Faster blooms

[GrannieAnnie]

This is probably not news to most gardeners but I just learned last year that my zinnias seeded in pots flowered much faster than those in the ground. So this year I'm doing more pots. The ultimate size of the plant was diminished- a win-win when it is zinnias since they can become gigantic. 
Do you grow any plants in pots that you feel do better there?

[GrannieAnnie]

[PurpleHeather]

Yes, that is why growers pack bedding plants into those little six packs that seem to desperately need water. Then sell them in flower.

I think that they are using the reproductive nature of the plant.

Once it thinks it has exhausted it's living space it decides it has to flower and produce the seeds for next generation before it dies.

Same as vegetables 'bolt' when there is a dry spell.

[caroline7758]

Do you think this means they run out of steam quicker too? On a side issue, Grannie, any hints for getting Zinnias to germinate? Only one of mine has come up so far.

[GrannieAnnie]

Do you think this means they run out of steam quicker too? On a side issue, Grannie, any hints for getting Zinnias to germinate? Only one of mine has come up so far.

Bottom heat. If you can't wait for the soil to get hot try a medical waterproof bad-back-type heating pad and set the pots on it and cover them with Saran wrap, plastic whatever. Use short pots so heat can reach the top. Don't plant the seeds very deep, maybe just slight covering of soil. They should pop up in a couple days. I used a medium heat setting but that would vary with heat pads. As soon as they start breaking through the ground I remove the plastic and the bottom heat and get them in the sun. Mine out outside now but I cover them at night (this is in Delaware so we might be ahead of you. They flower better without fertilizer though I use a little liquid to help them get established if the soil is too poor. This was my first winter to try the heat pad trick inside, and it has worked well for many seeds- some things germinating in two days which was a record. Watch them like a hawk.