FAQ Garden Answers: ZINNIAS - Frequently Asked Questions about Growing Zinnias from Seed

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

**UPDATED VIDEO - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3y9mYWjq9esb8k

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I never pinched my flowers for a long time, because I was always too scared, but when I finally did, & seem how many more stems I got, and how many more blooms, I always do now! I can plant less seeds ( saving money) & space further apart, & get same amount of blooms!?!?

[@jeannet9592]

The footage you have of the bees and birds on the flowers is amazing!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you so much for the kind comment :) :) Hope you're having a great day!

[@selecttravelvacations7472]

Tonya, the Zinnia photographs and flower garden vids alone are enough to keep watching. Thanks for the helpful info as well.

[@elizabethr2908]

I love your longer videos! They are packed with valuable information. I’m trying zinnias for the first time this year. All questions I would ask were answered in this one video. Thank you! ❤️

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'm so glad that it was helpful. Thank you for watching!

[@debrakavanaugh8052]

Just beautiful! I’ve grown many different varieties of zinnias over the past 25 years. When I first started I grew them in 7-8 rows close together with the rows being about 12 feet long. But I live in a suburb of Chicago and most summers we get strong storms and the wind would blow a few down then it caused a domino effect and I could never quite get them to stay upright. So after some years of that I started to space them and just grow three rows and leave a good amount of space in between and never had a problem with the wind knocking them over. Also you mentioned wondering how they would do in full sun and they do really well but when it gets really hot they need lots a water sometimes twice a day.

[@craigandsnowwadam4511]

Wow!! I’m lovin’ you being brutally honest! I’ve just subscribed!

[@lisawalters5482]

Your zinnias are fabulous! Thanks for all the tips. 👏🏻💕👏🏻

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@bubblerings]

I hope you are enjoying the results of your gardening, photography and successes... as much as we are!!! You... and many of us, ARE living the dream, 'baby'!!!

[@patriciacole8773]

My very first garden experience was when I was 8 or 9. My mom grew zinnias along the front walkway. I. Was. Amazed. This year I want to wow my mom with a cottage style flower garden. Zinnias. Cosmos. Hollyhocks. Baby’s breath. Calendula. Lady’s mantle. Etc. blessings…🌸

[@thegreatcatsby409]

Awesome video!! I watched to the end and I learned SO much. Zinnia are my favorite flower 💟

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@amynecaise1317]

Loved your video! It answered a lot of questions. I’m going to grow zinnias for the first time in 2024. I have 5 acres and would to have a flower farm for cut flowers. Going to start small and see how it goes. I live in coastal Ms and out summer starts in April and last some times into Oct/Nov. Thanks!

[@tennesseenana4838]

I've found that TULLE is the best netting for anything and everything. Big plus with Tulle is that birds don't get stuck in it like they can in some other types of netting.

[@aaronrenninger1228]

I subscribed because of your fleshing honesty 😊

[@sherryglisson4885]

I'm in TN and I direct sowed some here on April 17th....they are now a couple of inches tall....i usually plant mine about every week so I can have something in bloom all summer and into the fall

[@katrinabobias877]

I just direct my seeds a week ago , now they are sprouting but birds eat them and I am so frustrated 😠

[@sherryglisson4885]

@@katrinabobias877 you cover them with thin wire to prevent that until they are about an inch tall....

[@Ewout12345]

So helpful. Please do a ranunculus or snapdragons FAQ as well!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

That's a great idea! 🌱🌱🌱

[@laurieclarkson9180]

oh cool..I hope she did this! Would love to see those videos too!

[@latoyathomas2136]

The first flower I ever grew at 10 years old was a Zinnia with a family friend. Her garden was outstanding, part shady and lush with flowers, trees, wildlife too. I want to ask if you would share some of the different places we can order Zinnias with different cost ranges please. I’m highly interested in growing more Zinnias, sunflowers and Dahlias.

[@cherigreen4471]

This was so informative and helpful. Your zinnias are just gorgeous and you did a great job of filming them. I even like zinnias when the blooms have faded a little because I think they are still pretty. I know some people dry them as well.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you so much for your kind comment, and for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@littlemissy8356]

I start seeds in Denver in south window. You can always use lights right down on them. Just raise the lights as they grow. Light 3 inches from top of plant.

[@angiecatloth6057]

Terrific video! I love growing zinnias but I’m a novice, so this video offered tons of information. Thanks!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'm so glad that it was helpful! Thank you for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@greengranny3468]

I always hear that zinnia's love heat but I can tell you that they are stressed in my very dry heat that is well over 100° for an extended amount of time. They will grow and bloom but struggle with burned leaves. They were in 4-6 hours sun. Their obvious relief when our temps went below 100° was shown by more blooms and happier leaves.

