Garden guide

How to grow zinnias from seed

Zinnias can be sown in a propagator, greenhouse on a windowsill or in the open. Some packets contain only 12-15 seeds, so are best sown in modules. You can wash and re-use the trays from mail order plug plants.

Timing is important for sowing under cover: "I don't sow my large-flowered zinnias until the first week in May," said Christopher Lloyd, "at which time they germinate in about four days."