Zinnia Seeds 'Cresto Red'

• Red crested flowers
• Vibrant summer colour
• Flowers for months
• Excellent cut flower

Zinnia ‘Cresto Red’ adds a splash of long-lasting vibrant colour to a sunny border, with dazzling red crested flowers on tall stems all through summer. Butterflies and bees love the flowers, and they’re fantastic for cutting. This half-hardy annual is very easy to grow. Sow successionally for an extra-long flowering period.

Sow indoors

Almost fill a seed tray with moist seed compost. Sow seeds 0.5cm (1/4in) deep and lightly cover with a little more compost. Place in the warmth, 15-20°C (60-68°F) and keep moist .

Grow on

Keep seedlings in a light position but shade from direct sunlight. When large enough to handle, transplant into trays of potting compost.

Plant out

Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out from April onwards. Allow 30cm (12in) between plants.

Sow outdoors

Seed can be sown outdoors when soil is warm. Sow thinly and lightly cover with a little soil. Keep soil moist until seedlings emerge. Thin to 20cm (8in) apart and transfer thinnings to other parts of your garden.

Aftercare

Deadhead regularly to prolong the growing period.