[@coccinellebleue4238]

I love the red zinnias, in pots, in garden ... 👍

[@blorkflorkernorp9773]

If you're having trouble with japanese beetles, plant alyssum and marigolds with your other crops. The alyssum attract spring Tiphia, a parasitoid wasp that attacks jb and white cabbage caterpillars and marigolds attract assassin bugs and lacewings that feed on garden pests.

[@zullylozano1840]

I love how informative this video is!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@galeluby3471]

Select Seeds is awesome !

[@NatalyaBerezneva]

I can’t wait to see you having your flower farm! Best Luck!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you for your kindness, and thank you for watching! :)

[@susiebales-oswalt1564]

Mine did great in full day full sun… I planted a few early in a east bed in spring they’ve not really done good … so I planted more this last week…

[@dleija84]

I don't have experience with many varieties but Profusion Zinnias haven't had any disease problems for me when the rest of my garden is struggling from powdery mildew. I live near Dallas which is hot and humid most of the year, and the spot I had them in was shady the first half of the day with blazing sun the last half, next to concrete. Perfect conditions for stress and disease. They are on the short side but so full of long lasting flowers. I read Zahara Zinnias are similar. The seeds were a little expensive but worth it in the end. I think local Lowe's/HD may be selling baby profusion plants in 6-12 packs as generic Zinnias of whites and pinks. Those grew the same as the profusion I grew from seeds. An end of summer storm came through and made everything floppy, so I cut them back hard and within 2 weeks they were full of leaves again.

[@jeannet9592]

I am a big fan of Baker Creek as well, for all kinds of seeds.

[@judithjohnson2111]

Thanks so much. I learned a lot & will hopefully have better luck next summer.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@maggiemccall2956]

👍very informative

[@theboojiefarmer]

Wonderful video, very informative all in one place! Thank you 😊 💐

[@PleasantPrickles]

I had no scabiosa zinnias from my Zinderella peach zinnias. It was a big disappointment. I don’t think I’ll try again, there are so many other pretty types. Thanks for all of the great info! 🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I had terrible luck with them this year, too. 😵😵😵

[@princessresinista9080]

Thank you for this! I have a bunch of seeds that I plan on starting with my 7 year old daughter. I will let the 🐝 pollinate the zinnias. I have a Thanksgiving cactus that was white and another one that was fuchsia pink and cross pollinated them. I’m waiting for the seed pod to develop but it’s going to be interesting to see the mix of the two.

[@bluebluedogbooks]

Thanks for all the helpful information!

[@latoyathomas2136]

I’m so glad i found your channel. Super interesting informative transparent and hilarious with the impersonations and voices lol 😂.

[@eliciabaker4188]

I also would love a discussion on compost for the flower beds.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'll add that to my list. 🌱🌱🌱🐛🐛🐛🐛🙌🙌🙌

[@dawnd9222]

Good to know about the Cupcake's. Mine were a huge disappointment too. I didnt get any that looked like the picture. I will not try them again. Loved the Queen Lime Blush and Queen Lime Orange though.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Queen lime orange was one of my absolute favorites this year! 🌱🌱🌱

[@asmrcomfortingsenses5431]

Very pretty, vibrant colours, thank you

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱

[@agardenapart9515]

It's definitely the genetics. Many popular seed companies have started sourcing from overseas and I've noticed in general the quality is getting really bad. It's supposed to be against USDA regulations to order from overseas but profits and booming demand due to Covid can make some companies do unethical things.

[@Niceday-yk3ho]

Great video 👍 Thank you for sharing

[@yukiwithrp4945]

Great video again and I am sure you are being modest about the size of your gardn.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

My garden is about 35ft x 30 ft. 🌱🌱🌱 Thanks for watching! 🌷🌷🌷

[@bigfootbuildings2777]

I love growing zinnias!

[@sherrymorrill2935]

Great info! So glad I found your channel

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@charlenefall3831]

Wowww lots of goodies (pass on to my daughter)💐💐💐💐💐

[@Eyes2C.]

Zinnias are my fav flower. This past yr they developed brown spot 😮. I was told I can’t plant them or anything else again in that soil because its a virus. What can I do other than to dump and bring in new soil? Thank you, new sub. ❤

[@candiesmith4329]

Very enjoyable

[@misspimake]

My zinnias do well in full/all day sun ☀️

[@TheGizardean]

Mine too. If I do grow a single zinnia plant in a pot, the plant seems to over heat in full sun. I think they grow best huddled with others.

[@marlenesteffensen308]

I loved your info and feel inspired to give it a go with the Zinnias here on Sudney OZ. Thanks.

[@itsteganyay]

Very informative! I'll have to make sure not to over water my zinnias in future...

