How to propagate zinnia

sowing

Pre-sowing treatment

Before sowing, the soil and seeds must be strictly disinfected to prevent diseases and pests during the growth period. Sowing can be done from early April to late June. Seeds can be disinfected by soaking in 1% potassium permanganate solution for 30 minutes. The substrate is mixed with 2 parts of leaf mold, 1 part of river sand, 2 parts of peat, and 2 parts of perlite. It can be disinfected with 0.05% potassium permanganate or 1000 times formaldehyde. The soil can be fumigated with high temperature to kill pathogens, pests and grass seeds.

Before sowing, moisten the substrate and then sow the seeds. Zinnia is a photophobic flower seed, so a layer of vermiculite must be covered after sowing.

Sowing method

The seed life of zinnia is 3 years, and the germination rate is about 60%. Try to choose full seeds from the previous year to increase the seed germination rate. The sowing date can be determined according to the flowering time. It takes about 75-90 days from sowing to flowering. The seeds can be sown or scattered, and need to be covered with a thin layer of soil about 1 cm. Water after sowing. They will germinate 5-10 days after sowing. The seedlings should be transplanted once they grow 2 leaves and are 5-8 cm tall.

It takes 45-60 days from planting to flowering depending on the variety. The suitable temperature for growth is 15-30℃. Except for the seedlings that need shade and shelter from rain, all other plants need sufficient sunlight. When planting in pots, mix 3 parts of humus, 1 part of sawdust and 1 part of river sand evenly.

At a temperature of 21-23℃, it will germinate in 3-5 days. No light is required during the germination period. After germination, the seedbed should maintain a moisture content of 50%-60%. It should not be too wet to avoid root rot or damping-off disease.

Cuttings

Cutting seedlings are not as neat as sowing seedlings. You can choose 10 cm long side buds for cuttings. Generally, they will take root in 5-7 days. The subsequent cultivation and management are the same as sowing, and they can be transplanted after 30-45 days.

Cuttings can be combined with pinching and dwarfing.