{"id":9089,"date":"2023-09-02T02:43:25","date_gmt":"2023-09-02T06:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/?p=9089"},"modified":"2023-09-05T22:18:09","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T02:18:09","slug":"how-to-plant-and-grow-zinnia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ifoxany.com\/index.php\/2023\/09\/02\/how-to-plant-and-grow-zinnia\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plant and Grow Zinnia"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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This annual is one of the most carefree and colorful plants you can grow.<\/p>

\"Pink<\/div><\/div>
Peter Krumhardt.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnias come in many shapes, sizes, and colors (excluding blue) and are some of the toughest annuals you can plant. Zinnias are a favorite with pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and\u00a0butterflies that land on the flowers\u00a0and drink their nectar. Tall varieties are an excellent choice for cut flowers, with options that include cactus and quill-type blooms with long, narrow petals and pompom-type blooms that look like little spheres. Since zinnias come in a variety of colors, they work well in almost any flower arrangement.<\/p>

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While tall zinnias suit cottage and cutting gardens, their lower-growing, mounding or spreading varieties work well in containers. They also require less frequent deadheading than their taller counterparts.<\/p>

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Zinnia Overview<\/h3>
GENUS NAME<\/td>Zinnia<\/td><\/tr>
COMMON NAME<\/td>Zinnia<\/td><\/tr>
PLANT TYPE<\/td>Annual<\/td><\/tr>
LIGHT<\/td>Sun<\/td><\/tr>
HEIGHT<\/td>1 to 4 feet<\/td><\/tr>
WIDTH<\/td>1 to 2 feet<\/td><\/tr>
FLOWER COLOR<\/td>Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow<\/td><\/tr>
FOLIAGE COLOR<\/td>Blue\/Green<\/td><\/tr>
SEASON FEATURES<\/td>Fall Bloom, Summer Bloom<\/td><\/tr>
SPECIAL FEATURES<\/td>Attracts Birds, Cut Flowers, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance<\/td><\/tr>
ZONES<\/td>10, 11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9<\/td><\/tr>
PROPAGATION<\/td>Seed, Stem Cuttings<\/td><\/tr>
PROBLEM SOLVERS<\/td>Deer Resistant<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div>
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Where to Plant Zinnia<\/span><\/h2>

Plant zinnias in an area where they will receive full sun. They can flower in partial shade, but they’ll produce fewer flowers and be more susceptible to disease. They grow equally well in a garden bed or a container, but the soil must be well-draining. If it isn’t, they are susceptible to root rot.<\/p>

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Tall zinnia varieties are perfect for the back of a garden border or a\u00a0cutting garden. Their strong, long stems make them excellent candidates for cut flower arrangements. Gardeners often grow clumps of several plants together for a stunning effect. Shorter varieties have more of a mounding appearance and are attractive front-of-the-border options.<\/p>

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How and When to Plant Zinnia<\/span><\/h2>

Zinnias are\u00a0warm-weather annuals\u00a0that don’t like cold weather or cold soil, so they shouldn’t be set out or sown outdoors before the soil warms in spring.<\/p>

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For an early start, sow seeds indoors in pots filled with moist seed-starting mix four to six weeks before the\u00a0last spring frost date. Cover them with 1\/4 inch of soil (they need darkness to germinate) and put them in a sunny window until they are ready to transplant. They germinate in 7-10 days and should be at least 4 inches tall before being transplanted outside. When working with zinnias, never handle them by the stems\u2014only by the rootballs.<\/p>

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When direct sowing outside in warm weather, cover the seeds with 1\/4 inch of soil. The seeds germinate in 7-10 days. When they are 2 inches tall, thin them to 8-24 inches apart, depending on the variety.<\/p>

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Zinnia Care Tips<\/span><\/h2>

Light<\/span><\/h3>

Because they come from prairie settings, zinnias prefer\u00a0full sun. This environment nurtures the best bloom development and helps keep the plants dry.<\/p>

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Soil and Water<\/span><\/h3>

Native to grassland areas, established zinnias are tough plants that handle drought well. However, young plants need to grow in moist soil, so water deeply a couple of times a week. Don’t overwater. Zinnias don’t handle wet roots well.<\/p>

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Even though they\u00a0grow best in well-drained soil\u00a0high in organic matter, zinnias are tolerant of poor soils, including hard clay. Amend poor soil before planting for the best flower production.<\/p>

