Button Box Zinnia

I started with Button Box Zinnia's (Zinnia elegans) in mixed colors from Lake Valley Seeds. I started the seeds indoors in peet pods and transplanted outdoors in mid-summer. This specific variety of Zinnia grows quite tall, around 2 - 3 feet and produce an abundance of flowers that bloom from midsummer until frost. They are easy to grow and thrive in hot areas however, be prepared to provide support for these Zinnia's as they do grow tall and skinny. (right) My Button Box Zinnia's in full bloom in August 2009. I started these from seed in late May.


Growing Tips: Zinnia's prefer full sun and regular waterings. To avoid spreading disease to the plant leaves (which is a common problem with Zinnia's), water plants at their base taking care to keep the foliage dry. Remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms.

Starting from Seed: Sow directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Seeds may be started indoors 4 weeks before planting outdoors. Transplant carefully so as not to disturb the roots. Space seeds 10 - 12 inches apart, 1/4 inch deep. Seeds should sprout in 10 - 12 days outdoors or 2 - 6 days indoors. Plant as an annual.

Zinnia : Mixed Colors

I started with Mixed Color Zinnia's from Lake Valley Seeds. The method I used to start the seeds were with peet pods which are these little rounds of dirt that sit inside a plastic container with a see-through lid. You can find these at almost any garden store and are great for starting seeds indoors. The instructions for getting the seeds started in peet pods are included with the pods and are easy to follow. (right) These are the Zinnia's I planted in my garden in 2008 from 2" starter plants, this photo was taken when they were in full bloom in August.

• Day 1 (06.08.09): Planted two seeds per pod, covered and let sit in a warm, dark spot.
• Day 2 (06.10.09): Sprouts begin to appear.
• Day 3 (06.11.09): Sprouts are now about 1" tall, all sprouts have come up.
• Day 4 (06.12.09): Sprouts are now about 2" tall, removed the lid, moved to sunny window and trimmed back 1 sprout from each pod.
• Day 11 (06.19.09): Plants are now 4" tall and have two larger leaves with two tiny leaves in the middle (see right).
• Day 14 (06.22.09): Plants are still 4" tall but have four equally sized leaves.
• Day 18 (06.26.09): Plants are 5" tall with four large leaves on top and two smaller leaves lower on the stem.
• Day 25 (07.03.09): Plants are 6" - 8" tall with leaves on top and half way down the stem. Only three plants from original 10 have survived, the plants seem to grow so tall, so quickly, they cannot support their own weight.
• Day 53 (08.01.09): Plants are around 2 feet tall with flower buds and some have started to bloom. I have had to stake again because they are so tall and floppy. Only two plants have survived the growing, one has deep orange colored flowers and the other, peach. Transplanted outdoors.

Growing Tips: Zinnia's should be grown in full sun in rich, well drained and moist soil. Zinnia's make great clipping flowers and will bloom new flowers until the first frost. To keep mildew from the leaves, do not wet the foilage when watering. If leaves begin to yellow from the bottom up, you are over watering and the yellow leaves should be removed.