How do you plant the latest zinnia seeds?
Zinnia generally refers to the zinnia (Zinnia elegans), an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Zinnia in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico, with single-petaled, double-petaled, curled-leaf, wrinkled-leaf and various different-colored garden varieties, widely cultivated throughout our country, sometimes becoming wild, and can be used according to height respectively for flower beds, flower borders and flower strips, and is also often used for potted plants. Now let us take a look together at how to plant zinnia seeds!
Seed selection
Zinnia seeds have a lifespan of 3 years and a germination rate of about 60%. Try to choose plump seeds from the previous year to increase the seed germination rate. To save zinnia seeds, do it when the outer ring of petals begins to dry up and the middle ring of petals begins to lose color. Cut off the flower heads, dry them in the sun, remove impurities and store them.
Disinfection treatment
Before sowing zinnia, the soil and seeds must undergo strict disinfection treatment to prevent pests and diseases during the growing period. For seed disinfection, soak the seeds in a 1% potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes. The substrate is mixed and prepared from 2 parts leaf mold, 1 part river sand, 2 parts peat and 2 parts perlite, and can be disinfected with 0.05% potassium permanganate or 1000-fold formalin. For the soil, a high-temperature fumigation method can be used to kill the pathogenic bacteria, pests and weed seeds in it.
Sowing time
The sowing time of zinnia is determined according to the desired flowering time. Generally, sow in a greenhouse 2-3 months in advance. Direct sowing in the open field is best after the severe cold of early spring, otherwise the seedlings will develop poorly. If used for flower beds in autumn, it is best to sow in summer. Spring sowing is carried out from March to April, transplant when there are 4-5 leaves, plant out in early June, and flowers bloom from July until frost.
Sowing method
Zinnia seeds can be sown in holes or broadcast. Because it is a light-shy flower seed, after sowing it must be covered with a layer of vermiculite. At a temperature of 21-23°C, it can germinate in 3-5 days. The germination period does not require light. After germination, the seedbed should maintain a water content of 50-60%, and it must not be too wet, so as to avoid root rot or damping-off disease.
Seedling management
After zinnia seedlings grow 1 true leaf, divide the seedlings and transplant them once. Zinnia has an underdeveloped root system and few lateral roots. Generally, when there are 2 true leaves, transplant and plant them into pots. When transplanting, they should be carried with soil. The transplanting substrate should be loose, fertile and well-drained, and can be prepared from 3 parts pond mud, 1 part leaf mold and 1 part decomposed compost and barnyard manure. The planting depth is 0.5 cm below the cotyledons. After planting, press the soil lightly and water thoroughly.