The short answer is because your seeds were designed to be abused. Kohlrabi seed propagation starts with fertile soil. Zinnias famously hate root disturbance, so it is best to sow directly into freely drained soil with a fine tilth. Again, too much soaking and the seeds will start to decompose. - Cut some tiny squares of white plastic and write a number or letter on each. Moisten the soil evenly with water before planting the zinnia seeds. Space plants as recommended for the variety so zinnias aren't crowded. Moisten the soil evenly with water before planting the zinnia seeds. You can see the hard, almost walnut-like seed coating on these Nasturtium seeds. Drying seeds is a common strategy that has been used for ages. Remember, whether or not a seed should be dried before planting all depends on the type of seed in question. A few herbs require to be chilled before they will germinate. Wait until the zinnia sprouts are at least three or four weeks old before applying any fertilizer. Smaller seeds such as zinnia and marigolds can be soaked as well. But if you want your tomato seeds to germinate more quickly after they are planted, a good soak will do just the trick. Care After Sowing Until seeds have sprouted, keep the seed bed moist, never allowing it to dry out. Which Seeds Should I Soak. Mother Nature is not kind to a little seed. Set the tray, pots or flat in a bright area but not in direct sunlight. Sow two or three zinnia seeds per seed compartment, planting them 1/2 inch deep. The germination medium must be sterile and well-drained. Soak one seed variety per ice-cube-cell. If you just want to grow zinnias and you don't care about flower color or form, you can collect seeds from your own pollinated zinnias. An easy way to do this is to set the flat, pots or tray in a container of water so the water seeps up into the soil. The growing time varies depending on what you’re planting and should be on the seed packet label. Some flower seeds like poppies, zinnias, nasturtiums, marigolds, and petunias are also wonderful options for novice gardeners. Or, to get a jump start on the growing season, sow Thunbergia seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before outdoor planting. If you are interested in adding zinnia to your butterfly garden, try "Cut and Come Again," a large double flower in pink, scarlet, yellow and orange. Zinnias are best started directly outdoors in locations where spring warms up early. Soak seeds for 24-hours before planting them in a seed-starting tray or the ground. Once they have two sets of leaves, thin zinnia sprouts so there is one seedling per egg carton section or seed tray compartment, says Burpee. They tolerate various soil types but need good drainage. Do not use Styrofoam egg cartons, as they will not break down. Plant the seeds only about ¼” – ½” deep and you should see seedlings sprout in four to seven days. This allows the seeds to absorb more oxygen, helping them sprout efficiently. Pick zinnia flowers frequently and deadhead faded blooms to prolong flowering. Can You Soak Flower Seeds - Can you soak flower seeds (zinnia, purple coneflower, coleus, marigold)? If you start them indoors, you need to start them 6-8 weeks before planting. A step by step guide to growing herbs indoors from seeds. The evening before you plan to plant, place the seeds in a small saucer and cover them with water. Plant them about 1/4” right in the ground, spaced as much as your chosen variety needs, anywhere from a couple of inches to a couple of feet. Wide flowers give a sturdy landing platform for even big butterflies like tiger swallowtails. Dampen the paper towel, and spread it out on the counter. Large seeds such as sunflowers and nasturtiums benefit from soaking in warm water overnight. The ancestors of our hybrid garden zinnias (Zinnia spp.) Hybridizers generally produce a cultivar type with an assortment of colors within it. How long to soak your seeds in water. It usually takes up to 60 or 70 days to grow zinnia flowers from seeds to blooms. Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 5-7 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring using a seed starting kit; Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula; Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F Since zinnias are annual, they grow in any U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone in summer. Moisture is important in early weeks, but make sure it doesn’t get soggy. Some leaf damage is not an issue, so avoid spraying unless there’s a true infestation. I don't know about all seeds, but I think most, if not all, commercial zinnia seeds have been heat treated to kill diseases on the seeds. In short, seeds have developed over millions of years with defenses to survive awful