Transplanting Zinnia

I am growing giant zinnia from seed and transplanting them to the garden. They now have their first true leaves and are about three inches tall. They look quite spindly. This may be because they are supposed to finish out at thirty inches tall. Anyhow...is it proper to plant these at the existing ground line with three inches above ground, or would it be better to bury the plants so that the leaves are just above ground (like planting a tomato). Any thoughts wold be appreciated.

TIA EJ in NJ

Reply to
Ernie Willson
Loading thread data ...

Please give some details about the light you've been using to grow the seedlings.

Reply to
JoeSpareBedroom

The seeds were started in normal SW facing backyard sunlight, in a Ferry Morse seed starter "hothouse". They definitely had more than enough light.

EJ in NJ

Reply to
Ernie Willson

More than enough light when the sun was on that side of the house, assuming they were in a window.

In any case, do what Jangclub said. Don't plant them deeper than they already are. If the seed packet or catalog said "tetraploid variety", plan on having some serious stakes ready for early summer. I planted those once, and they turned out twice as tall as the catalog claimed. There are two plants in this picture, and that was early July.

formatting link

Reply to
JoeSpareBedroom

Legginess is almost always from not enough light. Try shoplights with cheap cool white tubes, about 2" from the plant tops. The seedlings will be much stockier.

Plant them deep to compensate.

Reply to
Frank

How drunk were you when you responded to the wrong person?

Reply to
JoeSpareBedroom

HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.