[@JackofAll80]

Hi , thanks for the video . Where should the pot be placed after sowing seeds? Can it be in direct sun or should it be inside room till the seed germinate and than move it outside in sun ? Thanks

[@msmaddox2918]

Thanks so much for answering my question about zinnias! My zinnias are finally blooming and I am in love with them! Will definitely be growing them every year. Thanks for all your advice and tips! Since I know you are a Kentucky girl...will you be watching the Kentucky Derby this weekend? 😊

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'm sure that I probably will, but without the parties and festivals - it just seems so odd. 🌱🌱🌱

[@1958constance]

Very good information. Your climate sounds like mine.

[@marcydobbs1653]

Helpful. Thanks from northern KY newbie.

[@chelseacrockett4047]

This was a very appreciated video! Thank you for all of the in depth information!

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thank you so much for a great video always enjoy watching a good garden video. Hugs and kisses from grandma Sandy

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@rdarrett3635]

You mimicking 12:13 the growers made me laugh.

[@kajugatv2268]

Good

[@dianac7113]

Thank you so much for your information. I saw that you have beautiful zinnias. Are they all Benary's Giants? What's the creamy yellow and what appears to be multi shade light orange with light green center? I like to know what they are so I can look for the seeds.

[@concreteartist001]

You make great flower videos. Right to the point and excellent info.

[@mickkalmar2146]

Mix 50% Peat Moss in you potting Soil and it will dramatically help with Soil hydration

[@roxananunez2735]

Such a beautiful garden 🌸🌺🌼

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you! 🌱🌱🌱

[@LouisHellinger]

Thanks so much for all of this information. You are so helpful.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@delphinenyirahabimanam.d.8510]

Thank you for answering our questions!☘🥀🌹

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@JenniferZadell]

I wanted to know if you can grow zinnias with strawberry plants to attract pollinaters. My first year planting them.

[@Grrrnthumb]

Since zinnias are cut-and-come-again flowers, is there any advantage to succession sowing?

[@eljardindelamorenita5863]

Thank you for sharing 🌞

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Thank you so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@pharmgirl1955]

I grew the Benary giants for the first time this year, picked on them for over a month. I have noticed that the new flowers are so tiny. Could this be from a cold snap or are my plants just tired? Thanks for all your videos, I have learned so much from you. I even did the winter sowing and great success. Thank you once again.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Some cultivars do seem to get smaller as the season progresses, but I've never noticed it in Benary's Giants. I would maybe try adding some fertilizer or watering more to see if anything changes. Good luck! 🌱🌱🌱

[@charlesbale8376]

Enjoyed the video, found the info useful.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I'm glad! Thanks for watching. 🌱🌱🌱

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

I weeded out most of my zinnia seedlings, meaning I thought they were weeds so I don't recommend direct sowing. After that I sowed in pots and then moved them when they were more recognizable. So funny, that little monologue on scabiosa flowers...🤣 Please do not plant morning glory, they will choke every plant including full grown hedges and shrubs to death. Dieback at the bottom of a plant is generally a nitrogen deficiency.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Oh no! I, too, have made that same mistake in the past. Yet another good reason to transplant! 🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@marydiscuillo142]

Will my new seedlings do okay in a west facing sun location under a tree so its partial shade till early aft then full, but hot location. Apprec your imput.

[@reesejones853]

First of all......u are funny as hell and very informative but funny as hell girl. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂u have a new subscriber

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Welcome to the channel! 🎉🎉🎉 And thank you for your kind comment. 🌱🌱🌱

[@beataburczyc2232]

You motivate me to plant Zinnias next year. Where do you get your seeds? Any recommendations ?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Wonderful! There should be a time stamp in the description section. 🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@emanuelad3534]

Thank u

[@marcisauls4240]

Can you tell me how you winter plant using bottles?

[@littlemissy8356]

Definitely pinch. Go down at end of flower and clip off stem.

[@teraanaam]

Lovely pictures, love Zinnias ! Have not grown them for few years, hope to grow them this year !

[@hapowoverhere7951]

I can’t keep my zinnias healthy all through the summer in Oklahoma(zone7a). They start dying toward end of July. Is it wrong to water them every morning in temperatures of the high 90s? I figured since roots don’t go too deep, the soil gets bone dry every day. Mine never look as healthy as everyone else’s zinnias. I did start watering at the base to avoid mildew. This year I will be trying not feeding them. I heard a good compost is all you need for the whole season. Thanks for the tips and is there anything I’m missing?

[@debricci8533]

My zinnias only last three days in a vase. What can I do? I use flower food or sugar.

[@abhigardening2068]

Nice video

[@muhsanagardening7902]

wow nice video

[@rachelbuyshouses7261]

Which variety do you plant and where do you buy them? My last batch were 4 feet tall, and I had to stake them. I had some volunteers that were mostly magenta, and few puny plants. Zone 9.

