
How to Plant Zinnias
- Maintain moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly to maximize growth and blooms.
- After zinnias flower, cut off the old flowers (a process called “deadheading”) to encourage more flowers to form.
- Zinnias are annuals and will die with the first hard frost of fall. If you want them to reseed, let the last flowers of...
How to grow Zinnias {start to finish}?
Start seeds four to six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Zinnias begin to show growth outdoors when temperatures are above 50 F. (10 C). Space the seeds for growing zinnia plants properly, usually several inches to a couple of feet apart (10-60 cm.), depending on the size of the mature plant.
How to grow Zinnias from seeds indoors?
How to Grow Zinnias Indoors
- Choose Short or Dwarf Cultivars. Creeping zinnias ( Zinnia angustifolia) do well in containers. ...
- Select the Right Container. Use 6- to 8-inch containers for zinnias that only grow to a height of 6 to 8 inches. ...
- Pot Them Up. ...
- Provide Plenty of Light. ...
- Give them Water and Fertilizer. ...
How to grow zinnias in your garden?
- Plant zinnia flowers in the corners of your raised beds. This creates multiple focal points and keeps the flowers out of your way when gardening.
- Create a border of zinnias in the vegetable garden. ...
- Plant rogue zinnia flowers wherever you like. ...
- Don’t forget potted zinnias! ...
Are Zinnias easy to grow from seed?
Zinnias require total sun exposure and bloom from summer to the first frost date. Gardeners love Zinnias because they are easy to grow from seed. They attract beneficial pollinators, can be used as a stunning cut flower, tolerate summer heat, survive pesky deer, and are good in containers.

Do zinnias self seed NZ?
Zinnias are an annual which means that they will grow, set seed and die after one growing season. You will need to re-sow zinnia seeds for next year as in my experience they do not self-seed readily unlike many other annuals.
What month do you plant zinnias?
springPlanting: Plant zinnias in spring after all danger of frost has passed, around the same time you'd plant tomatoes. Zinnias are easy to grow directly-seeded into the garden. For sooner blooms, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date.
Where is the best place to plant zinnias?
Plant zinnias in an annual or mixed border garden. Smaller zinnias are suitable for edging, windowboxes, or other containers. Choosing a location that gets full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day) is essential to getting plentiful blooms throughout the season.
Do zinnia flowers come back every year?
Do zinnias come back every year? No, zinnias don't come back every year as they are annual plants. This means that the flowers complete their entire life cycle in one year. Zinnias are very vulnerable to frosts and will die soon after the first frost.
Do zinnias do well in pots?
will zinnias grow in pots? Yes, zinnias will grow in pots, and there are some compact varieties that look fantastic all summer long.
How do I keep zinnias blooming?
0:242:58How to get more blooms by deadheading your zinnia flowersYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow if I want this bloom to be even bigger when I deadhead I'm gonna come in here I'm gonna evenMoreKnow if I want this bloom to be even bigger when I deadhead I'm gonna come in here I'm gonna even snip this guy off. So now all the energy instead of going to these smaller shoots.
Do zinnias need a lot of water?
Once they are 3 to 4 inches high, water them deeply a couple of times a week, depending on weather. Zinnias aren't drought tolerant, but they like their soil a little on the dry side. The soil should not be continuously wet. * If we experience overcast June weather, cut down on watering.
Do zinnias grow back after cutting?
Remove the foliage and don't be afraid to cut off side shoots on the main stem you just harvested. Zinnias are a “cut and come again” flower, so when you cut the plant “hard,” it responds by sending out even more long, strong stems all season long.
Should I deadhead zinnias?
Zinnias should be deadheaded. Either cut mature stems to use in fresh bouquets for the home or remove the old blooms after they have faded. Deadheading and regular harvesting are essential to prolong blooming and promote branching.
Can I just scatter zinnia seeds?
Even the planting process is easy. I put down fresh mulch, then sprinkle the Zinnia seeds where I want them. I don't worry about spacing or anything, I just scatter them. When the seeds are down, I sprinkle just a little more mulch over the area for cover.
Do zinnias grow better in pots or in the ground?
Zinnias will thrive in your container gardening ideas. If you're choosing this option for how to grow zinnias, make sure you choose a large container that has drainage holes in the bottom. The taller the zinnias you have in mind, the larger the container should be.
Will zinnias self seed?
Will Zinnias Reseed Themselves? The short answer here is yes. If zinnias are allowed to flower and set seed and the seeds drop to the soil, then there is a good chance that the seeds will germinate and grow the following spring.
