Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

TRANSPLANT (recommended) - Sow into flats or preferred seedling container 4 weeks before last frost. Cover seeds lightly with vermiculite to help maintain moisture. Seeds will germinate in 3–5 days when temperatures are kept at 27–29°C. After germination, grow at 20°C during the day and 16-18°C at night. Harden-off and transplant out after last frost. Do not allow plants to become root bound and avoid disturbing roots; transplant shock or other stress events may cause double-flowering varieties to produce single blooms for a period following stress.

DIRECT SEED - After last frost, and when soil has warmed to 20°C, sow seeds just covering firmly with soil. For cut flower production, thin seedlings or plant plugs at 20-25 cm in rows 30 cm apart.

HARVEST - Harvest in the cool of the day into clean water. Zinnias dislike cold storage. It is best to store them in a cooler set to a temperature above 45°F/7°C or place them in a cool barn, garage, or an air- conditioned room. After Zinnias have cooled from the heat of the field, transfer them into water with a holding solution (a biocide and a pH reducer). This, in addition to changing the water, can extend the vase life to 7 days.

NOTES - Succession-sow/plant every two weeks for prolonged yields of high-quality stems. Pinching of initial bud or bloom and subsequent deadheading is recommended to encourage strong branching and bloom production.