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Temperature and Humidity<\/span><\/h3>

Zinna seeds germinate between 70\u00b0F and 75\u00b0F. After germination, their preferred daily temperature is 75\u00b0F-85\u00b0F, although 65\u00b0F at night is acceptable. They aren’t fond of high humidity but will tolerate it.<\/p>

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Fertilizer<\/span><\/h3>

No matter where your zinnias grow (garden on container), they will benefit from a\u00a0side dressing of 5-5-5 fertilizer\u00a0when the flowers start to form. During the growing season, the occasional liquid fertilizer application helps them bloom all season long. Fertilizer is especially important in containers filled with a soilless potting medium. In all cases, follow the product instructions for the proper quantity.<\/p>

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Pruning<\/span><\/h3>

Deadhead spent blooms\u00a0regularly to keep the plant tidy and encourage additional blooms. To encourage branching and more flowers in tall varieties, pinch the growing tip from young plants. However, pinched plants will be shorter and may bloom later. No additional pruning is needed as these plants are annuals that must be replanted each year.<\/p>

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Potting and Repotting<\/span><\/h3>

The shorter varieties of bedding zinnias are excellent container plants. Avoid the tallest zinnias for this purpose. Use a container that is at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep and fill it with well-draining garden soil enriched with compost. Sow a few seeds outside in a container immediately after the weather warms\u2014thinning as needed later\u2014or start seeds early indoors in a container and move it outside at the right time.<\/p>

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Pests and Problems<\/span><\/h2>

One problem with zinnias is root rot, which is prevented by planting in full sun and not overwatering the plants.\u00a0Japanese beetles\u00a0love zinnias, and gardeners have turned to beetle traps for years with mixed results. If you have only a few, handpick them off.<\/p>

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Unless they are planted in full sun, zinnias may be\u00a0afflicted by powdery mildew\u2014a condition most commonly seen as a white powder on the plant’s bottom leaves. While this pesky fungus probably won’t kill the plants, it does diminish their beauty. The best control method for powdery mildew is prevention; look for resistant zinnia varieties and keep plenty of airflow space around the plants.<\/p>

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Leaf spot\u00a0and blight are two other common diseases found in zinnias. Similar to powdery mildew, these conditions are caused by fungi. Control methods are the same: Remove any debris from the base of the plants to keep them clean.<\/p>

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How to Propagate Zinnia<\/span><\/h2>

Saving zinnia seeds is an excellent way to start next year’s plants. Zinnia\u00a0seeds\u00a0are often sold as mixes, so you don’t have to worry about seedlings being identical to the parent plant. As old flower heads dry, remove the spent blooms and harvest the small arrowhead-shaped seeds from each petal by shaking the dried flower heads in a paper bag. Store the seeds in a dry, warm area until the weather warms in spring.<\/p>

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Zinnias can also be propagated in water with\u00a0cuttings\u00a0in about 3-4 weeks. In spring, cut 4-6 inches from the tips of stems and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings. Put the cuttings in a glass or jar with enough water to cover the bottom half of the cuttings, making sure some leaf nodes are underwater. Place the container in a warm area with bright light but not full sun. When a root structure develops and the weather warms, transplant the zinnias to the garden.<\/p>

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Types of Zinnia<\/span><\/h2>

‘Benary’s Giant Orange’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Benarys<\/div><\/div>
GRAHAM JIMERSON<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia elegans<\/em>\u00a0‘Benary’s Giant Orange’ is an excellent cut flower with large, 4-inch-wide, double orange blooms. It grows 38 inches tall and 2 feet wide.<\/p>

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‘Magellan Mix’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Magellan<\/div><\/div>
PETER KRUMHARDT<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia elegans<\/em>\u00a0‘Magellan Mix’ has double blooms in a wide range of shades, including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. It grows 16 inches tall.<\/p>

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‘Parasol Mix’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Parsol<\/div><\/div>
PETER KRUMHARDT<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia elegans<\/em>\u00a0‘Parasol Mix’ bears fully double, petal-filled flowers in various shades. It grows 12 inches tall.<\/p>

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‘Cut and Come Again’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Cut<\/div><\/div>
PETER KRUMHARDT<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia elegans<\/em>\u00a0‘Cut and Come Again’ is especially free flowering and bears double flowers in a range of bright colors on a 4-foot-tall plant.<\/p>