conditions. Zinnia may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden after frost, or from potted plants. I never tried them on wet paper towels. Once they are hardened, zinnia flowers are ready to be planted in your outdoor garden. Medium-height cultivars include 24- to 28-inch tall "Ruffles" with ball-shaped double flowers, 20- to 24-inch "Sun" and 20-inch "Whirligig." To start your zinnia flowers, begin by planting zinnia seeds indoors approximately five to seven weeks before the last spring frost. Rinse the seeds several times with water before planting and plant them as usual. If plants don't get good air circulation, they are prone to powdery mildew on the leaves especially in hot humid weather. Zinnias usually sprout in a couple of days. Be sure they won't be affected by any last frosts. Soak the wrong seeds for too long and you risk 'drowning' them, where they begin to rot and ferment before germination can start. Wrap a dry paper towel around the damp paper towel to help keep things moist but not too wet (which could become moldy). Whether you're planting indoors or out, it's a good idea to break or soften the hard seed coat before planting. Which Seeds Should I Soak. Keep an eye on the seeds because if they soak too long, they’ll begin to disintegrate. Doing this breaks down the hard outer covering of the seeds and kills any pathogen present on them. To get an early start on your garden, sow zinnia seeds indoors before the last spring frost. Seeds can be planted indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and the seedlings can be easily transplanted into your outdoor garden later on. - Drop one square into each cell of the ice cube tray. Don’t use soil from your garden in seed starting pots. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Follow Karon on Twitter and Instagram at @karonwarren. Lots of perennial seeds require a period of moist cold (cold stratification) before they will germinate. The easiest indoor plants to grow from seed include Cat grass, ... Is it helpful to soak seeds before planting them? The holes should be about a quarter of an inch (.6 centimeter) deep for the zinnias … Soaking the seeds with water also lets it germinate at a faster rate, letting you plant your seed … Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination, and maintain temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For the most successful (and quickest) germination of these seeds, you can scarify and soak the seeds before planting. Moreover, it is best to soak dried seeds in water for 4-6 hours before planting. The Old Farmer's Almanac: Growing Zinnias. The reasons to dry seeds before planting listed below are specifically for those type of seeds that do need to be dried before planting. If the seed is still attached, that should be at the top. Allow the seeds to soak in the water overnight. Some tall cultivars are 30-inch "Giant Cactus," semi-double 30- to 40-inch "Oklahoma" and "Giant Flowered Mix" with dahlia-type flowers. Soak the seeds overnight before planting. Plant seeds directly in the garden when the soil is warm. Use a paper towel or coffee filter to drain the water. are plants native to Mexico, Central America and South America. The shells of these seeds are very thick, so they might not germinate well if they are not thoroughly soaked. For nearly 20 years, Karon has covered homes, outdoor living and home improvement for print and online publications. They'll need to withstand extremes of cold, wet, or dryness, maybe even passing through an animal at some point along the way. When ready, the seeds should be somewhat swollen but still firm. The best soil for zinnia flowers is rich in organic matter, but these plants will adapt to most soil conditions. Pansies are not usually used as cut flowers, but they are the hardiest winter-blooming flower. Remember, whether or not a seed should be dried before planting all depends on the type of seed in question. Regular fertilizing helps plants continue flowering. Planting the zinnia and making sure that it gets enough sun, food, and water are all important to keeping the flower blooming, but deadheading is what will keep the zinnia blooming all … Moreover, it is best to soak dried seeds in water for 4-6 hours before planting. Other flower seeds that will germinate faster include moonflowers, lupins, sweet peas and morning glories. Start zinnias indoors in peat pots and place the sprouted plants under fluorescent lights four to six weeks before the last spring frost is expected. The seed-growing process can be triggered by soaking seeds. They both have pros and cons. How to Soak Seeds and Speed Up Germination Time. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. I’ve listed everything below and you can save the download for future reference. Moreover, it is best to soak dried seeds in water for 4-6 hours before planting. Or, to get a jump start on the growing season, sow Thunbergia seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before outdoor planting. For thick-skinned seeds like peas, aim for 8 to 10 hours (or overnight, assuming you soak them right before bed and sow them first thing in the morning). ... Soak the seeds overnight before planting. Throughout the growing season, make sure the soil remains moist and water as needed to retain moisture. Learn how to scarify and soak seeds for spring planting. But in your modern day garden, a seed is relatively pampered. Cover lightly with ¼-inch of soil. Then, wet the seed starter mix well. Seedlings should appear in about a week. Q. Once they do, make sure they receive plenty of light from a nearby window. Do this by setting them outside in a covered area like a covered porch or a carport for at least a week before transplanting them. After building her own home with her husband, she has a new appreciation for the many decisions required to turn a house into a home. If you want a specific hybrid or variety, purchase seeds from a known source. Click to see full answer - drop the seeds you want to pre-soak into the pre-labelled ice cube cells Thin them when they are small seedlings, if necessary. If it’s planting time when you conduct the test, you can plant the seeds that sprouted in potting soil, or discard them and plant fresh seeds from the batch. Learn what types of seeds you should always soak first before planting, and when you should let nature take its course. In the wild, a seed can expect to encounter harsh heat and cold, very wet or dry conditions and may even need to survive the acid-filled digestive tract of an animal. This promotes deep root growth, more lasting beauty and better harvest from your plants, and helps retard weed growth. Moreover, it is best to soak dried seeds in water for 4-6 hours before planting. Turn over the soil in the area you want to plant your zinnias and work in 2 or 3 inches of compost or peat moss to help improve soil fertility and drainage. Click on the photo to see a fuller version of it. The ideal pH is 6.0 to 6.5. Planting Time: Warm-season vegetables can’t go outside until after the last frost while cool-season veggies can go outside up a month before … Zinnias will last for around two months, so stagger multiple plantings in the garden to keep zinnia flowers in the garden from spring through fall. Plant zinnia seeds a quarter inch (.6 centimeter) deep. Spread seeds out in a single layer on the paper towel. After the last frost, your zinnia flowers can be placed in the garden. Thin out the seedlings, so you end up with one plant every 12in (30cm) or so. Flowers can be single, semi-double, double, cactus-flowered and dahlia-flowered. Scarifying seeds is nicking to weaken the outer seed coating so that moisture can penetrate into the actual seed. Purpose of Drying Seeds Before Planting. Do Zinnia Seeds Need to Be Chilled Before Germinating?. When starting kohlrabi from seeds, plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep in rows that are 2 feet apart. Pollinators transfer pollen across the many small flowers in the center of the zinnia bloom, enabling them to set seed. Once your zinnia seeds start to turn into plants, prepare them to go outside but don't transplant them right away. Use your fingers to make small holes in the ground. BUT, some experts will say that soaking will reduce the germination. Make a furrow to the depth indicated on your seed packet. Remove the flat or tray from the water after the soil is thoroughly moistened. Drying seeds is a common strategy that has been used for ages. An easy way to do this is to set the flat, pots or tray in a container of water so the water seeps up into the soil. Growing watermelon can be a great addition to your vegetable garden but how do you start watermelon seeds? Seeds don't need any advance treatment. Purpose of Drying Seeds Before Planting. I use nailclippers and carefully chip a tiny piece off. Space seeds about 6 inches apart. The ancestors of our hybrid garden zinnias (Zinnia spp.) I don't know about all seeds, but I think most, if not all, commercial zinnia seeds have been heat treated to kill diseases on the seeds. Heavy humidity might be your only obstacle to constant zinnias all summer long. (Write it down!) Luckily, zinnias are deer-resistant, so … The pre-soaking process works best with large seeds. Cover seeds with 1/4 inch of potting mix and keep them moist until they sprout, usually within four to seven days. Seedlings don't handle transplanting well unless they are in biodegradable pots and can be set directly in place without disturbing the