Padmaja,

I think we agree that it would look better to have the taller plants in the middle and the shorter plants to the outside. Impatiens aren't very tall, so they should be at the outside. However, impatiens need much less sun than dahlias or zinnias, so shade may be a factor.

That leaves the problem of the dahlias and zinnias. Are your dahlias in the form of tubers or seeds? And how tall are they supposed to grow? I am a big fan of zinnias, but since they are seeds, you may not have room for them in the 4-foot circle. The 15 dahlias may take up all of the central space.

You might plant both dahlias and zinnias in the central area, with the idea that the zinnias will bloom first and that they can be removed as the dahlias come into bloom, but I am uncertain how long it will take your dahlias to bloom. It takes zinnias about two months to begin blooming from seed.

I don't know what variety of zinnia seeds you have, and zinnias range from six inches high to over three feet high, depending on the variety. At this time we don't know enough details about your dahlias and zinnias to make good recommendations about where to put them.

MM

Thank you so much Maineman. It was very helpful information. My dahlias are in tuber form and I got them from Sam's Club. Their max height is shown as 48" on the label.

The zinnias I have are Purple Prince and Big Tetra Mix. Their heights are supposed to be 36" and 30" when grown. If I am not able to put them here, I have some space to the left of this circle where I can plant them.

You seem to know a lot about Dahlias and zinnias. I am just wondering if I should start either of them inside and plant them later or should I sow them directly in the soil when temperature gets warm. Thanks again.

Padmaja