Should I soak zinnia seeds before planting?
Zinnia seeds don't need to be soaked before planting. Zinnias are warm-season annual flowers native to hot areas such as Mexico and the southwestern US, so the seeds are programmed to sprout quickly when exposed to water. Once you sow the seeds and water them, that's enough to trigger germination.
How late can you plant zinnias?
I plan succession plantings commencing in late May and continue through about the first week of July. This guarantees showy blooms through late September. It is not too late to plant a few zinnia seeds for late summer color that will last until the first frost.
How long does it take zinnias to bloom from seed?
around 2 monthsZinnias typically take around 2 months from seed to flower, although this can change depending on weather conditions. Here are some additional tips to grow zinnias: Choose a bright and sunny spot for your zinnias. Cover zinnia seeds with just ¼ inch of soil because they need light to germinate.
Do zinnias need full sun?
Zinnias' pointy seeds, shaped like little arrowheads, require only basic garden prep to sprout: sow them in well-drained soil, where there's full sun and lots of summer heat, and you'll have tiny seedlings in days, with flowers powering up in just a few weeks.
What you need to know about zinnia
Name: zinnia, Zinnia elegans, Zinnia haageana, Zinnia peruviana, Zinnia grandiflora (prairie zinnia).
Appearance and characteristics of zinnia
Zinnia can be an upright or spreading annual, perennial or shrub, but the annual flowering forms are most widely grown in gardens. These produce numerous single to double daisy-like flowers composed of large ray florets and small central disc florets.
Uses for zinnia
Zinnia is a versatile annual with a range of heights and flower forms. It can be easily grown in pots and containers, mass planted in borders, for cut flowers or as edging around garden beds.
How to plant and grow zinnia
Zinnia is best grown in a warm sunny spot during the warmer summer months, but they can take light shade in the hot summers of warm temperate-climate gardens. Zinnia will not perform in areas with cool, cloudy and moist summers.
Caring for zinnia
When planting zinnia, apply a controlled-release organic fertiliser around the plant roots. Liquid feed fortnightly from late spring onwards with a fertiliser high in potash for flowering plants.
How and when to prune zinnia
Deadhead your zinnia regularly to remove spent flowers and to encourage further blooms. The frequent cutting of blooms for indoor decoration will also help to keep your plant flowering prolifically.
Diseases and pests affecting zinnia
Zinnia is usually trouble free but can occasionally be prone to mildew. Always grow it in a warm sunny spot and remove any infected leaves at the first sign of attack. Thoroughly spray the rest of the plant with a copper-based fungicide. Many of the newer varieties and selections offer more resistance to mildew.
How to grow zinnias in the morning?
Rake the ground so that it is nice and level before sowing and covering the seeds. Be sure to water plants every day, preferably early in the morning or in the evening. Liquid feed zinnias weekly to encourage the growth of healthy leaves and the formation of flowers.
How much sun do zinnias need?
To order seeds from the very extensive Egmont Seeds range, visit http://www.egmontseeds.co.nz/. Zinnias need at least 6 hours of sunshine per day, so be sure to sow seeds in the sunniest spot in your garden. Before sowing zinnia seeds, take the time to prepare the bed properly so plants receive adequate nutrition.
What are the colors of zinnias?
Zinnias come in red, orange, yellow, light pink, cherry pink, peach, white, lime green and purple. Zinnias are either dwarf, medium or tall in height. There are some fantastic varieties of zinnia seeds on the market. Popular dwarf varieties include Fairyland Mix F1 (Egmont Seeds) and Profusion Mix (Egmont Seeds).
How long does it take for zinnias to grow?
It’s really easy to grow zinnias from seed and it allows you to grow unusual varieties which aren’t found in garden centres. It takes about 90 days until maturity, usually around 70 or so days in the case of dwarf varieties. For the best results, sow zinnias seeds directly where you want to grow them.
What are some of the best flowers to grow in the summer?
growing guide: zinnias. Zinnias are among my favourite summer flowers and always feature prominently in our summer garden. They are very easy to grow and are a great way to attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
Does Awapuni sell zinnias?
Awapuni also sell a range of zinnia seedlings and deliver direct to your door. Delivery is free if you order seven bundles or more. Zinnia varieties. If you’re planning to grow zinnias from seed, you’ll find that they come in an impressive array of colours, sizes and heights.
Do zinnias self seed?
You will need to re-sow zinnia seeds for next year as in my experience they do not self- seed readily unlike many other annuals. 1 Comment.