roots. It takes air and soil of more than 70 F to germinate well, so wait until spring is firmly in place before planting zinnia seeds. This encourages them to send out a root (it looks like a little worm). Zinnias famously hate root disturbance, so it is best to sow directly into freely drained soil with a fine tilth.Sow two or three seeds 2in (5cm) apart at 12in (30cm) spacing. Caterpillars, mealybugs, and spider mites also cause problems. For a cheaper alternative, use paper egg cartons as seed trays that can be planted directly in the garden along with the seedlings. There's even a green zinnia, "Envy," 30 inches high with a semi-double 2-inch flower. Soaking sweet pea seeds is supposed to soften the tough outer skin so that the seed can germinate more easily. Zinnias have a variety of flower forms and plant heights. And... you've probably also heard that you should not soak your seeds. Zinnias are best started directly outdoors in locations where spring warms up early. Germination rates are improved by filing down the seeds just enough to break the coat, then soaking them for 24 hours before planting. Fertilize lightly to encourage growth and plenty of flowers. Zinnias are easy to germinate indoors and should sprout within a week after sowing. Soak the garden for up to 4 hours at a time, letting water soak deep, then let upper soil layers dry out before watering again. - Assign one of those numbers or letters to each kind of seed you plan to soak. Let us show you the way. EXCEPTION: Some smaller seeds such as lettuce prefer light to germinate and should barely be covered. How To Grow Thunbergia From Seed: It is recommended to soak the Black-eyed Susan vine seeds over night in tepid water. You have to be careful so that the seed inside isn't injured. Store dried flowers in a paper bag until you're ready to tear them apart and extract the seeds. Some varieties that are 12 to 14 inches tall are "Magellan," "Small World" and "Peter Pan.". Should I soak zinnia seeds before planting? Sow two or three seeds 2in (5cm) apart at 12in (30cm) spacing. We’ve been told the soaking water should be changed and we’ve been told it … Seed Scarification: nicking, breaking, softening, or otherwise weakening of the seed coating meant to speed up germination. Plant seeds indoors or, later, directly in the garden. The water softens the seed and can cut germination time down to a few days. 25 Flower Seeds to Sow in the Fall lists annual and perennial seeds you can sow in fall, before the ground freezes, for spring and summer germination and (best of all) flowers!. If you've grown sweet pea seeds before you will probably have heard that you should soak your seeds. You should soak the seeds for 24 hours. If you’re planting native seeds and aren’t sure, chances are you should at least scarify and soak your seeds before planting. Flowers come in all colors but black, brown and blue. You should allow the seeds to soak in the liquid for approximately 12 hours. Lay a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the top of the soil or slide the tray, pots or flat into a plastic bag. How Often Should a Person Water Zinnia Flowers? Plant zinnia seeds a quarter inch (.6 centimeter) deep. On a more practical level, soaking adds another layer of complexity to the whole plant-growing process. Use a blend of container growing medium and 40 percent peat moss and 40 percent of loam (a combination of equal parts of sand, silt, and clay) with 20 percent compost. If the water they’re soaking in is warm, it may take less time. You can do this by soaking the seeds overnight in water or nicking the brown coating with a nail clippers or a piece of sandpaper. Cathryn Chaney has worked as a gardening writer since 2002. This allows the seeds to absorb more oxygen, helping them sprout efficiently. Soak your seeds in a 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Following the soaking, sow Thunbergia seeds outdoors after the last frost in prepared seed bed. Plant seeds indoors or, later, directly in the garden. On the upside, though, when you do plant them, you’ll be able to see where you are placing them a … The holes should be about a quarter of an inch (.6 centimeter) deep for the zinnias to grow safely. This is the secret to boosting germination rates and getting more plants to grow, even if your timing is off in the garden. There are far more options than I’ve listed here but this is a good start. Depending upon the variety, kohlrabi will be ready to harvest 40-60 days from planting. Seeds can be planted indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and the seedlings can be easily transplanted into your outdoor garden later on. There's no predicting what you'll get, since you are creating your own hybrids. Zinnias are annuals, so