Zinnia seedlings should be thinned to stand 8-24 inches apart, depending on the variety, when they are about 1-2 inches tall. This spacing ensures that each plant has enough room to grow and thrive without being overcrowded by neighboring seedlings.
When thinning zinnia seedlings, it’s important to consider the eventual size of the mature plants. Some zinnia varieties can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 2-3 feet or even taller. These taller varieties will require more spacing between each plant to allow for their full growth potential.
On the other hand, there are also dwarf or compact zinnia varieties that stay shorter, typically around 8-12 inches in height. These varieties can be planted closer together, with spacing around 8-12 inches apart.
The specific spacing recommendations for each zinnia variety can usually be found on the seed packet or in the plant’s growing instructions. It’s always a good idea to consult these guidelines to ensure that you give your zinnias the proper amount of space to grow.
In my personal experience, I have grown both tall and compact zinnia varieties in my garden. I remember one year when I planted a tall zinnia variety without considering the spacing requirements. As a result, the plants ended up overcrowded and competed for sunlight and nutrients. They didn’t reach their full potential and the flowers were smaller than expected.
On the other hand, when I planted a compact zinnia variety with proper spacing, the plants grew beautifully and produced vibrant flowers. Each plant had enough space to spread out and receive adequate sunlight and nutrients, resulting in healthier and more abundant blooms.
So, whether you are growing zinnias for their tall stature or their compact size, it’s important to give them the appropriate spacing to ensure their optimal growth and development. By thinning the seedlings to stand 8-24 inches apart, depending on the variety, when they are about 1-2 inches tall, you can provide each zinnia plant with the space it needs to flourish.