How do I grow zinnias?
5 Tips for How to Grow Zinnias. 1. Start zinnia seeds indoors or in the garden. If you have purchased zinnias from a local nursery and been disappointed with the results, try planting them from seed instead. I’ve had the most success starting zinnias indoors in seed trays just a few weeks before the last frost date.
Where should I plant zinnias?
I love planting zinnias along the edges or borders of garden beds where they add beauty and attract pollinators.
How to save zinnia seeds?
Save zinnia seeds each season. At the end of the season, leave the blooms on the largest, prettiest flowers. Let the flower head dry completely on the plant. Seeds are ready when the flower head is dry and brittle. The petals will dry and fall away.
How long do zinnias last in a vase?
Zinnias are an excellent cut flower and last up to 10 days in a vase. Zinnia blooms don’t continue to open once cut; harvest flowers when all the petals are open. Cut the flower at the end of the stem when harvesting. 5.
Do zinnias need fertilizer?
Plant zinnias in rich soil amended with compost and organic fertilizer. Zinnias don’t need supplemental fertilizer throughout the season.
Do zinnias attract butterflies?
Learn how to grow low-maintenance zinnias and add a long-lasting pop of color to your garden during even the hottest months of the year. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are drawn to these vibrant flowers. Zinnias make excellent cut flowers, and come in varied sizes, colors, and textures.
How tall does a zinnia grow?
One of most popular Zinnia varieties, the Lilliput Mix grows to be only 18-24” tall and is famous for an abundance of pom-pom blooms in bright, vivid colors. Blooming from mid summer until frost, this mixture can be cut all season long for spectacular summer bouquets and is extremely easy to grow.
What is a Zinnia seed mix?
The Zinnia Seed Mix contains four colorful varieties of this long-blooming annual, for a dynamic blend in the garden, meadow or vase. Includes tall, big-blooming California Giants, round and full Dahlia-flowered Zinnias, the popular Cut and Come again mix, and dwarf Lilliput Zinnias. Easy to grow, nectar-rich and attrcative to pollinators, Zinnias can be planted in any region. All of the seed we carry at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow.
What causes zinnias to turn yellow?
Pests & Disease: The biggest pests of zinnias are powdery mildew disease and Japanese beetles. Powdery mildew disease is especially prevalent in humid areas of the country in late summer. A white film develops on the leaves. Eventually the leaves turn yellow and drop. The whole plant can quickly get infected making it look messy and reducing its overall flowering. To prevent powdery mildew, space plants further apart to increase air flow, grow disease-resistant varieties, and apply preventative sprays early in the season. Neem oil and Serenade (Bacillus subtilis) are two organic sprays that work well to prevent the spread of powdery mildew. You can make your own organic spray by adding 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 tablespoon of horticultural oil in 1 gallon of water. Aphids also can attack zinnia leaves causing them to curl and yellow. Knock aphids off zinnia leaves with a strong spray of water from a hose.
What is the color of Zinnia Orange King?
Zinnia Orange King is a rich, saturated orange hue with hints of gold and scarlet. This heirloom Zinnia is a long-blooming variety with brightly colored flowers on long, sturdy stems, complemented by deep green foliage. With their bright beckoning blooms, Zinnias attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial pollinators from summer to frost. Zinnias are deer resistant, and great for cut flowers, too. All of the seed we carry at American Meadows is non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Annual.
What annuals attract pollinators?
Zinnias are some of the most reliable and colorful annuals to plant for those who wish to attract pollinators to both the butterfly and veggie garden.
What are some good flowers to grow in a garden?
If you're looking for a prolific annual flower for gardens and bouquets in a wide range of colors, try zinnias . The plants range from low growing, to tall and statuesque. Flowers come in all the colors of the rainbow depending on the variety. Group them in a flower or vegetable garden for color and to attract bees and butterflies.
How tall are mounding plants?
Some are low-growing. 1-foot tall plants with a mounding habit. Others are 3-foot tall plants with big flowers. Plant the right variety for your usage and that your space allows. Mounding varieties have smaller flowers and produce more ornamental looking plants.
How to propagate zinnias?
There are a couple of ways to propagate zinnias: by division, using already established plants, or with cuttings.
How to keep Zinnias going in winter?
Zinnias are annuals, and the only way to keep them going through the winter is to dig them up and bring them inside .
How tall do zinnias grow?
