What does a zinnia plant look like?
Zinnia elegans has lance-shaped, rough leaves, but other varieties can have broader, less scratchy leaves. It has a wide variety of bold-colored, rounded flowers. There are dwarf varieties and tall varieties that will grow up to 4-feet tall. Flowers can be daisy-like, double, cactus-flowered, or a formal-looking dahlia-like flower.
What are the different varieties of Zinnias?
Zinnia Varieties 1 'Zahara': has large flowers, and is mildew resistant 2 ‘Dreamland’: displays double flowerheads on a compact dwarf plant 3 ‘Envy’: boasts semi-double chartreuse flowers and is 30-inches tall 4 ‘Orange Star’: offers orange flowers and is a bushy dwarf
Are Zinnias easy to grow?
Yes, most people agree that zinnias are some of the easiest garden flowers to grow. They are low-maintenance plants that don’t require too much care. They don’t require too much fertilization and can thrive even in poor soils that other plants won’t grow in. Zinnias are also not very susceptible to many plant diseases.
What do Zinnias symbolize?
The small, narrow-leaf zinnias work well in hanging baskets and make for nice dried flowers, too. It’s said that zinnias symbolize thoughts of absent friends. Learn about more flower meanings here.
Can you eat a zinnia flower?
Some of the more common edible flowers are the zinnia, petunia, and the marigold, which has a delicious citrus flavor and is used in bath oils. Impatiens are edible (just the flowers, not the leaves) and come in a variety of colors.
Are zinnia petals poisonous?
Zinnia. Add zinnias to your no-nonsense list of hard-performing annual flowers, and rest easy knowing that they aren't toxic to your pets, either.
What vegetable is similar to zinnia?
This can help to draw the Japanese beetles away from your beans as a trap crop. You may sacrifice some zinnias, but it'll be worth it to improve your bean yield. These are just a few zinnia companion vegetables that I've found....What Vegetables Grow Well with Zinnias?Tomatoes.Asparagus.Beans.Melons.Luffa.Kale.
Are Mexican zinnias edible?
After some online investigation I found out that like the blossoms of Marigolds, some Zinnia blossoms are edible. I grow my Zinnias from seeds and do not use any chemicals on the plants so they are quite edible and add a very beautiful touch to a salad or cheese appetizer.
Which zinnias are edible?
Cooking With Zinnias Although the entire zinnia is edible, Shanks recommends removing the seeds and just cooking with the petals.
Why do dogs eat zinnia?
This may be because a dog has an aching stomach or because they're feeling discomfort in their gut. The American Kennel Club also writes that wild dogs eat leaves, too. It's not just domesticated ones, so it's something that looks hardwired into doggy DNA.
Do zinnias keep bugs away?
Zinnias. Zinnias don't repel mosquitoes or plant-eating insects, but they do repel deer.
What are zinnias good for?
Pollinators love zinnias. They bloom from May through October most years here in the Oklahoma garden and are a great food source for pollinators. Zinnias attract tons of bees and butterflies that work hard in the garden making food for us. This helps our garden be super productive.
Do deer eat zinnias?
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.
Is Baby's Breath edible?
Baby's Breath (Gypsophila sp.) has white or pink flowers that have a mild, slightly sweet flavour, perfect for dessert garnishes. The leaves can be tossed in with other greens for a mixed salad, typically to bitter to eat on their own they will add a tangy kick to an otherwise bland salad.
Can you eat marigolds?
Marigolds are eaten as petals or leaves, raw or blanched, fresh or dry, sweet or savory. To prepare marigolds: Pull entire petals from the stem, and as you hold them firmly in your hand, with scissors cut off the white (or pale greenish) "heels," as this could give a bitter taste if not removed.
Are marigolds edible for humans?
In fact, marigolds are sometimes referred to as the “poor man's saffron.” Edible marigold flowers are said to taste mildly citrusy to subtly spicy to, well, like a marigold. Whatever you think of their flavor, the flowers are indeed edible and if nothing else a feast for the eyes.
What flower is poisonous to humans?
Nerium oleander the sweetly scented killer The elegant Nerium oleander, the blossoms of which are crimson, magenta or creamy white, is one of the most toxic plants in the world. Every part of the plant, from its stem to its sap, is incredibly poisonous if ingested.
Is Digitalis purpurea toxic to humans?
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, slow heart rate, tiredness and dizziness. Contact with the sap may cause skin irritation. Warning: Seek urgent medical attention if any part is ingested.
Are iris poisonous?
The bulbs of irises are poisonous, possibly only mildly so. Irises contain the potentially toxic compounds irisin, iridin, or irisine. Symptoms of Poisoning: The gastrointestinal tract may become affected by the glycoside iridin, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.
Are there any flowers that are poisonous to dogs?
