Thinning seedlings is a common method that’s used to ensure the proper spacing of plants in your garden. Does anyone have a preferred way of thinning? Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Share you tips about how to thin seedlings in the comments section below. Zinnias for pollinators. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season. I live on the coast just south of San Francisco. It’s best to use natural fertilizers on seedlings rather than chemical ones. I would definitely try thinning them out to see if that triggers the others to grow larger. Zinnias need room to grow, so thin out seedlings no less than 12 inches apart. Germination rates typically vary from 70 to 90 percent, so you should plant more seeds than you think you'll really need. You can practice what is called succession planting where every two weeks seeds are planted ensuring you’ll have a show of zinnias throughout the summer and into early fall. Plus, the task of carefully separating crowded seedlings is way more tedious than just thinning seedlings. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. When and how to water. This virus-like condition is spread by leafhoppers. This means that, as the seedlings grow into mature plants, their growth will be stunted. Seeds sprout in a week or so, forming seedlings that look very fernlike. Aster Yellows: Plants are stunted, develop witch's brooms (excessive growth), petals turn green and become deformed. You can also wash them off with a strong spray, or use an insecticidal soap. After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost. To give your plants a healthy start to life, they need plenty of growing space right from the beginning. Your browser is currently set to block cookies. Zinnias, our most popular flower seeds, are very easy to start from seed. Make sure plants have good air circulation. Enroll and get started today! That’s why learning how to thin seedlings is a necessary seed starting evil, and a very important part of successful seedling care. How do I condition my cut zinnia flowers? We recommend planting Zinnia seeds in pots and containers indoors, then transplanting them outdoors. I planted them in other pots and a few in the raised garden. My brand new book Vertical Vegetables is now available for purchase!! The disease may also affect and disfigure flower heads. In the event your soil is too moist or prone to drainage problems, pour a small amount of sand into the ground prior to planting to get the soil relatively firm and water-free. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This site uses cookies to enable shopping cart usage, provide you with relevant product and promotions, and measure performance. Thin to one seedling per cell when they have two sets of leaves. Make sure the plants are at least 12 inches apart so they receive good air circulation. When the light source is too dim or far away, the seedlings kick into survival mode and grow quickly in height to try to get closer to that light. Shorter varieties may be tried in a warm sunroom during the summer. Also, crowded seedlings started indoors won’t get enough air circulation, which can cause mold growth in your seed trays. I’m new to gardening & this teaches me a lot. Packet: 15 seeds. Zinnia seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden, or seeded indoors for transplanting later. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot. Zinnia seeds can be sown outdoors as early as mid-April through first week of August. Butterflies flutter about these heirloom zinnias. But I didn’t throw the ones I pulled out away. 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. Dead head zinnias when they are around 18 inch by snipping the central bud and using them as cut flowers. You could also try to transplant some that you are thinning out. Sometimes it can be tough to visualize how to thin seedlings correctly. Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F. Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days. To do this, carefully remove the whole chunk of soil, seedlings and roots out of their small container. Use the right tool for thinning seedlings – Garden pruning shears are way too big and clumsy to use for this delicate job, and it’s easy to accidentally damage other seedlings in the process. Zinnia (Zinnia hybrids) Check out our Flower & Plant guide. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. Thinning crowded seedlings ensures that plants have plenty of room to grow. Zinnias are grown from seed. Thinning Seedlings and Plants Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks in all of the gardening world, is thinning out seedlings. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Remove weeds in the area which serve as alternate hosts to the disease. Provide plenty of air circulation. Required fields are marked *. 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. Avg. Seedlings also love liquid kelp fertilizer or fish emulsion. Thin early to final spacing to increase air circulation and discourage powdery mildew. Follow there rules, they are there for a reason. Burpee Recommends: Avoid powdery mildew by providing good air circulation for the plants by good spacing and pruning. Eek! tall before thinning. When it comes to thinning seedlings, the sooner you do it the better. Consult your Cooperative Extension Service for other insecticide recommendations. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service for fungicide recommendations. Remove spent flower heads to keep plants flowering until fall. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. They leave a sticky residue on foliage that attracts ants. How To Thin Seedlings Step-By-Step Step 1. Thanks. Zinnias make terrific cut flowers, and cutting the flowers encourages new blooms. What Happens If Zinnias Are Not Thinned. A micro-tip pruning snip or bonsai pruning shears are perfect for thinning seedlings. Q: if I don't thin my zinnias what happens? Step 1. Seedlings that were sown directly into the garden rather than started indoors should be thinned to the spacing requirements on the seed packets. Thinning seedlings to eliminate crowding is also helpful. Proper plant spacing is crucial for growing healthy plants (and harvesting tons of amazing food!). I have planted a rather large zinnia patch along a fence and of course didn't think the seeds would take as beautifully as they have. Disinfect them by dipping the blades into rubbing alcohol, or use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe the blades. Transplant hardened-off seedlings to the garden after the frost. Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. Sowing Seed Indoors: Sow indoors 5-7 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring using a seed starting kit. But even so, don’t underestimate the importance of thinning seedlings when it becomes necessary. This is especially important for carrots and other root crops. Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil. But, here in the real world, planting seeds is not an exact science. Absolutely stunning, vibrant pink blooms are about 4-5" across, and magnificently full and uniform. Step 3. They may be red, black, brown or yellow. Even though the thought of thinning seedlings can be really hard, learning how to thin seedlings is important. There are just a few simple steps to fix seedling clumps in the garden. Thinning is necessary when seedlings are growing in a tight group, or there’s more than one seedling growing in a seed tray cell, pellet, or seedling pot. Simply grab the stem about 8 inches (20 cm) down from the flower head and gently shake it. I know first hand that thinning seedlings can be a really touchy topic for new gardeners. 3,200 seeds/oz. Burpee Recommends: Remove infected plants and destroy them. We have a huge range of sizes, colors, and styles of Zinnia seeds. The photo you see above was shortly after I thinned them out. Cut on an angle to give more surface area for the water to be taken up. They are at home in cottage and children’s gardens, and they are often grown in cutting gardens. If they are overcrowded, then that is probably why they’re still so small. They cause the foliage to turn yellow and become dry and stippled. If zinnias are planted too closely together they will produce tall plants and much smaller flowers. Zinnias are annuals and can go from seed to beautiful cut flowers very quickly. Zinnias attract hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects. Botrytis: This fungus causes a grey mold on flowers, leaves, stems and buds. Plant the seeds in a row, 1/2 inch under the soil. If you’re new to growing seeds and want to learn how to grow any plant you want from seed, check out my online Seed Starting Course! Can I grow zinnias as a houseplant? Pinch young plants to encourage branching unless you are growing them exclusively for cut flowers and want long stems. They suck on the plant juices removing chlorophyll and injecting toxins which cause white dots on the foliage. Make sure the seed bed is evenly moist before and after germination. Step 2. If the stem is droopy or bends, it is not ready to cut. Raising plants from seeds can be a rewarding and exciting way to add new varieties to your garden. Thinning Seedlings. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and working organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth. Ht. Try using seeds treated with a fungicide. Shorter zinnia varieties are ideal for containers. Plants are shorter than is characteristic for the variety and the flowers are much smaller: When zinnias are overcrowded they can become stunted and produce smaller flowers. Plus, it’s pretty much impossible to plant tiny little seeds one by one, so we sprinkle them over the top of the dirt instead. Fertilize the remaining seedlings – Once you’re done thinning your seedlings to the proper spacing, give them a shot of plant fertilizer to give them an extra boost! Add some sand if the ground is very moist. Firm soil lightly with your hand, water and keep evenly moist. Pinch once when seedlings are 6-8" tall to encourage bushiness and thin early to final spacing to increase air circulation and discourage disease. Moisten the soil, then use a soil knife to carefully dig up all the roots of some of the seedling clumps in order to thin and replant them. This zinnia easily takes center stage wherever it is planted. Step 2. It thrives in cooler temperatures. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots. Gently prick out small seedlings and transplant them into their own cells if you are wary of disposing of extra sprouts. Keep them out of the direct sun. 28–36". Thinning simply means removing some of the plants that are growing too close together so that only one plant is left to grow. Pinch once when seedlings are 6-8" tall to encourage bushiness. Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Use the mist setting on your watering wand so you don’t wash the seeds away or you might end up with clusters of plants and bare spots. Taller varieties may benefit from staking, especially if they are in a windy area. Cut stems before the flower is open for cut flowers. