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Zinnia flowers are like natures confetti!
From the petiteThumbelinato the majesticQueen Red Lime, these sun-loving blooms will instantly brighten up your landscape.
These flowers are resilient and relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels.
In this guide, well give you step-by-step instructions on planting, growing, and caring for zinnias.
So, grab your gardening gloves, and lets get digging!
Toxicity: Zinnias are not considered toxic.
In fact, theyre edible and have a slightly bitter taste.
Are Zinnias Perennials?No, zinnias are annual, so youll need to plant new seeds yearly.
How Tall Do Zinnias Grow?Depending on the variety, these flowers can grow 14 feet tall.
They look very much like dahlias and will create a dramatic impact in your garden or floral arrangement.
Despite their petite stature,Thumbelinablooms pack a punch with their vibrant colors.
This is the perfect variety if youre looking to grow zinnias in pots or containers.
These blooms are doubles or semi-doubles and can grow up to 40 inches.
This cultivar will add a kaleidoscope of beauty to your garden.
Zahara
Image credits:marisolsauer
This is a disease-resistant cultivar, most suitable for new gardeners.
It can easily grow in a garden bed or indoor containers.
Where, When, and How to Plant Zinnia Seeds
Zinnias are easy to grow.
However, you must pick the right time and spot to grow these elegant flowers.
So, choose a location that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
Zinnias grow rapidly and can go fromseed to flower within two months(depending on the soil condition).
This is the perfect time when the weather is warm and the frost has melted.
Pro Tip:Stagger the planting every 23 weeks.
This way, youll be able to enjoy a prolonged blooming period.
Direct Sowing
Zinnias are resilient and can be directly sown into the garden.
For direct sowing:
1.Wait until the soil has warmed to around 60F (15C) or more.
2.Dig small furrows in the soil, about half an inch deep.
3.Place the zinnia seeds in the holes, following the spacing recommendations for the specific variety.
4.Cover the seeds with soil and water thoroughly.
Transplanting
you might also get a head start by growing them indoors and transplanting the seedlings.
For transplanting:
1.Start zinnia seeds indoors 46 weeks before spring.
2.Useseed-startingtraysor pots filled with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
3.Plant seeds about a quarter inch deep.
4.Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
5.Transplant seedlings into the garden at the start of spring.
Keep proper 1218 inches spacing between each seedling to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Note:Zinnias grow better in garden beds than in flowerpots.
Caring for Zinnias
Zinnias are usually trouble-free plants.
Light
The morethe better.
These sun-loving plants grow best in full sunlight.
The more sunlight it gets, the healthier the flowers will be.
Soil
Zinnias thrive inneutral to slightly acidic soil.
Add organic matter, such as compost, to enrich it with nutrients.
Choose a well-drainingpottingmixfor potted zinnias to prevent waterlogging.
Before planting, ensure the soil is loose and airy.
Water daily after youve planted the seeds.
Once the seedlings appear, water no more thanthree times a week.
Temperature and Humidity
Zinnia elegansarent a fan of the cold.
Plant them when the weather has warmed up to60F (15C) or more.
Zinnias like the summer heat and display their best colors when temperatures rise.
Humidity isnt a major concern for zinnias.
Fertilizer
A little bit of fertilizer can enhance their bloom power.
Feed your zinnias with a balanced fertilizertwice in their blooming season.
Harvesting is the natural way to prune the plant.
They are also very generous with their bloomsthe more you pick, the more they grow.
Thats what makes zinnias an excellent choice for flower arrangements.
Container-grown zinnias will need daily watering during hot weather.
Repotting and overwintering arent necessary,as zinnias are annual plants that dont last beyond one growing season.
Pro Tip:Dont cut down the zinnia plant in the winter.
Allow some zinnia flowers to mature and produce seeds.
They may self-sow and grow new plants in the next season.
Propagating Zinnia
Division
Choose mature plantsthat have been growing the longest.
Use a shovel or garden fork to lift the entire clump from the soil.
Divide the clump into smaller sections of roots and shoots.
This new section is ready to be transplanted.
Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball and place the divided sections in the desired location.
Water thoroughly to help them settle into their new homes.
Seeding
Allow some zinnia flowers to mature andproduce seeds (orbuy seeds online).
Plant the seeds directly into the garden bed at the start of spring.
see to it they areno more than half an inch deepand arespaced at least six inches apart.
Taller varieties will need more spacing.
If you are starting zinnias indoors in seed trays, youll need to give them a little more attention.
Remove leaves from the bottom half and place them in a vase filled with cold water.
When roots start appearing, transplant them into the soil.
you’re free to also plant the cuttings directly in the soil.
confirm to dip them in arootinghormonefirst.
Common Diseases and Problems
Zinnias are generally resilient and low-maintenance.
However, they do encounter a few problems that may hinder their growth.
One of the most common issues affecting zinnias ispowdery mildew.
This fungal infection appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, affecting their overall health.
Powdery mildew can be prevented with proper air circulation.
Space plants adequately and water at the base to keep foliage dry.
Botrytis blight, or gray mold, is another fungal disease that can affect zinnias.
It leads to brown spots on leaves and flowers.
Browning can also be caused bybacterial wilt,a soil-borne disease that can affect zinnias.
Avoid planting zinnias in the same soil where diseased plants grew previously.
Wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth indicateroot rot, which is caused due to excessive moisture.
To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering.
They love to chew on its leaves and flowers.
Use a fence ordeer-repellentdevicesto deter these animals.
Planting deer-resistant varieties can also help.
Zinnias symbolize affection and remembrance.
Theyre a celebration of life in full color!
They are budget-friendly as well, as they require minimal care.
Go ahead and plant zinniasyou wont be disappointed.
FAQs
Do Zinnias Come Back Every Year?
Zinnias are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season.
However, some zinnia varieties, likeZinnia grandiflora,are perennials.
These varieties can come back each year in warmer climates.
In colder climates, however, zinnias need to be replanted every spring.
How Do I Keep Zinnias Short and Bushy?
Pinch back their tipsat the start of the growing season.
This encourages branching, resulting in compact and bushy growth.
Consider staking taller zinnia varieties to prevent them from flopping over.
This will help maintain a more upright and bushy appearance.
How Do I Keep Zinnias Blooming All Summer?
Staggered plantingis the best way to enjoy zinnia blooms all summer.
Regularly prune faded or spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
Mulching is another way to create optimum blooming conditions.