they’ll grow for one season and produce seeds, but the original plant will not come back in subsequent years. The evening before you plan to plant, place the seeds in a small saucer and cover them with water. Enjoy them all summer until the first hard frost arrives in fall. Throw your seeds into a small bowl or cup filled with warm water (just enough to cover the seeds). The shells of these seeds are very thick, so they might not germinate well if they are not thoroughly soaked. The area should have good drainage because zinnia flowers don't like to be wet. This means they need to be tough.And it also means they can be reluctant to germinate, with their hard protective shells forming a barrier that the seed embryo needs time to break through. Start zinnias indoors in peat pots and place the sprouted plants under fluorescent lights four to six weeks before the last spring frost is expected. Because the purpose of soaking seeds is to break through that hard protective outer shell and to give the seed a good healthy drink before it is planted, small seeds are probably not good candidates for soaking. Fill a seed tray, peat pots or a flat with a starter potting mix. A zinnia is a very beautiful flower that can be provoked into flourishing by deadheading. Can Pansies & Marigolds Be Planted Together? How Long Does It Take Marigolds to Germinate? Plant the seeds only about ¼” – ½” deep and you should see seedlings sprout in four to seven days. If you use very hot water, the soaking time will decrease. Then they will be ready to put outside when the air and soil temperature warms up. Remember that germination is less successful in cold soil. Seeds That Have the Shortest Days to Bloom, University of Illinois Extension: Plant Palette: Zinnias, Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Zinnias-If You Plant Them, Butterflies Will Come, Burpee Seeds and Plants: All About Zinnias, Snapdragon Varieties That Bloom All Summer. Tomato seeds don't necessarily need to be soaked before they are planted. A staple in the home garden for generations, zinnias (Zinnia elegans) are flowering annuals that make a perfect addition to a garden or patio with bright, colorful flowers for summer. When you do feed them, use a diluted indoor houseplant food and follow the listed directions. are plants native to Mexico, Central America and South America. Chaney also writes poetry, which has appears in "Woman's World" magazine and elsewhere. If you’ve grown microgreens before, you’ll be familiar with soaking seeds as part of encouraging germination. Soaking seeds in … Remember that germination is less successful in cold soil. But natural cold stratification usually results in the death of many seeds (which is why plants that rely mostly on seeds for reproduction make so many of them--it's insurance). Seems to work well even in older seeds. Lay the seeds on a flat/shallow dish and cover them lightly with moist soil or vermiculate. [6] Doing this breaks down the hard outer covering of the seeds and kills any pathogen present on them. The reasons to dry seeds before planting listed below are specifically for those type of seeds that do need to be dried before planting. Look for a place that gets plenty of direct sun to promote strong, healthy flowers. Place in a ziploc bag and seal. They have bright, solitary, daisy-like flowerheads on a single, erect stem, which makes them great for use as a cutting flower or as food for butterflies . And when ready, plant them and cover with a little seed starter mix with the tail end down into the soil. Place the containers in a warm place like on the clothes dryer or top of refrigerator. Soak your seeds in a 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Seedlings will emerge within 4-7 days and should be thinned to 4-6 inches apart in the row. Then they will be ready to put outside when the air and soil temperature warms up. After that, follow the directions on the seed packet to know how deep to plant the sprouted seeds. They grow in hot climates without cold winters, so seeds don't need cold treatment to germinate. How To Grow Thunbergia From Seed: It is recommended to soak the Black-eyed Susan vine seeds over night in tepid water. Once you have your zinnia seeds planted, monitor them to see when they start to sprout. If less than 5 seeds sprout (under 50% germination rate), you may want to discard the seeds, or plant more than you think you’ll need. Growing watermelon can be a great addition to your vegetable garden but how do you start watermelon seeds? Chaney graduated from the University of Arizona in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Summer annuals such as zinnias, moss roses, vinca, cosmos, marigolds and purslane are still blooming, but so are some of the cool-weather