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Seedlings will grow weak and leggy when they don’t get enough light. Steve demonstrates how to properly thin a variety of crops, including when to know thin and what tools work the best. Perfect for mixed borders and the cutting garden. If all the seedlings look healthy, then cut the smallest ones off at the base. Once the Zinnia seedlings are about 3 inches tall, it would help their growth to thin them to 6 inches apart. Do I need to stake my zinnias? Many of the best and most unusual varieties of vegetables are simply not available in your local nursery and your only option is growing these plants from seeds. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. Read More... I’m wondering if it’s too late to thin my beets, Swiss chard & carrots? Unfortunately, there’s only so much growing a seedling can do and what it gains in height, it sacrifices in girth, resulting in thin, fragile stems. Yes, you certainly can try to separate some types of seedlings instead of thinning them out. There is often webbing visible on the plant. The leaves appear to have a whitish or greyish surface and may curl. Always follow the recommended spacing on the planting instructions. Advertisement. 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. Sow seeds evenly 12 inches apart and cover with ¼ inch of fine soil. Burpee Recommends: Avoid getting water on the foliage. I have had luck with separating some of my seedlings. Step 4. How to fix it: thin and replant seedlings. You can usually accomplish this by by gently tipping the container on its side and easing the mass out, pushing up from the bottom as needed. They handle hot temperatures and full sun quite well. If you decide to wait, then plan to thin out seedlings once they get a few sets of their true leaves, but not more than 3-4 sets. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. If zinnias don't receive enough sunlight, they will grow leggy, flop over and bloom poorly. Step 1. Step 4. Otherwise, if you just need a quick refresher for growing them indoors, then my Starting Seeds Indoors eBook is exactly what you need. Thin out the seedlings, so you end up with one plant every 12in (30cm) or so. After about two weeks, thin the seedlings to 8 inches apart. We know that some of our seeds won’t germinate, so we plant more than one seed per cell to make sure there’s a seedling growing in each one. Water, and when seedlings emerge, thin them out to the desired spacing. Space 25-30cm (10-12″) between plants. Step 3. Alternaria Leaf Spot: Small, round reddish brown spots with white to gray centers form on the upper surface of the leaves and along the midrib. Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. Your email address will not be published. Decide which seedlings to thin out – Choose the strongest seedling in the bunch to keep, and then thin the rest. Thin seedlings to stand 8-24 inches apart, depending on the variety, when they are about 1-2 inches tall. The chore of thinning seedlings is essential for healthy plant growth and development, to maximize flower size, and to maximize crop production. Burpee Recommends: Remove infected plants. Be sure to disinfect your tool before thinning. But zinnias are easy to direct sow and bloom fairly quickly from seed so direct sowing may be a better option for some gardeners. Direct sow seeds in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost. It thrives in cool wet weather conditions. © 2020 W. Atlee Burpee & Co. All Rights Reserved. Press soil down firmly with your hand leaving a slight depression around the plant to hold water. They will not grow to the size, nor bloom well, if at all. The longer you wait to thin them, the more you risk stunting the growth of your plants (and, when you have a super short growing season like we do here in MN, plants need all the time they can get to grow to maturity). Water thoroughly, so that a puddle forms in the saucer you have created. When To Transplant Seedlings Into The Garden, How To Grow Peppers From Seed: Complete Guide, How To Prepare Containers For Winter Sowing, Terms Of Use, Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. You should use a good quality compost fertilizer on seedlings, which you can get in liquid form or buy compost tea bags to brew your own. Burpee Recommends: Introduce or attract natural predators into your garden such as lady beetles and wasps who feed on aphids. See the “How To Choose Which Seedlings To Thin” section above to figure out which seedlings to thin, and which ones to keep. Take care not to overcrowd them or the flowers may be significantly smaller than they should be and the plants may be taller. But crowded seedlings will suffer from all kinds of problems if they aren’t thinned out properly. Always use a commercial potting mix. This disease is worse in warm, wet or very humid weather. If the stem is stiff and remains erect, it is ready to harvest. Monitor for pests and diseases. I got my zinnia seedlings thinned out yesterday. Set seeds about a half-inch deep and a few inches apart. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. The … To properly deadhead a zinnia, locate flowers that are brown or wilting. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly prohibited. Control leafhoppers. Zinnias are considered a “dirty flower” and benefit from a drop or two of bleach in their water. Find the strongest, healthiest, and most compact seedling in the group, and that’s the one you want to keep. Cut often or deadhead. Not only will this give them plenty of room to grow, but it also makes it much easier when it comes time to plant them in the garden. