Zinnias are beautiful flowers that are great for butterfly gardens. Its blooms can provide an explosion of colour in your landscape. It is easy to grow as an annual. Plant zinnia anywhere you want color, including in containers, patio gardens, recreational areas, walkways, borders and mass plantings. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and also makes great cut flowers. They are one of the simplest flowers to plant since they grow rapidly and produce a lot of blossoms. Growing zinnia plants may be an affordable option, especially if they are grown from seed.
They are a perennial plant in zones 9 to 11, but are a very popular annual plant in zones 2 to 8. Common Zinnia is a very rewarding, brightly coloured plant that blooms from early summer until frost. They are very popular amongst gardeners due to their variety of sizes, colours and forms. As an annual, it is easy to grow.
Zinnia plantation in Spain Credit: Jebulon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to Grow Zinnia elegans
Sow zinnia seeds directly into the sunny flower bed after the last frost date has passed. Plant seeds in loam or high organic soils that are well-draining. They require full sun and grow well in many different places such as in pots, in cottage gardens, or in cut gardens. Note that their developing roots do not like to be disturbed.
Companion Plants
Companion plant suggestions include Marigold, Dusty Miller, Sanvitalia, Cosmos.
Caring for Common Zinnia
Seedlings, like a majority of plants, require more frequent watering than mature ones. Watering young plants with an inch of water will result in healthy roots, which will help your plant flourish. Zinnias require less water later in their life cycle as they develop and are considered drought tolerant.
Pruning Zinnia
Zinnias should be pruned by cutting all the way down to the nearest branch. Pruning your zinnias will increase production and promote thicker growth, resulting in a lovely crop of blooms throughout the growing season.
Other
Zinnia is susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spots and root rot.
The Aztecs originally called them “plants that are hard on the eyes” because of their bright and colourful flowers.
The zinnia is named in honor of Johann Gottfried Zinn, a German botanist.
Uncover useful tips and tricks on how to transform your outdoor space into a peaceful garden on a budget! Learn how to create a tranquil haven, plan your budget, and get inspired with expert advice from Jooble.
Discover the big ideas on the 2018 gardening stage that are influencing plants breeders and designers. Learn about the rise in container gardening, plants for privacy and defensive planting, and the various dwarf varieties. Explore the big trends for 2018!
Explore the vibrant colors and flavors of fall harvests, from root vegetables to fruits and grains. Learn about traditions, culinary uses, and economic impacts.
GardeningCalendar.ca gets some funding from advertisers. If you click on links and advertisements at no cost to you, the site may receive a small commission that helps fund its operation.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.