Half Hardy Annual

• Flowers in : Summer
• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders, Containers, Wildlife Garden
• Height : 12 inches

Description

Zinnias have certainly increased in popularity as summer bedding in recent years. Swizzles are sure to brighten any display with their eye-catching, bicoloured flowers, in vibrant shades of scarlet and yellow. The dwarf, bushy free-flowering plants have exceptional garden performance in sunny borders or in containers, as well as attracting a variety of butterflies to your garden.

Height: 25-30cm (10-12in).

Sowing Instructions

Sow March to May. Sow seed in individual pots or module trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25C (68-77F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 10 to 24 days.

Can also be sown once the soil has warmed, 3mm (1/8 inch) deep in drills 30cm (12 inches) apart in well-cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9 inches) apart.

Growing Instructions

For pot grown seed - when well grown, gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 23-30cm (9 to 12 inches) apart, taking care not to damage the root system.

Aftercare

For best results, provide a moist, well-drained soil in full sun.