FrostCal

When to Plant Zinnias in Ohio

In a typical Ohio location, start seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1, then sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13, then transplant outdoors Apr 29 – May 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 60–70 days

Frost-tender; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 3-4 weeks early for earlier blooms.

Zinnias Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsDirect sowTransplant
ColumbusMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
ClevelandMar 11 – Mar 18Apr 15 – Apr 29Apr 15 – Apr 22
CincinnatiMar 19 – Mar 26Apr 23 – May 7Apr 23 – Apr 30
ToledoMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
AkronMar 27 – Apr 3May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
DaytonMar 21 – Mar 28Apr 25 – May 9Apr 25 – May 2
ParmaMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
CantonMar 27 – Apr 3May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
YoungstownApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
LorainMar 27 – Apr 3May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
HamiltonMar 25 – Apr 1Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
SpringfieldMar 28 – Apr 4May 2 – May 16May 2 – May 9
KetteringMar 21 – Mar 28Apr 25 – May 9Apr 25 – May 2
ElyriaMar 25 – Apr 1Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
LakewoodMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
Cuyahoga FallsApr 2 – Apr 9May 7 – May 21May 7 – May 14
MiddletownMar 27 – Apr 3May 1 – May 15May 1 – May 8
NewarkApr 1 – Apr 8May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 13
EuclidMar 11 – Mar 18Apr 15 – Apr 29Apr 15 – Apr 22
MentorMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
MansfieldMar 29 – Apr 5May 3 – May 17May 3 – May 10
BeavercreekMar 21 – Mar 28Apr 25 – May 9Apr 25 – May 2
DublinMar 25 – Apr 1Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
Cleveland HeightsMar 11 – Mar 18Apr 15 – Apr 29Apr 15 – Apr 22
StrongsvilleMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
FairfieldMar 22 – Mar 29Apr 26 – May 10Apr 26 – May 3
FindlayMar 25 – Apr 1Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
WarrenApr 10 – Apr 17May 15 – May 29May 15 – May 22
LancasterMar 25 – Apr 1Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 6
Grove CityMar 26 – Apr 2Apr 30 – May 14Apr 30 – May 7

Showing the 30 most populous of 203 Ohio cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Ohio cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant zinnias in Ohio?

In a typical Ohio location, start seeds indoors Mar 25 – Apr 1, then sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13, then transplant outdoors Apr 29 – May 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.

When is the last frost in Ohio?

The average last spring frost in Ohio ranges from April 8 in Cleveland to May 8 in Girard, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do zinnias take to grow?

Zinnias typically take 60–70 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 3-4 weeks early for earlier blooms.

Other Crops in Ohio

When to plant zinnias in other states

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