# Zinnia Plants in the Winter
-
Warm Climates
-
Cover seeds with just a 1/4 inch of soil as they need light to germinate. Zinnias need heat to grow and flourish well which is why, even in warmer climates, they will not grow well in cold conditions. Even in areas with long growing seasons like those found in Florida, you'll want to wait until any danger of frost has passed before directly sowing seeds in the garden. They can self seed if you leave the flower heads on instead of deadheading them.
Colder Climates
-
With warmth, zinnias seeds can germinate in four to seven days. In colder climates like those found in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7, seeds can be started anywhere from four to five weeks prior to your frost-free date. If you don't want to start them indoors, sow seeds directly into the garden after your frost-free date has passed.
Indoor Seed Care
-
Zinnias prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Should you choose to sow seeds indoors in the winter, keep the soil moist for good germination. Using a seed starting soil mixture will help prevent the spread of disease that garden soil can bring. Cover the seed tray with plastic wrap until seeds have sprouted. This creates a greenhouse-like environment and keeps the soil warm.
-
- Do Grass Seeds Sink Into the Soil?
- The Winter Sowing of Sweet Peas
- Basil Plants in the Winter
- The Culture of a Sunflower
- The Disadvantages of Growing Plants in Soil
- The Main Ingredients in Soil
- The Importance of Soil Pollution
- Banana Plants in the Winter
- The Soils Best for Growing Sunflower Seeds
- How to Start Zinnia Seeds
- Blueberry Plants in the Winter
- Oleander Is Browning in the Winter
