I planted mine in jugs last year and had no trouble transplanting. They bloomed like crazy. I have more trouble direct sowing them, so they're in containers again.

Thanks Caryltoo. I also had trouble last year because of the drought. Usually I have no problems. I will go ahead and start them in jugs.

I always have trouble direct sowing them and remembering to keep them watered. I have never had any issue with transplanting them. I think that is a myth!

I have all mine started in jugs or trays with lids.

I always seem to do much better winter sowing my zinnia than DSing. The past two years I've direct sown many but had none come up (forgetting to keep them watered, like jvdubb). My winter-sown ones, though, always transplant very well!

I get better germination when I sow them in jugs.

Many sources say that double varieties may revert to single if transplanted - i.e. they should be direct sown. But I have better germination and healthier plants when I sow them first in pots.

I finished transplanting zinnia to the garden. In fact, I even moved some that I had transplanted. They look fine.