When to plant zinnia, snapgragon, and marigold seedlings?

Hi. I'm new to Dave's Garden. I love this site!

I just bought flats of zinnia, snapdragon, and marigold seedlings from Al's (they are on sale!) They are about 3-4 inches high, a gorgeous weekend is on the way and I am SO tempted to plant these while its beautiful out. I have row covers I can put over them at night. Is it too early?

Thanks! Theresa

I'd wait a bit on the Zinnias, but the snaps & marigolds are good to go. Since you have the row covers, that will be helpful. You might check the lows for next week, but I think you're ok. Is Gresham considered z8?
I'm Z7, and will be planting lots of things out over the next 2 weeks. But anything that needs to wait will go through a hardening off period &/or covered.

Theresa, I agree with Katye. I am zone 7 or lower, and usually have geraniums, marigolds, salvia, snapdragons, and ageratum hardening off or hardened off and headed for the garden this time of year. The weather has been so crappy this year that I have been a lot less motivated to kick stuff out of the warmth. I usually keep zinnias which I feel are a little tenderer in for a couple more weeks when I start them from seed...I have always used the 5th of May as a safe time to start at least hardening off even the most tender of annuals.

If you have warm weather today, take the new plants and let them have some good warm rays! Don't forget to bring them in tonight, though!

I think row covers are a great idea, but not sure if they raise the covered area temp by much more than 10°. I believe the soil temps are affected also, but not sure how much. Perhaps someone else could weigh in on this.
Most of the heat lovers prefer night temps above 50-55°. I agree with Julie on the beginning of May, but it really depends on the area in which you garden. Some places on my property are much warmer as they collect heat during the day; others are basins for the cold air. Next to the house is usually a good place, as the house radiates more heat than you'd think.

Thank you so much for your replies! I forgot I need to harden them off. I think I'll wait on the Zinnias but harden them all off for the next few weeks however I might plant the snapdragons in the next few days after a few days of hardening. I didn't realize snapdragons were a cool season flower (but frost sensitive)!

Thank you!!!!