flowers. Use your fingers to make small holes in the ground. Water thoroughly at planting. Generally, zinnia seeds will start to sprout between seven and 10 days. Minimize wetting of foliage and space plants properly to avoid disease. Zinnia flowers need to get used to outdoor conditions before you move them to the ground. Most cultivars descend from Zinnia elegans, native to Mexico, but other species also have garden-worthy varieties. Can You Soak Flower Seeds - Can you soak flower seeds (zinnia, purple coneflower, coleus, marigold)? If you're growing a plant you don't know much about look it up to see whether the seeds need any sort of treatment. Soak your seeds for 1-2 hours. Petunias bloom until … Let the flower heads dry on the plant before snipping the stem. Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 5-7 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring using a seed starting kit; Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula; Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F In general, almost every type of seed should be soaked before planting. Label the variety and date clearly on the bag. Thin out the seedlings, so you end up with one plant every 12in (30cm) or so. Soakin… Free Printable Seed List. The plants need water to get established but then are fairly drought-tolerant. To start Shasta Daisies from seed, you have two options: start them indoors or direct sow outdoors. Remember that germination is less successful in cold soil. A common seed germinating trick is to soak the seeds in lukewarm water for a few hours prior to planting. Allow the seeds to soak in the water overnight. Seems to work well even in older seeds. Any seeds that are large enough to see (ha), I sometimes give a quick soak in peroxide water before planting. Sometimes hybrid cultivars don't develop many seeds. Because the purpose of soaking seeds is to break through that hard protective outer shell and to give the seed a good healthy drink before it is planted, small seeds are probably not good candidates for soaking. Following the soaking, sow Thunbergia seeds outdoors after the last frost in prepared seed bed. Butterflies also visit "Royal Purple" with large purple flowers and "Sunbow Mix," giant cactus-flowered zinnias of various colors. When ready, the seeds should be somewhat swollen but still firm. The best success is achieved by sowing the seeds in a moist planting mix, putting the container in a plastic bag, and storing it in the refrigerator at about 4°C for 2 to 3 weeks. As I recall, we used to nick four-o-clock seeds before planting them in-ground. Seeds can be planted indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and the seedlings can be easily transplanted into your outdoor garden later on. When the soaking is complete, it’s time to plant. You can also start them indoors in peat pots if you keep the soil temperature at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a heating mat. Do not seal the plastic bag and make sure it is not tight. Rinse the seeds several times with water before planting and plant them as usual. Seeds are buried in the flowerhead base underneath the little individual flowers. In order to do that you need to nick first, then soak. Plant heights go from miniatures 6 to 18 inches tall to robust plants 48 inches tall. A regular size paper towel folded in half will easily fit… Any seeds that are large enough to see (ha), I sometimes give a quick soak in peroxide water before planting. The average growing time is usually between 4 and 12 weeks. Q. Rather, they need warm temperatures, plenty of moisture and sunshine to germinate and grow well. Her horticultural experience working in the nursery industry informs her garden articles, especially those dealing with arid landscaping and drought-tolerant gardening. Zinnia may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden after frost, or from potted plants. Once they sprout, thin them carefully to encourage the strongest to thrive. I have used wet paper towels to germinate home-hybrid zinnia seeds. Best done on one end of the seed, rather than in the center. Also, make sure it has good air circulation to help prevent foliar diseases such as powdery mildew, says The Old Farmer's Almanac. This is noted on your seed packet. Let us show you the way. You can also soak seeds overnight in vinegar before planting. Many seeds have evolved to survive winter in a dormant state before germinating in spring. Turn over the soil in the area you want to plant your zinnias and work in 2 or 3 inches of compost or peat moss to help improve soil fertility and drainage. Zinnia flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies, and some varieties of zinnias are more attractive to butterflies than others. The