Zinnias are a summer garden staple for good reason. They come in a wide range of colors, bloom all summer long, and are easy to grow. Even beginners can grow loads of beautiful zinnia blooms. Plus, bees and butterflies love them so they are perfect for pollinator gardens! Keep reading to learn how to grow zinnias from seed.
Types Of Zinnias
Zinnias are annual flowers that grow in full sun and well-drained soil. They thrive in heat and tolerate drought well. Zinnias range in height from 6 inches to over 4 feet tall. Their flowers can be striped, speckled, or solid in a variety of colors from pastel to vibrant hues.
Zinnias also come in an array of flower forms. These include single bloom, beehive, button, and cactus. They make wonderful cut flowers that can last in a vase for a week or more. And, if deadheaded, they can bloom from early summer until frost. But we’ll talk about that later!
How To Plant Zinnia Seeds
Zinnias prefer direct sowing in the garden, but you can start seeds indoors and transplant them later. Start zinnia seeds in peat pots or another form of biodegradable pot. When seedlings are a few inches tall, plant zinnias and pots in the garden to avoid disturbing seedlings’ tender roots.
The easiest way to grow zinnias from seed, however, is to plant them straight into the garden. Spacing depends upon the variety you wish to grow. Look at the back of your seed packet for instructions specific to your type. Once all chance of frost has passed, plant zinnia seeds in well-draining soil. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and give them a good drink. Keep soil moist, but not soggy. Zinnia seeds should germinate in 5 to 10 days.
How To Care For Zinnias
Some zinnias benefit from staking. Use garden supports to keep tall zinnia varieties from flopping over. Plant them next to a trellis, mailbox, or lamppost or create your own zinnia supports with strong vertical stakes and twine. Weave twine into a grid when plants are still small and zinnias will grow right through.
Deadheading helps zinnias bloom all summer long. Once flowers fade, cut or pop the heads off your zinnias. Cutting flowers for bouquets also prolongs blooming. Succession planting is another way to extend zinnia blooming. Starting in late spring, plant zinnia seeds in the garden every two weeks until mid-summer to ensure fresh blooms through fall. Another option is to let faded flowers remain and go to seed, then save the seeds to grow in next year’s garden.
Zinnia Diseases And Pests
Zinnias are very low-maintenance, however, they can encounter some problems. Common zinnia pests include spider mites, grasshoppers, and bud worms. Zinnias can also develop powdery mildew but, thanks to breeders, many new cultivars like the ‘Magellan’ series are more resistant to this problem. To prevent problems, avoid overhead irrigation and water early in the day to keep foliage dry. Space plants far enough apart to allow for good airflow to keep plants happy and healthy.
-
8 Best Fruit Trees To Plant As Bare Roots In Fall – For The Fastest, Sweetest HarvestGet a head start on home harvests by planting bare-root fruit trees this fall. Find the best varieties and learn tips for planting and caring for new trees.
-
5 Urban Garden Ideas For Any Home – Add Natural Flair To The Tiniest Living SpacesJust because you live in a city, town or built-up area doesn’t mean you have to do without! Try these urban garden ideas to make a green haven even in limited space
-
How Long Do Mums Last? Plus, How To Make Chrysanthemum Flowers Last LongerChrysanthemums have the potential for enduring displays as we enter the quieter months of the year. But how long do mums last? Here’s how to maximize your fall blooms
-
How Much Humidity Do Orchids Need To Thrive? – Plus Tips To Boost Moisture LevelsLearn how much humidity your orchids need and easy techniques to increase moisture levels for happy and healthy plants with more vibrant blooms.
-
Time To Transplant Peonies: Why Fall Is The Best Time To Move Peonies, And How To Do It RightIf you want the healthiest peonies, replanting is a great way to boost longevity. Here’s why fall is the best time to move peonies, and how to transplant them correctly.
-
7 Hydrangea Care Mistakes To Avoid If You Want Stunning BloomsHydrangeas are heroes of the summer garden, but these common care errors will stunt plants' growth potential and result in poor flowering.
-
8 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants – Hide Bare Soil And Curb WeedsGround cover plants are the ideal solution to green up bare patches of soil. These fast-growing varieties will add a professional look to your landscaping design in no time.
-
Time For Peony Trimming: When To Cut Back Peonies For Longer Lasting PlantsYou may love peonies, but do you know when to get busy with the snippers? Find out when to cut back peonies, as our expert advice points you in the right direction
-
6 Common Peony Diseases: How To Identify, Prevent & Treat ThemPeony diseases can ruin blooms and even be fatal to these typically long-lived plants. That’s why it’s important to learn how to identify, prevent, and treat problems before they cause lasting damage.
-
Types Of Peonies Every Gardener Should KnowKnowing the different types of peonies helps when you want your garden to include these fabulous plants. Showy and always impressive, peonies are an elegant addition.