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‘Profusion White’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Profusion<\/div><\/div>
MARTY BALDWIN<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia<\/em>\u00a0elegans<\/em>\u00a0‘Profusion White’ is an early-flowering selection with good disease resistance and white flowers all summer. It grows 18 inches tall and 10 inches wide.<\/p>

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‘Scarlet Flame’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Scarlet<\/div><\/div>
KING AU<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia<\/em>\u00a0elegans<\/em>\u00a0‘Scarlet Flame’ offers double red flowers on a vigorous, 42-inch-tall plant.<\/p>

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‘Zahara Coral Rose’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Zahara<\/div><\/div>
JUSTIN HANCOCK<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia<\/em>\u00a0marylandica<\/em>\u00a0‘Zahara Coral Rose’ bears big flowers in a soft shade of pink. It’s a disease-resistant, heat-loving plant that grows 18 inches tall and wide.<\/p>

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‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Zahara<\/div><\/div>
JUSTIN HANCOCK<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia marylandica<\/em>\u00a0‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ is a compact (to 18 inches tall and wide), award-winning selection with white flowers that have a distinct pink blush. It’s very disease-resistant.<\/p>

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‘Zahara White’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Zahara<\/div><\/div>
JUSTIN HANCOCK<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia marylandica<\/em>\u00a0‘Zahara White’ is a compact selection that grows to 18 inches tall and wide with big white flowers. It’s a disease-resistant, heat-loving variety.<\/p>

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‘Zahara Yellow’ Zinnia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Zahara<\/div><\/div>
JUSTIN HANCOCK<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Zinnia marylandica<\/em>\u00a0‘Zahara Yellow’ produces big flowers in a bright, bold color on a disease-resistant, heat-loving plant that grows 18 inches tall and wide.<\/p>

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Zinnia Companion Plants<\/span><\/h2>

Spider Flower<\/span><\/h3>
\"Cleome<\/div><\/div>
MATTHEW BENSON<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

It’s amazing that\u00a0the tall, dramatic spider flower\u00a0is only an annual. Once temperatures warm up, it zooms to 4 feet or more, buds very quickly, and produces large balls of flowers with fascinating long seedpods that whirl out from it. Cut it for vases, but be aware that the flowers shatter easily after a few days. It typically self-seeds prolifically, so you only have to plant it once. Because it develops surprisingly large thorns, it’s best to keep spider flower away from walkways. Plant seedlings in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Cleome does best in moderately rich, well-drained soil. Be careful about fertilizing, or you’ll have extremely tall floppy plants. Group in clusters of six or more for best effect.<\/p>

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French Marigold<\/span><\/h3>
\"french<\/div><\/div>
DOUG HETHERINGTON\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Just as you’d expect from something called French,\u00a0these marigolds are the fancy ones. French marigolds tend to be frilly, and some boast a distinctive “crested eye.” They grow roughly 8-12 inches high with a chic, neat, little growth habit and elegant dark green foliage. They do best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil and will flower all summer long. They may reseed, returning year after year in spots where they’re happy.<\/p>

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Salvia<\/span><\/h3>
\"Salvia<\/div><\/div><\/figure>

Many gardens have\u00a0at least one salvia growing in them. Whether you have sun or shade, a dry garden or lots of rainfall, there’s an annual salvia that you’ll find indispensable. All attract hummingbirds, especially the red ones, and are great picks for hot, dry sites where you want tons of color all season. Most salvias don’t like cool weather, so plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This annual is one of the most carefree and colorful plants you can grow. Peter Krumhardt. Zinnias come in many shapes, sizes, and colors (excluding blue) and are some of the toughest annuals you can plant. Zinnias are a favorite with pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and\u00a0butterflies that land on the flowers\u00a0and drink their nectar. Tall varieties are an excellent choice for cut flowers, with options that include cactus and quill-type blooms with long, narrow petals and pompom-type blooms that look like little spheres. Since zinnias come in a variety of colors, they work well in almost any flower arrangement. While tall zinnias suit cottage and cutting gardens, their lower-growing, mounding or spreading varieties work well in containers. They also require less frequent deadheading than their taller counterparts. Zinnia Overview GENUS NAME Zinnia COMMON NAME Zinnia PLANT TYPE Annual LIGHT Sun HEIGHT 1 to 4 feet WIDTH 1 to 2…<\/p>\n

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