How to Germinate Zinnias

Zinnias charm gardeners with their cheery, colorful flowers and the ease with which they grow from seed. The seeds germinate quickly once exposed to warm, moist conditions and will swiftly put on growth, reaching a mature height of 1 1/2 feet in just a few months. Although it is possible to germinate zinnia seeds directly in the garden, it is best to start them indoors one month before the last spring frost so they are strong and well-established by planting time.

2.5-inch starter pots
Potting soil
Spray bottle
Warming mat

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 2.5-inch starter pots to within a 1/2 inch of the top with neutral, sterilized potting soil. Firm the soil to create an even surface.
- 2
  Place two zinnia seeds on the surface of the soil. Spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer of soil on top of the zinnia seeds.
- 3
  Spritz the soil in each starter pot five or six times with a spray bottle to settle the soil. Stick your finger into the soil. Spray the soil with water a few more times if it does not feel moist at a depth of 3/4 inch.
- 4
  Place the starter pots on a warming mat near a large, well-lit window. Set the temperature on the warming mat to between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 5
  Maintain moisture in each pot at a depth of 3/4 inch while the zinnia seeds germinate. Do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
- 6
  Watch for germination in seven days. Remove the weaker or less vigorous of the two zinnia seedlings from each starter pot.
- 7
  Transplant the zinnias into a sunny bed one to two weeks after the last frost. Space the starter pots six to 12 inches apart.

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