Azalea, Buttercups, Chrysanthemums, Gardenias, Gladiolas, Hibiscus, Hyacinth, Hydrangeas, Mums, Primroses, Rhododendrons, and Sweet Peas are popular garden items that are poisonous. That's just another good reason to keep your dogs away from your neighbor's award-winning flower bushes.
What is the color of a zinnia?
This species produces large blooms, with multiple rows of petals, and with bright colors ranging from white to orange, red, pink, yellow, and purple. Purple Zinnia Elegans.
What diseases do zinnias have?
The most common diseases that these plants develop, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden, are powdery mildew and Alternaria blight (also known as zinnia blight).
Where Are Zinnias Native To?
Most varieties originate from the grassland areas of North America, but there are also several species that are native to regions of South America.
Can Zinnias Grow In Pots?
Zinnias can grow well in pots, but make sure the container has enough drainage holes to enable the excess water to leak out .
Can Zinnias Take Full Sun?
Yes, zin nias can take full sun. Not only do they withstand the full sun, but it is even recommended to grow these plants in an area where they can enjoy plenty of sun and heat throughout the day.
How Often To Water Zinnias?
Because they can withstand dry soils better than soggy soils, zinnias don’t require daily watering.
Do Zinnias Attract Bees?
Yes, zinnias attract many bees, butterflies, and other insects . Their flower heads produce plenty of pollen which is picked up by bees and other pollinators.
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.
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.
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 to propagate zinnias?
There are a couple of ways to propagate zinnias: by division, using already established plants, or with cuttings.
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.
Where do Zinnias come from?
Zinnias are one of the most popular bedding plants world-wide. The 13 species in the genus Zinnia are all native to Mexico and adjacent areas and many have been used to develop a diversity of different types of ornamental plants. Ranging from 8″ mounds to rangy 3-4 foot tall bushes, and with flowers in a rainbow of colors, there is something for everyone among the hundreds of cultivars and hybrids that are now available. Flowers may be single, double or semi-double to produce blooms that look like dahlias, cactus flowers, or beehives.
Why is 2011 the year of the Zinnia?
These annual flowers (along with tomatoes) were chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse and versatile.
How tall does Z. haageana grow?
The single blooms have deep red centers and defined yellow petal tips. This is a shorter cultivar, growing only 15-18″ tall. – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin – Madison.
What is Z. elegans flame yellow?
This 2006 AAS winner is a semi-tall (2-3 feet) cultivar with a unique bicolor flower pattern. The promotional literature states that it has a scarlet-rose center and yellow petals edges.
What color are kale blooms?
Plant them in drifts in a mixed garden, interspersed among tall ornamental kale (such as blue-green ‘Nero Di Toscana’ and purple ‘Redbor’), and clumps of ‘Purple Majesty’ ornamental millet. Fill the spaces between all of the plants with airy sprays of purple Verbena bonariensis, which is a great combination with the yellow and red zinnia flowers.
Is a zinnia a good crop?
With large seeds that germinate quickly into rather sturdy plants that require little care, zinnias are often suggested as a good crop for children and beginners. They are fairly quick to flower and provide long-lasting color throughout the summer.
Do zinnias bloom in the summer?
They are fairly quick to flower and provide long-lasting color throughout the summer. Zinnias thrive in hot conditions, are attractive to butterflies, and most make excellent cut flowers. Zinnias do best in full sun, in well-drained soil.
What do zinnias symbolize?
The small, narrow-leaf zinnias work well in hanging baskets and make for nice dried flowers, too. It’s said that zinnias symbolize thoughts of absent friends. Learn about more flower meanings here.
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 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.
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.
What color are Peruvian Zinnias?
pauciflora ), which were favored by Thomas Jefferson. The 1-inch single blossoms of 'Red Peruvian' fade with age from terra cotta to a soft brick red. 'Yellow Peruvian' fades to a soft gold. Both plants reach about two feet tall on stiff stems. (Peruvian zinnias may also be marketed as 'Bonita Red' or 'Bonita Yellow'.)
Where did the zinnia originate?
Native to Mexico and Central America, the genus Zinnia was named after the 18th-century German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn. During the 19th century, European hybridizers worked on Zinnia elegans, a drab purplish wildflower, to develop brightly colored double forms, such as dahlia-flowered zinnias. The W. Atlee Burpee Company picked up the torch during the 1920s and introduced large cactus-flowered zinnias (named for their resemblance to cactus-flowered dahlias, not cacti).
What is the best flower for Dolly Parton?
If these Dolly Parton blooms aren't to your taste, consider growing old-fashioned zinnias with single, daisy-like flowers. Start with Z. angustifolia (also known as Z. linearis ). This flower, favored by the Aztecs, grows in profusion from June until frost on a bushy, spreading plant about a foot high. A great container plant, Z. angustifolia is drought-tolerant and mildew-resistant. Classic Z. angustifolia bears 1-inch flowers with orange petals around a yellow center. The Star series offers orange, gold, or white flowers.
What is the most popular zinnia in Leece's garden?
