harvest flowers often - the more you cut, the more they bloom.