![]() If you leave the last few flowers of the season to dry on the plant, their seeds will fall naturally into the bed, and you’ll most likely have more zinnias come spring. The easiest way to propagate your zinnias is to allow them to reseed themselves. Zinnias are deer-resistant, so that’s one great big pest you won’t have to worry about! Under good growing conditions, zinnias rarely fall prey to serious insect infestation, but if the leaves are really getting destroyed by bugs like caterpillars or spider mites, a spray of Bt or neem oil can help. You really can almost just plant them and forget about them, which is what makes them such a great addition to any garden!Īs with many other plants, it’s best to water your zinnias from the base and in the morning, to minimize wet leaves, and prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. As blooms open and then wilt, clip them off the plants to encourage more blooming (this is called “deadheading.”) If you started with compost-amended soil, your zinnias probably won’t need any further fertilization during the season. Zinnias only need moderate amounts of moisture, so don’t overwater. Seedlings should start to appear in 4-7 days, and the plants will begin blooming within two months. Check the instructions on your seed packet, since different varieties have different growth habits and may need more or less space. Typically, zinnia seeds should be sown about ¼ inch deep and 4-6 inches apart, and then thinned to about one foot between plants. Give your flowers a boost by amending the bed with an inch or two of compost before planting. Zinnias are fairly tolerant of a range of soil conditions, but they’ll grow more vigorously in soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained. Make sure to choose a location with full sun for your zinnias. Zinnias are fast-growing, so most growers will have plenty of warm growing season to enjoy blooms from direct-seeded plantings. They are not at all frost-tolerant, so wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting. In fact, they are very sensitive to transplant shock, so it’s best to direct-seed them in your garden rather than purchasing plant starts. Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed. Low-growing types like Persian Carpet, Thumbelina or Lilliput Mix are better for the edges of beds, where they can shine. Long-stemmed types like Cherry Queen, California Giants, State Fair, or Cactus Flowered Mix grow 2-3 feet tall, and are great for the back of a flower bed where they won’t shade out other plants. ![]() The mature height of your zinnia plants is an important factor to consider when choosing varieties, and deciding where to plant them. Beehive types like Lilliput Mix have tall mounds of petals, while button types, such as Thumbelina Mix are flattened, and globe types like Cherry Queen have big, rounded, show-stopping blossoms. Zinnia blossoms come in a range of shapes! Cactus-flowered types have petals that roll and twist into pointed, quill-like forms. Double-Flowered varieties like Lilliput Mix have petals arranged in multiple rows overlapping each other so that the center of the flower is hidden within the petals.Semi-Double-Flowered varieties like State Fair Mix have petals arranged in two or more rows, giving the flower a more full, ruffled appearance, but the center is still visible.Single-Flowered varieties like Persian Carpet have petals arranged in a single row around the center, similar to a typical daisy.Zinnias come in three basic categories of petal types: European plant breeders took an interest in zinnias in the early 1800s, and over the next century, created the kaleidoscope of different petal shapes, colors, and sizes we see today in domesticated varieties. Zinnias are native to the grasslands of Mexico, where a diversity of wild species thrive in hot, low-water conditions. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right zinnia varieties for your garden and grow them successfully. If you want to add a pop of color to your summer garden, you can’t go wrong with zinnias ! These easy-to-grow flowers come in a rainbow of colors and all different sizes and shapes.
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