Zinnia Starter Kit Guide: Simple instructions to start growing zinnias

Congratulations! You’re holding everything you need to start growing a zinnia flower garden from seed. Zinnia flowers are easy to grow and are a favorite flower for butterflies.

• Start by following the instructions for hydrating the soil discs. Once the soil is expanded and in pots, you are ready to start planting. 
• Plant the flower seeds in each pot 1/4 inch deep.

• Water by misting until the seeds start to sprout. This will take 7 to 10 days.

• Take care that the seeds don’t dry out too quickly - seeds need to stay moist but not waterlogged to sprout.

• A dome can help retain moisture. Keep the dome on until they begin to sprout.

• Once the seedlings are growing, continue to keep the soil moist. Less frequent but deep watering will encourage root growth.

• The pot should not dry out completely between waterings, just the top layer of soil.

• As the plants grow, water only the soil, keeping the plants dry.

Now that you’ve got your zinnia flowers growing and the watering down, you’ll want to consider the other thing that plants need – food. The soil that comes in your kit has added amendments that create a fertile growing environment. When you transplant to a garden or larger pots, you may need to add fertilizer.

To reach their full potential, zinnias need to be transplanted outdoors. The biodegradable fiber pots will make transplanting less stressful for seedlings with minimal root disturbance.

When seedlings are several inches high and have three or four true leaves, they will be ready to move outside.

Tender zinnia seedlings need time to adjust to outdoor conditions. Over the course of a week, harden off the flower plants by placing them outside. Start with just a few hours a day and gradually increase the exposure time—no need to rush. Take your time and make sure all danger of frost is past before transplanting.

Adding organic matter (compost and/or leaves) to your garden beds before transplanting can help supplement the additional nutrients your plants need as they grow.  

The fiber pots can easily be planted directly into the garden. When soil and outside temperatures are above 60ºF, follow the directions on transplanting the biodegradable pots.

• Soak the pot in water to soften the fibers.

• Break open the sides of the pot with your hands and bury the pot completely in the soil.

• Water the newly transplanted seedlings.

• Thin out your seedlings early on once they have sprouted. Remove some sprouts to make room for the largest and strongest of them to grow without competition. 

• Flowers need full sun for optimal blooming. Therefore, choose a location where they can receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Zinnias will continue blooming all summer. The more you cut, the more flowers they’ll produce. This is why they make such an excellent cut flower. 

• For more Zinnia Growing Tips, visit our Planter’s Library.