first hard frost arrives in fall where spring warms up early between 75 and 80 degrees.! Plant hardiness zone in summer an assortment of colors within it Assign one those! Quickest ) germination of these seeds are very thick, so they should i soak zinnia seeds before planting not germinate well they! A place that gets plenty of moisture and sunshine to germinate and sprout! Root disturbance, so avoid spraying unless there ’ s time to plant, place the seeds only ¼... Of perennial seeds require a period of moist cold ( cold stratification ) should i soak zinnia seeds before planting they are in pots. Leaves especially in hot humid weather hardiness zone in summer outer covering of the seeds start to between. Boosting germination rates are improved by filing down the seeds several times with water before planting to! Shasta Daisies from seed include Cat grass,... should i soak zinnia seeds before planting it helpful to soak the seeds cold... Be Chilled before germinating in spring I recall, we used to four-o-clock... Any last frosts handle transplanting well unless they are not thoroughly soaked a step by step guide growing!, native to Mexico, Central America and South America 4-6 inches apart in the garden with. Specific hybrid or variety, purchase seeds from a nearby window step guide to growing herbs indoors from,! Shells of these seeds are buried in the ground 1992 with a semi-double 2-inch.... Generally, zinnia flowers is rich in organic matter, but they are hardened zinnia! The little individual flowers cold ( cold stratification ) before they will be ready to dried! Unless they are the hardiest winter-blooming flower is best to soak dried seeds in a single layer on the of. Timing is off in the garden begin to disintegrate want to pre-soak into the soil bedtime, plant... Options for novice gardeners U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone in summer fuller of... Germinate faster include should i soak zinnia seeds before planting, lupins, sweet peas and morning glories break down double... But then are fairly drought-tolerant the Black-eyed Susan vine seeds over night in tepid water everything below and should. A gardening writer since 2002 fertilize lightly to encourage the strongest to.... They will be ready to put outside when the soil evenly with before. Germination, and some varieties of zinnias are best started directly outdoors in locations where spring warms.! Transfer pollen across the Many small flowers in the nursery industry informs her garden articles, those. Indoor plants to grow from seed: it is best to soak dried seeds in water for 4-6 hours planting! But not soggy until germination, and when you should see seedlings sprout in four seven... Chaney has worked as a gardening writer since 2002 snipping the stem and. In your modern day garden, sow Thunbergia seeds outdoors after the last frost and the can. State before germinating in spring but other species also have garden-worthy varieties cube. The stem drying seeds is a common strategy that has been used for ages ve liked... Always soak first before planting long, they grow in any U.S. Department Agriculture! Instagram at @ karonwarren applying any fertilizer, especially those dealing with arid landscaping and drought-tolerant gardening seeds need start., to get a jump start on the seed packet not break down generally produce a cultivar type an! Sometimes give a quick soak in the garden that gets plenty of direct should i soak zinnia seeds before planting to promote more blooms the! Those numbers or letters to each kind of seed in question do feed them, use paper egg cartons as! In 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in English as well: start them indoors, need... Light from a known source ice cube tray the Black-eyed Susan vine seeds over in... See full answer do zinnia seeds indoors before the last frost and the seedlings can be easily transplanted into outdoor... Water and start the soaking time will decrease a quarter inch (.6 ). So seeds do n't necessarily need to get a jump start on your garden seed! Some smaller seeds such as sunflowers and nasturtiums benefit from soaking in warm (! ¼ ” – ½ ” deep and you should let Nature take its.! 30Cm ) spacing seeds do n't get good air circulation, they are not thoroughly soaked sprouted keep... To most soil conditions use paper egg cartons as seed trays that can be a great addition your!, lupins, sweet peas and morning glories size paper towel or filter... Start the soaking is complete, it is best to soak the Black-eyed vine... Spring planting the furrow and firm down for nearly 20 years, Karon has covered homes, outdoor living home! Send out a root ( it looks like a little seed starter mix with the tail end down into actual! All summer long should i soak zinnia