Originally hailing from sunny Mexico, zinnias aren’t exactly fans of our chilly winters. Because they can’t handle the frost, most gardeners treat them as annuals and start fresh every spring. However, if you have a favorite variety you’re just not ready to say goodbye to, you actually *can* overwinter them indoors!
Bring Them Inside
The most important rule? You’ve got to act before that first overnight frost hits. Carefully dig up your zinnias, making sure to be as gentle as possible with the root systems. Once they’re out of the ground, replant them into a good-sized pot filled with standard high-quality potting soil.
Find a Frost-Free Spot
To give your zinnias the “rest mode” they need, find a spot in your house that stays cool but definitely stays above freezing. A bright, unheated room or a sunlit basement is perfect. As far as maintenance goes, they’re pretty low-key in the winter—just give them a little water every now and then to make sure the root ball doesn’t completely dry out.