[@margiedowling5360]

Can I propagate from seeds..been collecting for awhile

[@Minding1111]

I bught a bag of seeds at jewels . Thinking they might not grow. I just spread them in this pot I had in the front porch. And omg they grew so big I had to move them from the pot... I might plant them again next year. I had wholes in my leafs also. So that's what they are beatles

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

There are several really pretty dwarf types that do well in pots. I think I may try some next year. Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@williefreeman6892]

Why did my zinnias head lean over, how can I fix that problem

[@debbieeckels25]

What is the cloth you cover over the ground & have holes in to plant your zinnias? This was a interesting video. Thanks

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I use a landscaping fabric to keep the weeds down. Thank you so much for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@mkk1600]

Goldfinches like to eat the leaves of my zinnias and sunflowers every year.

[@anthonywelton2403]

Oh no.

[@jilleide6451]

Love ur channel!! Ur so full of great info! How do u collect zinnia seeds in the fall?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Wait until the seed pods are completely dry and turn brown. They should come right out of the pod. Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@nancykrehbiel8956]

Just found your channel. I love growing Zinnias and am getting so inspired for next season! I'm sorry if you've mentioned this, but what zone do you garden in?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Welcome to the channel! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 I'm in zone 6b/7. 🌱🌱🌱🌱

[@nancykrehbiel8956]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers Thank you! Love your videos. I am in 6b!

[@annaramos7950]

Which Zinnia do butterflies love? I see a lot of bees visiting my Dahlia and Balsam flowers.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

The butterflies love the zinnia bed. It definitely seems like they favor the bright orange ones though! 🌱🌱🌱

[@LindaSmithLatimer]

Where do you buy your “finish” compost or what do you use for that? We have clay soil and tho we try and keep it from being compacted, it still is and drives me crazy!!!! Love love love this video.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

My local nursery makes a blend of finished compost using leaves, worm castings, coffee grounds, etc. It's so rich and fluffy, and has really made a huge difference in the soil. In the future, I really want to start exploring making my own. 🌱🌱🌱

[@LindaSmithLatimer]

FRESHCUTKY Cut Flower & Vegetable Garden Thank you!!!!

[@kcdnr]

how can i make my zinnia’s more robust and colors come out more vibrant ?

[@n.w.414]

I planted zinnias for the first time this summer(from seed). They did great but I was disappointed how small most of the flower heads were. What types are the largest?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Benary's Giants or any of the dahlia-flowered types usually produce the biggest blooms. 🌱🌱🌱

[@patsyjennings5133]

Do you ever sell seeds of Unicorn zinna

[@kavithkethmina441]

How can we buy some seeds or plants from you ? From sri lanka 🇱🇰

[@patsyjennings5133]

And Golden Hour

[@bradtannahill5252]

You mentioned that your sow your plants close together. Are most of your flowers planted 4-6 inches part vs 9 inches like most seed packs recommend? Or do you go even closer?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Yes, I plant most annuals pretty close. I very rarely follow the directions on the seed packs.

[@debrawhited3035]

As I see you putting the potting soil into the bottle/pot toward the beginning of the video...what sort of soil do you use for potting seedlings? If you watch just about any garden show from Great Britain, like "Gardener's World," they go on and on about using "peat free" soil. Here in central KY, I don't think I've ever seen such a thing. Of course, Miracle Gro bags are the easiest thing to find, but there are all kinds of advisories about Miracle Gro having chemicals in it that are bad, especially for pollinators. Do you have any advice?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

Where I am, miracle grow potting soil is the only option. I use it in both bottles and seed trays. I haven't noticed any real issues with using it for seed starting. I'll have to read up about the pollinators. I hadn't heard that previously about the potting soil. Thanks for watching! 🌱🌱🌱

[@7ceasers]

I'm interested in using the pre cut weed barrier. I found one that has the holes approximately 6" apart . Is that what you use? Thanks, We really like your videos.

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

I've never used pre-cut barrier, but I do space most of my holes about 6 inches apart. Thanks for watching!

[@7ceasers]

@@TONYAwiththeflowers The cuts for the holes in your weed cloth seem so clean. Can you share any tips for that? BTW just ordered some Banarys zinnia seed from Geo Seed. I let them know that I got their name from you. Thank you for taking the time.

[@fideledefer4283]

I bought a zinnia in a small pot and it already has a flower in bloom and a bunch that hasn't bloomed yet and I've noticed that the roots are starting to grow too big.. can I pit in soil ? Is it too late ?

[@TONYAwiththeflowers]

If the last frost date has passed, you can definitely plant it into the garden. Make sure to harden it off first if it's been indoors. Happy gardening!