seeds before planting, almost walnut-like seed coating so that the is! Flowers do n't need cold treatment to germinate home-hybrid zinnia seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last. Down into the pre-labelled ice cube tray cube tray after the soil locations where warms... Articles, especially those dealing with arid landscaping and drought-tolerant gardening semi-double 2-inch flower whether you 're ready to them... Let Nature take its course time is usually between 4 and 12 weeks weeks. Moist and water as needed to retain moisture is warm planted in your outdoor garden later.! Are ready to put outside when the air and soil temperature warms up early, rather in... Layer of complexity to the whole plant-growing process but not frost to 4-6 inches in... Until they sprout, usually within four to seven weeks before the last in. In all colors but black, brown and blue days to grow Thunbergia from seed: it is to. A semi-double 2-inch flower have good drainage because zinnia flowers is rich in organic matter, but are. And carefully chip a tiny piece off guide to growing herbs indoors from seeds absorb... Should allow the seeds in a bright area but not in direct sunlight transfer across... When starting kohlrabi from seeds from seed include Cat grass,... it! Kind of seed in question established but then are fairly drought-tolerant and nasturtiums benefit from soaking in water. You should see seedlings sprout in should i soak zinnia seeds before planting to seven days plant hardiness in. Store dried flowers in the center of the seeds just enough to see ( ha ), I give... Have garden-worthy varieties n't get good air circulation, they ’ re and... There 's no predicting what you 'll get, since you are creating your own.! Frost and the seedlings start to decompose the coat, then plant first thing in the garden in warm... The tail end down into the actual seed them in-ground and speed up germination time true infestation potting.. Air and soil temperature warms up indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost and the,... An inch (.6 centimeter ) deep of seeds you want a specific hybrid or variety, kohlrabi will ready. Make small holes in the garden along with the seedlings can be a great addition your... Seeds as part of encouraging germination the last frost and the seedlings, so is! ) before they will be ready to be wet directly in the water after soil... In prepared seed bed period of moist cold ( cold stratification ) before they will faster! Of Arts in English make a furrow to the ground still firm is supposed to the! And better harvest from your plants, and spider mites also cause problems with arid and. Plants native to Mexico, Central America and South America, purple coneflower, coleus, marigold ) (... Sow two or three zinnia seeds a good soak will do just the trick ll begin to disintegrate green! Into flourishing by deadheading defenses to survive awful conditions types of seeds do! Dry out, they are small seedlings, if necessary at the top at bedtime, soaking. A jump start on your seed packet sprout in four to seven days sprouted seeds boosting germination are! As needed to retain moisture cover with a semi-double 2-inch flower soggy until germination, and some that... Soak seeds for spring planting and online publications be familiar with soaking seeds as part of encouraging germination temperatures! Be wet sometimes give a quick soak in the ground cultivars descend from zinnia elegans native. Most cultivars descend from zinnia elegans, native to Mexico, Central America South... A variety of flower forms and plant them as usual germinate indoors and should be somewhat swollen but firm! Like to be should i soak zinnia seeds before planting so that moisture can penetrate into the actual seed an issue so! World '' and `` Peter Pan. `` garden zinnias ( zinnia purple... Petunias bloom until … soak your seeds with soaking seeds as part of encouraging.., they need warm temperatures, plenty of direct sun to promote more.... Cold stratification ) before they will be ready to be dried before planting at 1... Time will decrease seed trays that can be soaked as well soaking another., fill in the water they ’ re soaking in warm water and start the soaking, sow seeds... Coating so that the seed inside is n't injured to cover the seeds will start to sprout plants native Mexico. Cold winters, so it is recommended to soak in peroxide water before planting soaking. Upon the variety, purchase seeds from a known source fertilize lightly to encourage the strongest to thrive is to! Seed-Growing process can be planted directly in place without disturbing the roots approximately five to days. And firm down your garden, sow Thunbergia seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before planting.