Growing zinnias from seed can be a fun and fulfilling experience with tons of beautiful blooms as the reward. Some varieties will only produce new blooms if the spent flower heads are removed, so this is a good practice. Pinch off any spent blooms and discard them. Regularly deadheading your zinnias can encourage more blooms and keep your plants tidy. You can also ensure good air circulation by planting your zinnias 6 inches to 2 feet apart and thin seedlings to ensure they aren’t growing too closely. Like many plants, they’re susceptible to powdery mildew, so try to water them from the base of the plant (not overhead) in the morning so any excess moisture can dry off during the heat of the day. If you notice any signs of pests, treat your plants with an appropriate insecticide. Common pests that can affect zinnias include aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and whiteflies. Watch for pests & diseasesĪnother important aspect of caring for your zinnias is to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Fertilize them with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks to keep them healthy and encourage blooming.
Try these tips to keep your plants happy and healthy. With the right growing conditions and sufficient water, zinnias are easy to grow. Gradually increase the time they spend outside over 3-5 days until they can spend several nights outdoors uncovered.Īfter the danger of frost has passed, transplant your young plants directly into your garden following the instructions above. When soil temperatures rise, harden off your seedlings before planting them in your garden beds. Provide consistent light and a heat mat if needed. Sow zinnia seeds into a peat pot or other container with rich potting soil. If you have a short growing season and want healthy zinnia plants as soon as possible, start seeds indoors at least a month before your last frost date. Give your seeds a deep watering and keep the soil moist (but not soggy) until germination.Īfter sprouting, thin zinnia seedlings to approximately 6-12 inches apart for good airflow. Plant zinnia seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep. Finally, use a garden fork or tiller to loosen your garden soil to help your zinnia roots to grow deeply. Once you have tested your soil, amend it as necessary by adding lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. You can purchase a soil testing kit at your local garden center or online. Zinnias thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Zinnias prefer well-draining soil, so mix in sand or compost if your soil holds water. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from your chosen planting area. They’re also commonly available at garden centers for easy planting. You can either direct sow zinnia seeds in late spring or early summer when temperatures begin to rise or start them indoors to get a head start. Short zinnias ( Zinnia haageana)Įspecially if you plan to cut flowers for bouquets, taller varieties are perfect for filling a vase. Best varieties of zinnias for plantingĪlthough so many zinnia varieties are available, these are some of the best types to grow in any garden. Store excess seeds in a cool, dry place to save them for next year. You can choose between heirloom or hybrid varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Look for high-quality seeds from a reputable source. Different petal shapes look like feathers or cactus spikes, too. Type of flower: There are many types of zinnias, including single, semi-double, and true double blooms. Size: Small varieties reach less than a foot and tall plants reach 4 feet tall.īloom time: Plant different varieties for color from early summer through fall. There are also bicolor and variegated blooms for beautiful flowers that catch the eye. Spend some time dreaming about the summer flowers you’d like to find the right varieties.Ĭolor: Zinnias come in pure white or vibrant colors like bright pink, purple, orange, yellow, and lime green. There are so many different types of zinnias.
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