There are spreading and dwarf zinnias that only grow about 6 to 8-inches tall, and the classic zinnia elegans can reach 4-feet tall. Zinnia plants can take a few weeks to become established, but once it warms up, expect them to bloom from late spring right through fall.
When do zinnias bloom?
Zinnia plants can take a few weeks to become established, but once it warms up, expect them to bloom from late spring right through fall. The vibrant, tropical colors of zinnias work well in a hot border, picking up the hues of other reds and oranges. They are also nice for adding dramatic color to a container.
Can you grow zinnias from seed?
Pruning. Propagating. Growing From Seed. Overwintering. Common Diseases. Back to Top. Zinnias are a gift from hot climates but gardeners everywhere can easily grow them. They are fast-growing, warm-season annual flowers that bloom with abandon and require only minimal care.
Do Zinnias need soil?
The only real soil requirement is that it be well-draining. Zinnias roots do not like to sit in damp soil and excess moisture improves their chances of getting powdery mildew. It helps to have a soil pH in the neutral range, but it's not mandatory.
Is a zinnia an annual?
Zinnias are one of the few plants that are true annuals. Many plants labeled as annuals are actually perennials that are only hardy in the warmest hardiness zones, but zinnias will be annuals everywhere.
How to encourage zinnias to grow?
If you want to encourage tall zinnias, stake the largest so they don’t flop over. “Harvesting” zinnias as cut flowers will also encourage full growth, telling the zinnia to keep producing blooms until some can go to seed. Cut the stems above leave or bud nodes and the stems will keep growing and producing new blooms.
How to start zinnia seeds indoors?
If you want a jump on the growing season for some early spring color, you can get around zinnia’s aversion to transplanting. Start seeds in potting soil and peat pots about a month before the last frost.
What are the different types of zinnias?
Zinnias come in a range of shape types, including varieties that resemble daisies or dahlias, tight blossoms in beehive shapes, small button blooms, and large floppy blossoms.
How long do zinnias last?
Zinnias will last for around two months, so stagger multiple plantings in the garden to keep zinnia flowers in the garden from spring through fall. Heavy humidity might be your only obstacle to constant zinnias all summer long.
How to keep zinnias blooming?
Water and sunlight will keep your zinnias blooming full and frequently. Too much water, on the other hand, will risk one of the only diseases zinnias are susceptible to mildew. Keep water to about an inch a week, from all sources.
Can you plant zinnias in the ground?
Once the soil is warmed enough for zinnias, you can plant the entire pot in the ground for an easy transition. Zinnias like well-fed soil, so some compost worked into the ground early in the season will give the soil an edge before it’s time to get the zinnia seeds or plants in the ground. Moisture is important in early weeks, ...
Do zinnias bloom in full sun?
Burpee ‘Rose Giant Cactus’--with a vintage feel and full, pointed petals. ‘Will Rogers’--with shocking red, large blooms. Zinnias do best in full sun, so gather your collection of zinnia seeds, choose your space (s), and get ready to start your spring zinnias.
What temperature do zinnias grow?
Zinnias will grow in a minimum daytime temperature of about 60°F (16°C), though a range of 74–84°F (23–28°C) is preferred.
How big do zinnias get?
Get a full-size flower on a compact plant with cultivars of the Dreamland Series . Dwarf and compact, these zinnias have fully double flowerheads, up to 4 inches across in a wide color range; stems are 8–12 inches tall.
How many types of zinnias are there?
There are three main kinds of zinnia flowers: single, semidouble, or double. The distinction between these forms comes from the number of rows of petals and whether or not the center of the flower is visible: Single-flowered zinnias have a single row of petals and a visible center. Double-flowered zinnias have numerous rows ...
What is the easiest flower to grow?
Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow, as they grow quickly and bloom heavily. Zinnia flowers can create a massive burst of color in your garden, so consider trying them this year!
What to do after zinnias flower?
After zinnias flower, cut off the old flowers (a process called “deadheading”) to encourage more flowers to form. Zinnias are annuals and will die with the first hard frost of fall. If you want them to reseed, let the last flowers of the season mature fully and scatter their seeds.
What is a semidouble flower zinnia?
Semidouble-flowered zinnias are somewhere in-between, with numerous rows of petals but visible centers.
How long does it take for zinnias to bloom?
You’ll see zinnia seedlings in only 4 to 7 days for most varieties, though it will be anywhere from several weeks to a couple months before blooms appear (depending on planting site and climate). When seedlings reach three inches tall, thin them so that they’re 6 to 18 inches apart to maximize air circulation.
