Growing Zinnias

Begin by digging a hole deep enough to hold the seedling and the dirt from the package, about 3 to 4 inches deep and spaced 9 to 12 inches apart. Loosen the seedling from the packaging by gently squeezing the sides of the plastic cell. Make removing the seedling easier by cutting the cells apart and making a small cut at the top of each cell before loosening the seedling. 

Place the seedling along with the dirt from the package in the planting hole . Add garden soil to fill the remaining space, gently firming the soil around the seedling. Water regularly until plants are established. Adding small amount of water-soluble all-purpose fertilizer will jump-start the growth process. Jack's Classic All Purpose 20-20-20 is our go-to fertilizer for the beginning of the season.

Pro tip: Planting a row of zinnias creates a breath-taking view that is sure to enhance curb appeal. Choose varieties of similar height in coordinating colors, and be sure to include white in your selection for the biggest impact.

Continue to water regularly throughout the season. Transition to a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen as the season progresses. Too much nitrogen will cause the plants to become bushy and not flower. We use Jack's Blossom Booster 10-30-20 about 4 to 6 weeks after planting our cosmos. 

Zinnias may need support to say upright, but often do fine without. Last year, I only staked my zinnias at the end of the year after high winds.

Pro tip: Pinch the center stem when the plant is 8 to 12 inches tall or when there are 4 sets of leaves to encourage branching. This will result in more flowers!

Zinnias are a hardy addition to any bouquet, lasting 7 to 10 in the vase. Follow these harvest tips to get the most out of your zinnias.

• Water the soil well the night before you plan to harvest

• Harvest in the morning before it gets warm

• For the longest vase life, harvest zinnias when the stems are stiff. Use the wiggle test to know if your blooms are ready to cut -- grab the stem about 3 in from the bloom and wiggle. If flower head wiggles, it's not ready to harvest.

• Use a pair of sharp garden sheers to cut the stem

• Immediately put cut stems in room temperature water

• Store cut stems in a cool, shaded place for a few hours to let them rehydrate before making your arrangement

• Trim stems and refresh the vase water every few days

Pro tip: adding flower food to your harvest bucket can extend vase life!