Blue Point Formula Mix and 'Royal Purple' (a Blue Point zinnia from Park Seed) have been the most popular zinnias in Leece's garden. The latter's big purple flowers, in particular, are a magnet for fritillaries, American Painted Ladies, and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails. Moderately attractive zinnias include giant cactus-flowered 'Sunbow Mix' and Z. angustifolia 'Crystal White' (Park Seed's name for 'Star White'). Leece has found that 'Envy' and, Z. haageana 'Persian Carpet' have not attracted visiting butterflies.
How to grow zinnias indoors?
In cooler climates like the Northeast, starting zinnias indoors will give you a longer flower display. But be aware that zinnias dislike root disturbance. Harden them off gradually by setting flats outdoors for a few hours each day. Transplant carefully after weather is reliably warm, trying not to expose the roots. Water the seedlings upon planting but infrequently during summer. When growth resumes, give them a light application of fertilizer.
Do zinnias attract butterflies?
Some zinnias are more attractive to butterflies than others. I interviewed some gardeners from around the country to find out which varieties worked best for them. Surprisingly, single-flowered, species zinnias aren't the uncontested favorites.
Do zinnias grow in butterfly gardens?
Of course, zinnias have featured strongly in American gardens for many decades. Kids love them because they are so quick to germinate and easy to grow. Zinnias excel as cut flowers; their rigid stems hold long-lasting blossoms that don't drop petals. And they are a natural for the butterfly garden, attracting many species throughout their long blooming season.
What is a zinnia flower?
Image by Peloria. Zinnia flowers are a long-time garden favorite for a variety of reasons. While many gardeners have fond memories of these plants, zinnias are once again gaining popularity among a new generation of home growers.
How tall do zinnias get?
These stunning, tall plants make a huge visual impact in the garden landscape, as well as attract multitudes of pollinators. Reaching heights of over 4 feet (1 m.) tall at maturity, zinnia plants used in the cutting garden will continue blooming throughout the summer, even as the blooms are removed for use in flower arrangements and bouquets.
How big do dwarf zinnias get?
Dwarf Zinnias – Dwarf zinnias are most commonly planted in flower borders and reach around 10 inches (25 cm.) in height at maturity. Noted for their small size, these short plants grow well when interplanted with other annual and perennial flowers and shrubs. While the plants remain small throughout the growing season, this is not indicative of potential bloom size. Flower size will vary depending upon the zinnia variety which is being grown. Popular dwarf zinnias include: 1 ‘Dreamland Mix’ 2 ‘Magellan Mix’ 3 ‘Star Starbright’ 4 ‘Thumbelina Mix’
What is a Mexican zinnia?
Mexican zinnia ( Zinnia haageana) Tall and Cut Flower Zinnias – Though cultivated in the same manner as other kinds of zinnias, some zinnia varieties are specifically suited for use in cut flower gardens.
How tall do dwarf zinnias grow?
Dwarf Zinnias – Dwarf zinnias are most commonly planted in flower borders and reach around 10 inches (25 cm.) in height at maturity. Noted for their small size, these short plants grow well when interplanted with other annual and perennial flowers and shrubs.
Can zinnias be pollinated?
With the introduction of new hybrids and specifically bred, open pollinated varieties of zinnias, these plants offer an option for nearly any landscape application. Here are some popular zinnia flower varieties for the garden:
How to tell when zinnias are starting to fade?
You should be able to tell when the blooms on your zinnias are starting to fade because they will be less vibrant than they once were. If you cut back the blooms at this point, then it’ll give your zinnias a chance to grow new blooms.
What are zinnias on Amazon?
Zinnias are very common flowers that you will see placed in people’s gardens, and they do a great job of adding color to various spaces. These bright and colorful blooms will be a joy to behold, and many people are passionate about making zinnias a huge focus of their gardens.
How Often Should You Deadhead Zinnias?
You don’t have to constantly deadhead your zinnias since the blooms are going to last for a while. It’s essentially just wise to keep an eye on the blooms to see when they start to fade.
How to keep zinnias taller?
Conversely, deadheading the zinnias higher on the stem will help your plant to keep growing taller. Don’t be too afraid to make the cuts wherever you think will be best because your zinnia is tough enough to handle it.
How to counteract zinnias?
There are those who try to counteract the toxicity of the zinnias by making use of a garlic spread. This probably seems like a weird idea to someone who hasn’t done anything like this before, but it can actually work.
What happens if you don't water zinnias?
If you don’t water the zinnias the right way, then you could have issues with mildew or fungus pop up. This will be an annoyance, and you might wind up needing some type of fungicide. Watering the zinnias the proper way is actually really simple, and it gets the water directly to the soil where it needs to be.
Why do you trim zinnias?
By taking the time to trim the flowers on your zinnias, it’s going to promote new growth. Gardeners who take the time to deadhead their plants are going to be able to enjoy many more blooms throughout the season.