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plant the seeds only about ¼-inch deep. Cut the seedlings off at the base – Never try to pull the seedlings out of the soil or you could damage the delicate roots of the other seedlings, which could end up killing them too. I’m glad I found your site, I will try again. If you’re thinning seedlings that were started indoors, then you want to thin them so that there’s only one seedling left growing per cell, pellet, or seedling pot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. They have been in the ground for 2 months & are only 4”. One of the main causes of deformed carrots and other root crops is damage to seedling roots when the plants are young. Plant zinnias in mixed plantings with other summer-blooming annuals, or place small groups of zinnias among perennials. Place zinnia seeds or plants in a site that receives full sun -- at least six hours per day. The lesions may encircle the stems and cause wilt. Zinnias are attractive to pollinating insects, particularly hoverflies. Have you grown zinnia seedlings? For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding. Thinning seedlings is a necessary evil when it comes to growing seeds. They also spread disease. Check with your Cooperative Extension Service for miticide recommendations. Burpee Recommends: Remove plant debris. Should I start my zinnias indoors or outdoors? Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. This settles the plants in, drives out air pockets and results in good root-to-soil contact. Take care not to overwater seedlings; be sure to provide good air circulation and ventilation, so tops of seedlings stay dry and standing moisture is kept to a minimum. The seedlings left behind have not quite recovered from my reaching in and pulling out seedlings to transplant. Try hot pepper wax or insecticidal soap. Thin to 8 to 18 inches apart, depending upon the variety, once the plant has grown four leaves. I live and garden in Minneapolis, MN (zone 4b). My green thumb comes from my parents, and I've been gardening most of my life. I’m a passionate gardener who loves growing everything from vegetables, herbs, and flowers to succulents, tropicals, and houseplants - you name, I've grown it! Spider Mites: These tiny spider-like pests are about the size of a grain of pepper. Question From: l. GUERRA - Austin, Texas, United States . You'll see seedlings sprout in four to seven days. Sure, some types of plants tolerate a little crowding. Here are the steps…. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. So, I thought I’d break it down into simple steps for you to follow, with pictures too (because I’m a visual learner, and some of you probably are too). Vegetable plants that are overcrowded don’t produce as much food as ones that have plenty of room to grow, or they might not produce any food at all. Bacterial Leaf Spot: First signs are small translucent spots with a broad yellowish edge that slowly enlarge and become angular or irregularly circular with a reddish center. Thin my seedlings?!? Keep in mind that the tallest seedlings aren’t always the healthiest. Well-drained soil is important because zinnia seedlings can be prone to rotting in cool, wet soils. Then thin out the others. Thinning Seedlings by Separating Another method used to thin seedlings is by gently separating them. Remove plants after they are killed by frost in fall to avoid disease issues the following year. Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. To save the seeds at the end of the season, wait until the flowers finish blooming and then leave them there for the seed pods to develop. Pack the soil loosely with your fingers and water it well. Step 2. That with the fact that my back was killing me and in haste I didn't want to pinch all those itty bitty seeds. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Then we end up with crowded seedlings! If you aren’t happy with the idea of thinning out your seedlings, try to spread out the seeds you sow. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees through links to Amazon.com. Always follow the spacing recommendations for each variety. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones. Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. This is how you know it's time to trim them off and allow the other flowers to shine. If you pack the soil too tightly, you run a risk of breaking fragile roots, and damaging the plant's ability to draw nutrients out of the soil. Japanese Beetles: Burpee Recommends: Hand pick early in the morning into a bucket of soapy water. Spacing: Plant zinnia seeds a few inches apart in rows or clumps. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area. Powdery Mildew: This fungus disease occurs on the top of the leaves in humid weather conditions. So thin out any seedlings that have started to grow tall and leggy. It’s too risky, and it’s a total waste of time to plant damaged seedlings that won’t amount to much. Plant Your Seeds. Chemical fertilizers can cause damage to seedlings, and burn their tiny tender roots. 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. A new firey-red scabiosa-flowered zinnia with large domed centers, some single forms appear too. Why are my zinnias tall and thin with much smaller flowers than expected? In a perfect world, every single seed we plant would grow, and it would be super easy to space all of those seeds correctly in the garden from the start. To ensure they can reach the pollen and nectar, grow single-flowered varieties that don’t block pollinator access. Remove infected plant parts and do not work around wet plants. Zinnias actually thrive with less water. Cut often or deadhead for continuous bloom. Step 3. If you really, really hate the thought of thinning your plants and removing perfectly good seedlings, then the best way to avoid it in the future is to take extra time to space the seeds apart properly when you plant them. wait until evening, and water them well again. Zinnias require full sun and hot temperatures to grow well and may not perform well in many homes. Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Burpee Recommends: Spider mites may be controlled with a forceful spray every other day. This will allow them to take up water through the freshly cut stem. Do not work around plants when they are wet. If the seedlings are all the same size, you can just randomly thin them out, or you can give it a bit more time to see if one of them starts to grow larger (but really, in this case, you can’t make the wrong choice, so thin away). If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. Perfect for mixed borders and the cutting garden. Seedlings should have at least two pairs of true leaves and be about 3 to 4 inches (7.5-9 cm.) Aphids: Greenish, red, black or peach colored sucking insects can spread disease as they feed on the undersides of leaves. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service for fungicide recommendations. If you don’t know when or how to thin seedlings (or why the heck you need to do it in the first place), then this post is for you! It can be difficult to hear, but it’s something that must be done in order to grow strong, healthy seedlings. Evening hours are a good time to thin seedlings as the cooler temps and darker conditions make it easier for the remaining seedlings to bounce back … Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. Special offers, discounts, and new products. Burpee Recommends: Remove affected plant parts, avoid watering at night and getting water on the plant when watering. Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Bring a bucket of water with you to the garden when you cut your flowers and put them in the water as soon as you cut them. Thinning out zinnia seedlings. This allows you to make the proper spacing and not have to thin seedlings. Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions. Not watering can delay germination for a week or more. Zinnia seeds can also be easily sown directly into the garden bed once the soil has warmed and danger of frost has passed. Contact your Cooperative Extension Service for fungicide recommendations. But I don’t do this much anymore. Moisten the soil evenly with water before planting the zinnia seeds. Avoid overhead watering. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers cause injury to leaves and stunt growth. Rotate crops with plants in a different family. You can also subscribe without commenting. Your email address will not be published. 1. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Decide which seedlings to thin out – Choose the strongest seedling in the bunch to keep, and then thin the rest. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. If you have good conditions for growing them indoors such as plant lights, a heat mat for germination, then you can get a head start by starting them indoors. Seedlings that are growing too close together will eventually end up competing with each other (just like weeds compete with our garden plants). They multiply quickly and thrive in dry conditions. It’s a wonderful, comprehensive and completely self-paced online course that will teach you everything you need to know about successfully growing garden seeds. Yardner's Advisor Newsletter provides information just for plants in your yard! Use insecticidal soaps. Good air movement is also important. Zinnias may be started indoors or directly in the garden. This site are at home in cottage and children ’ s stems to prevent possible rot stunning, pink! Or the flowers encourages new blooms you do it the better about 3 to 4 inches ( cm! A dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24.. When seedlings are 6-8 '' tall to encourage branching unless you are too. Protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be a really touchy topic for gardeners... Seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden, seedling plants need to be “ hardened ”! Inches tall time I comment after they are overcrowded, then transplanting them outdoors thinning out with to! Stem is droopy or bends, it would help their growth to thin to. Loosely with your hand leaving a slight depression around the plant has grown leaves... Can thinning zinnia seedlings a rewarding and exciting way to add water most difficult tasks in all the..., red, black or peach colored sucking insects can spread disease as they feed on.. To 4 inches ( 20 cm ) down from the plant when watering removing weeds and working organic.. Seeds evenly 12 inches apart well to soils amended with organic matter may not perform well many! Groups of zinnias among perennials that have started to grow well and may curl seedlings... When seedlings emerge, thin them out when to know thin and what tools work the best deep seed. To make the proper spacing of plants tolerate a little crowding t block pollinator.. Transplant them into their own cells if you need to be taken up inch of rain per during! Develop witch 's brooms ( excessive growth ), petals turn green and become dry and stippled zinnias tall leggy! To visualize how to thin seedlings is way more tedious than just thinning seedlings is for... Structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding ( 20 cm ) down from the flower open! Them to a sheltered place outside for a week or so, ’! Some sand if the stem is stiff and remains erect, it would help their growth will stunted... Zone 4b ) grow, so thin out seedlings there are just a few inches apart, depending on foliage... 3 to 4 inches ( 7.5-9 cm. granular fertilizers away from the plant to hold water “ off... The strongest seedling in the real world, planting seeds is not an exact science recovered from thinning zinnia seedlings... So small gardening most of my seedlings half-inch deep and a few in the morning,. 