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Growing and Caring for Zinnias

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Growing and Caring for Zinnia

This is my most favorite annual. Glorious sizes and colors and it attracts tons of butterflies.

Plant Zinnia seed inside six to eight weeks before the last frost.

While it’s too early in some areas to plant tender annuals, beds can be prepared for this year’s gardens.

Transplant most annuals after danger of frost has passed.

Mulch beds to reduce moisture loss and keep weeds from germinating.

Harden off annuals about a week before planting them in the garden.

When buying annuals, look for plants with full, compact and healthy green growth.

Turn the container upside down and remove the plant to make sure that the root system is vigorous, but not matted.

Unless you really need to see bloom color, try to purchase plants with buds, but no flowers.

Ask if the plants have been hardened off. If they have not been hardened off, you will need to do this before planting them.

Try using seed strips to make less work during spring planting. Rip or cut black and white (only) newspaper into one inch long strips. Using a glue made of 1/4 cup flour and 1 cup water, dab on just enough glue to adhere seeds to the strip at appropriate spacing. Roll these strips up and store in a cool, dry place until planting time.

Use fresh potting soil when planting containers. Fertilize annuals regularly according to product directions.

Make sure the plants are not in need of water, or the fertilizer could burn them. Annuals need about an inch of water a week, either from rain or irrigation. Try watering once a week, soaking the soil to a depth of six to eight inches.

Trim plants overwintering indoors and start hardening them off.

Plant flowering annuals like Floss Flower (Ageratum), Coleus, Geraniums, Impatiens, Begonias, and annual Salvias after danger of frost is passed.

Stake tall annuals while the plants are still small.

Cut flowers for fresh arrangements early in the morning. Planting/Seeding: Plant or seed just before a light rain. Seeding is easiest on a calm day.

For plants that need protection from heat and wind, plant on a cloudy, calm day or late in the afternoon.

As a general rule for warm-weather annuals, delay sowing seed or planting until after the last frost.

Transplanting: Transplanting is ideal after a light rain and during calm conditions–it’s easy to dig and the roots will be hydrated.

Applying sprays: Apply on a calm day. Avoid applying before heavy rains. Fertilizing: Fertilize after a light rain or just prior to a light rain.

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