Next year, plant something you like from the list contained in this Purdue Extension article. If you live in the northern climates, it is advisable to start zinnias seeds indoors at least 3 to 4 weeks before the spring under bright lights. This flower grows fast from germination to maturity in 8 to 12 weeks however, it depends on the cultivar. Open pollinated plants are those that have been grown for some time to become stable in their plant. Planting zinnia seeds or seedlings must start at the last date of the frost date. Zinnia plants may be either open pollinated or hybrids.

And this was one of many different yet beautiful colours produced by the saved seed. At the end of this season, remove ALL plant tissue from these plants, and dispose of them in a method other than composting. It was mesmerizing, and had a double bloom.

Here's a link to an OSU article on the subject, with photos of the leaves before the centers drop out of the infected tissue. Zinnias are susceptible to a disease called bacterial leaf spot. Once they sprout, thin them carefully to encourage the strongest to thrive. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep right in the ground, spaced as much as your chosen variety needs, anywhere from a couple of inches to a couple of feet. You may have that as well, but I can't see their edges well enough in your photos to diagnose. It takes air and soil of more than 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate well, so wait until spring to plant zinnia seeds. Were the problem an insect, most likely the damage would be seen on the outer edges of the leaf, where they (beetles, slugs, etc.) chewed. This falls into the 'if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten' category! Soils and what's on them carry-from year to year-pathogens ('things' that do damage) and, if you continue to plant susceptible plants in the same soil year after year, the same pathogen(s) will infect them consistently. high, I secure a layer of horizontal trellis netting across. It is for this reason that staking has become a necessity. Despite the fact that I don’t pinch my plants, zinnias can reach amazing heights in just one growing season. Sometimes the Alternaria species is specific. Pinching the zinnia plants can also delay the bloom of the plants by about 1-2 weeks. Thanks for your question about your zinnia leaves. Alternaria leaf spots and blights are common leaf pathogens on many crops.

Zinnia seedlings