Can Zinnias be winter sown?

I am in zone 5, and I have some zinnias seeds.....can I still sow them in my milk containers now, or is it too early? Our last freeze date is the first week in May...May 10.

I have never planted zinnias before, so any info is sure appreciated......thanks

I am in 7b and weather has warmed for the most part. I have just sown my zinnias this past weekend. If the weather turns really cold after they germinate I would put them in my makeshift cold frame to protect them. They won't survive freezing temperatures even in the jugs.

I wouldn't go to the trouble to WS zinnias- they will sprout in about 3 days. I have trays full of them that I just put in 3" pots.

Jo -- for me, i dont have room in doors to sow flats... i do 99% outside winter sowing.

sm -- last year I did my Zinns the last week in April and 2nd week of May. as Jo said, they do germinate in about 3 days

but they will probably keel over if they germinate too soon and you get another freeze.
so i'd hang tight a while.

Thanks guys....I will wait until May 1st.....this is my first year getting into gardening, and I appreciate the input.....I need lots of it!!!!!

If you have a sunny protected area, or a place up against a brick wall, you might try some in April.