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How early can i sow zinnia seed?

i am planning to start a cut flower business I wounder what the early to sow zinnia seed before the 4-7week before the last frost.  

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  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,706

    What country are you in?

    How much heat /protection from frost , do you have?

    If you have a heated greenhouse, with a minimum of 10C you can start them anytime from now in the Northern hemisphere, to grow on into large plants to plant out after the last frost.

  • Bright starBright star Posts: 1,152

    thry also don't like root disturbance so best sown into individual cells/pots

    Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    Sarah Raven knows her stuff. You can germinate all sorts of seeds but if you haven't the space in a really warm greenhouse they struggle or die. Those nifty little plug plants can be just the same and should be chosen with care.

  • Bright starBright star Posts: 1,152

    SR suggests sowing in March-May and her advice is usually sound. Zinnias seem to be fussier than most seeds  but they are so lovery it's a shame not to give then a bit more TLC. It will be my first try with these too.

    Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.

  • Bright starBright star Posts: 1,152

     Your on aym 280!

    Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.

  • I grow Zinnias every year and sometimes they can be fickle! Last year for some reason I lost all my 1st showings.  Thy really do need the right environment. But

  • Oops what happened......It posted it self!!!!!

    What I was saying is that they are well worth the effort and last all summer long.

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,706

    Definitely need heat to germinate well. 

  • Also I sow in individual pots as they are best not disturbed ( although I have been quite successful in doing so in the past). Last year because of the first sowing failure I direct sowed some, they were all fine but had to be on slug patrol watch and I used a cut down plastic bottle to protect the young seedlings.

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