Plant Zinnias Seeds
Plant seeds of zinnias now. “Benary’s Giants” (sold as “Parks Picks” by the Park Seeds) is immune to mildew. Choose a spot in full sun, till the ground to spade depth, work in organic soil amendment and balanced fertilizer into the top six inches. Soak the soil, let settle overnight. Plant seeds one by one, barely covered, just where you want them to grow. (Don’t bury too deeply; they need light to germinate!) Sprinkle daily until germinated; irrigate regularly.
Feed camellias and azaleas now.
I threw some zinnia seeds on a flat and didn’t realize they were all going to sprout. How can I thin them without killing any? I would like to plant them all around the sunny areas of the property. If I cut into their roots and replant will they die?
No you cannot save these zinnias. It is best to plant zinnias after the weather warms up in May. Don’t plant them in flats. Instead plant them straight in the ground where you want them to grow. See my organic book page 191 for detailed instructions.
Hi, I’m finding this post confusing. Is it too early to plant zinnias in January, do i wait until Spring. Right now ,December first,is it to late for me to plant California wild flowers or zinnias. How about Dahlias. Can you give me any information on when and how to plant Dahlias. I never see them at local nursery’s here in San Diego. Thanks
Zinnias should be planted in April.
I am sorry that I did not answer the rest of your question. As I have said it is much too early to plant zinnias which can be planted in April but get an even better start in May. Re: Dahlias, these are a tubers. Plant them in April, lift them in December. See my books for detailed instructions on feeding, staking and care. They grow magnificently here but do need appropriate feeding and staking. All good nurseries should carry the tubers.
California wildflowers are best planted in December, but now in January we are finally having some cool weather. You can plant them late and still have success, they will just bloom later. Additionally the seeds will not germinate unless sprinkled regularly once a day when rains are inadequate such as they are this year.