Indian Blanket,

The optimal dates would vary, depending on what county you are in. Here in southern OK, I have transplanted them out in mid- to late-March in warm springs (as this one seems to be). If you're in OKC, you might want to wait until early April to transplant them out, but you could start them inside now or at least by mid-March. If you're further north than OKC, you might want to start them inside in late March and transplant them out in mid- to late-April.

For direct sowing, you can plant them a week or so before your average last freeze date if your soil is well-drained. If you start them inside, or purchase them, you can, theoretically, transplants them outside anytime on or after your average last freeze date. Keep in mind, though, that you'll often have a freeze after the "average" last freeze date. Still, I have had zinnias volunteer and come up in early March and survive late freezes with no protection.

Many of the dwarf and bedding type zinnias bloom in 55-70 days from date of seeding, but some of the taller types take a couple of weeks longer.

I think you have plenty of time if you can get some seeds started in the next week or two.

The whitest and loveliest large-flowered white zinnia I've ever grown is Burpee's "White Wedding". You can see a photo of it on their web site. I think it blooms 6-7 weeks from the time the seeds sprout. (They usually sprout just a few days after seeding.)

The Profusion series of zinnias always bloom really early for me, and the Dreamland series have been early as well (56-60 days). I've been pretty happy with the Magellan series too. To get single-color packets of Dreamland or Magellan, though, you'll probably have to google and order online. I like the Oklahoma series, too, but I usually see them sold as a mix and not as individual colors.

Sometimes it can be hard, though not impossible, to find zinnias in single-color packs in stores.

It shouldn't be hard to find transplants in stores in the next few weeks. I usually see a lot of the Profusion White and Profusion Pink in Lowe's, Home Depot and Wal-Mart in early to mid-Spring.

Growing your own is definitely doable if you have a well-lit area or a light shelf, or if you can carry them outside every morning and inside on cold nights.

Zinnias are easy from seed, so I am sure you can do this....no sweat, no worry. Easy for me to say--I'm not planning a wedding. : )

If you have any more questions, let us know. I am sure everyone here will be happy to answer your questions.

Dawn

I'm in OKC. May 30 sounds awfully early for zinnias. Are you looking for cut flowers? I was looking through my photos trying to see what I normally had blooming at that time. I seem to have photos at the beginning of May and the middle of June! I'm not sure sure that will be of any help.

You are welcome to look through my photo album. If you will click on the photo, when it opens up large, click on the "image info" button in the lower right hand corner and it will give you all sorts of detail including the date it was taken. I have several years worth on there. The Yard Shots album might be somewhat useful too. I can identify most of the flowers if you see something you don't recognize :)

Lisa

Here is a link that might be useful: Lisa's Garden