Zinnia Meteor

40 Seeds

Zinnia Meteor is a striking zinnia variety known for its vibrant, rich-colored blooms. It is well suited to warm climates and can perform very well in Gulf gardens when grown during the milder warm seasons. The extreme heat of the Gulf summer should be avoided, especially for young plants.

🌱 Best Sowing Time

• Best sowing periods: February–April and September–October.
• Best periods in Kuwait: March–April and September–October.
• Best autumn sowing: September–October.
• Avoid sowing during June–August due to extreme temperatures.
• Ideal germination temperature: approximately 21–27°C.

🌿 How to Sow the Seeds

1. Use a light, fertile, loose, and well-drained seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds approximately 0.5–1 cm deep.
3. Cover lightly with fine soil.
4. Water gently with a fine spray.
5. Keep the growing medium evenly moist but never waterlogged.
6. Place the seed tray in a warm, bright location.
7. Once seedlings develop 3–4 sets of true leaves, transplant carefully.
8. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart.

⏱ Germination

• Seeds generally germinate within 5–10 days under suitable conditions.
• Maintain consistent moisture during germination.
• Avoid excessive watering.
• Provide strong light after emergence for compact, healthy growth.
• Ensure good airflow to reduce fungal problems.

🌱 Growing & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal.
• In the Gulf, provide morning sun and light afternoon shade during periods of extreme heat.
• Soil: Fertile, loose, and very well drained.
• Watering: Water regularly while plants establish. Once established, water deeply when the upper layer of soil begins to dry.
• Avoid constantly wet soil.
• Fertilizing: Add compost before planting and use a balanced flowering fertilizer during active growth.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which may produce lots of foliage but fewer flowers.
• Good air circulation is particularly important in humid coastal areas.

🌸 Flowering & Maintenance

• Flowering can begin approximately 6–10 weeks after sowing.
• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
• Pinch the growing tip at around 15–20 cm tall to encourage branching and additional flower stems.
• Cut mature flowers regularly for bouquets to encourage further flowering.
• Provide support if plants become tall or are exposed to strong winds.

🌡 Gulf Climate Tips

• Zinnia Meteor is well suited to warm Gulf conditions.
• During extreme heat, provide approximately 30–40% afternoon shade.
• Water preferably in the early morning.
• Protect young plants from hot, dry winds.
• Ensure excellent soil drainage.
• Avoid overhead watering where possible.
• For continuous flowering, make successive sowings every 3–4 weeks during the suitable season.
• Autumn sowing is especially recommended in Kuwait because plants can flower well during the cooler months.