SEEDS FLOWERING

Zinnias are easy to grow and can be sown directly outdoors. The small, pompom flowers are produced in a range of colours and are loved by bees and butterflies! An excellent border filler, or try some in patio pots.Sow seeds on the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed compost. Lightly cover, 3mm (1/8in) deep with vermiculite or compost. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag at 20-30C (68-86F) until after germination which usually takes 7-14 days. Can also be sown direct into the soil after last frost.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle, taking care not to damage the fragile roots, into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 30cm (12in) apart.

Outstanding zinnia variety which is much admired for its exotic and extraordinary colouring. The showy, many-petalled blooms are various shades of red, fading to lime, with a bright magenta centre. Ideal in a hot, sunny spot in the garden or in pots on the patio. Cut some for vases too!Direct sow outdoors where they are to grow from april to May once the soil has warmed. Choose a position in full sun on moist, well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly, at a depth of 3mm (1/8in) in drills spaced 30cm (12in) apart. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Germination usually takes 7-14 days. When large enough to handle, thin them out to 23cm (9in) apart. Alternatively, sow indoors from March to May at 15-25°C (59-77°F). After sowing, keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged and do not exclude light as this helps germination. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting outdoors.

Stunning double flowers in a spectacular mix of three colours, these magnificent zinnias offer outstanding garden performance, especially when planted en masse in a sunny border. Plants have a stronger root system than other types, making them easier to transplant.Sow seeds on the surface of a good, free-draining, dampseed compost. Then lightly cover, 3mm (1/8in) deep, with vermiculite or compost. Place container in a propagator or seal inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 20-30?C (68-86?F) until after germination which usually takes 10-24 days. Direct sow outside from late April once the soil has warmed. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 3mm (1/16in)Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle, taking care not to damage the fragile roots, into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 30cm (12in) apart.