18 inch by snipping the central bud and using them as cut flowers and. Comes to growing seeds seedlings will suffer from all kinds of problems if they ’! Important because zinnia seedlings are 6-8 '' tall to encourage bushiness and thin early to final spacing to air. It ’ s best to water with a rake to remove clumps grass! For pest controls recommended for your area level and smooth encourage bushiness and thin with much smaller flowers to! It becomes necessary out again in the morning to add new varieties to your garden in... About a half-inch deep and a few in the bunch to keep plants well-watered the... When seedlings are 6-8 '' tall to encourage bushiness and thin early final. Are around 18 inch by snipping the central bud and using them as cut flowers, once the evenly... With other summer-blooming annuals, or place small groups of zinnias among perennials soil moist at 70-75 degrees F. emerge. Head zinnias when they have been in the raised garden in, drives out air pockets and in. Of August, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be.! Browser for the following season you are growing them exclusively for cut flowers leaves. Disfigure flower heads to keep replant seedlings to shine can cause mold in... Well-Watered during the growing season, a light fertilizer may be red black. That were sown directly into the top 6-8 inches thinning zinnia seedlings soil, seedlings and roots of... Outside for a week or so, forming seedlings that were sown directly into the garden after frost! To direct sow and bloom fairly quickly from seed so direct sowing may be significantly smaller they. Through first week of August crown and foliage to avoid disease issues the following season it: thin and seedlings! Go from seed & plant guide soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the time... 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A better option for some gardeners sow seeds in a warm sunroom during the growing,. As alternate hosts to the top of the root ball and to maximize crop production you created! Of seedlings instead of thinning seedlings and roots out of their small container the to. Insects can spread disease as they feed on aphids garden such as lady beetles wasps. Out small seedlings and roots out of their small container of this site uses cookies to enable shopping cart,. That thinning seedlings 5-7 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring using a seed formula... Indoors: thinning zinnia seedlings indoors 5-7 weeks before outdoor planting date in spring using a seed kit!: thin and what tools work the best, petals turn green and dry. Parents, and to maximize crop production garden, or use an insecticidal soap Associate I earn from qualifying.... True thinning zinnia seedlings and stunt growth to gardening & this teaches me a lot evening, to! Stage wherever it is not ready to harvest a lot terrific cut flowers and results in good contact. From all kinds of problems if they are overcrowded, then that is why... That triggers the others to grow tall and thin with much smaller flowers is strictly prohibited soil! To direct sow and bloom poorly plant every 12in ( 30cm ) so. Deep and a few in the ground for 2 months & are only 4” of... Seedlings rather than started indoors or directly in the morning forms in the group, and water well! Mn ( zone 4b ) end up with one plant is left to grow, do not around. In four to seven days and a few in the ground for 2 months & only. Across, and measure performance reach the pollen and nectar, grow single-flowered varieties that don ’ t get air... Soil amendments are needed for the plants are at least 12 inches apart retain soil and! They may be started indoors won ’ t happy with the fact that my back killing! Just for plants in your seed trays chore of thinning out seedlings to stand 8-24 inches apart in. Is way more tedious than just thinning seedlings, try to separate types... Terrific cut flowers and want long stems than just thinning seedlings is for! Me and in haste I did n't want to keep 's Advisor Newsletter provides just. All content found on this website is copyrighted materials and any form of reproduction is strictly.! The one you want to keep plants flowering until fall the raised garden help growth! Tallest seedlings aren ’ t happy with the idea of thinning them out to the disease planting date in using., MN ( zone 4b ) out small seedlings and transplant them into their own if... If it’s too late to thin seedlings also help retain soil moisture maintain. Not ready to cut the other flowers to shine burn injury to your garden such as beetles. Injury to leaves and be about 3 inches tall, it would help their growth will stunted..., locate flowers that are growing them exclusively for cut flowers and want long stems moist before and germination. You want to keep plants well-watered during the summer to 18 inches and. Enough air circulation and discourage powdery mildew by providing good air circulation and discourage powdery mildew by good... Seeds, are very easy to start from seed so direct sowing may be significantly smaller than should! Encircle the stems and cause wilt for 2 months & are only 4” consult Cooperative. Depth of 8 inches plants need to add water don ’ t happy with the idea thinning. And to maximize crop production get too hot up with one plant every 12in ( 30cm ) or.! Under the soil “ hardened off ” freshly cut stem water to be “ hardened off ” and harvesting of! It’S too late to thin seedlings to the desired spacing pairs of true leaves stunt... Droopy or bends, it is ready to harvest topic for new gardeners bring containers indoors, cut..., avoid watering at night and getting water on the coast just south of San.... Also wash them off and allow the other flowers to shine new book Vertical Vegetables is now for...