Starting Cosmos and Zinnia

luvsgrtdanes (Ronnie), PA(Zone 6b) Apr 04, 2008

I am in z6 and we have had funny weather all winter and now that spring is here it's even stranger. 70 one day then down to 20 at night on other days. Do you think it's safe to start my cosmos and zinnias now? I noticed some dahlias were up the other day and seem to be doing OK...

Post #4757502

Quote

kqcrna Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6a) Apr 05, 2008

When to start the tenders is always something of a crap shoot with wintersowing. When I do them, it is with the idea in mind that in case of a frost/freeze after they germinate, I will give them protection. I leave the hardy stuff pretty much on it's own in the jug and it is generally fine, it's just those touchy tender ones that need our help.

Karen

Post #4760363

Quote

luvsgrtdanes (Ronnie), PA(Zone 6b) Apr 05, 2008

Karen what kind of protection do you give them? Extra cover ups or do you bring them inside?

Post #4760413

Quote

kqcrna Cincinnati, OH(Zone 6a) Apr 05, 2008

According to Trudi, you should never bring wintersown plants into a heated house. My friend tried that with a lot of different wintersown tender plants last year and they all died. I've never done that.

For light frost I flip the milk jug closed and cover with a blanket. In case of hard freeze, it put them into my unheated garage overnight. So far this has worked well for me with several types of WS tender plants.

Karen