Zinnias are a present from hot climates but gardeners everywhere can easily grow them. they’re fast-growing, warm-season annual flowers that bloom with abandon and need only minimal care.

Although we traditionally consider zinnias as bold, hot-palette colors, there are new ones being introduced per annum , including some cool whites. There are tall, short, and spreading varieties and that they all are very easy to grow, withstanding a number of the worst growing conditions.

Zinnia elegans has lance-shaped, rough leaves, but other varieties can have broader, less scratchy leaves. it’s a good sort of bold-colored, rounded flowers. There are dwarf varieties and tall varieties which will get older to 4-feet tall. Flowers are often daisy-like, double, cactus-flowered, or a formal-looking dahlia-like flower.

Plant zinnias in spring; they’re hot-weather lovers and can sit and await the temperature to warm up before really beginning to grow.

Zinnia Care

Zinnias are one among the few plants that are true annuals. Many plants labeled as annuals are literally perennials that are only hardy within the warmest hardiness zones, but zinnias are going to be annuals everywhere.

There are spreading and dwarf zinnias that only grow about 6-8 inches tall, and therefore the classic zinnia elegans can reach 4 feet tall.

Zinnia plants can take a couple of weeks to become established, but once it warms up, expect them to bloom from late spring throughout fall. the colourful , tropical colors of zinnias work well during a hot border, learning the hues of other reds and oranges. they’re also nice for adding dramatic color to a container.

The tall zinnia elegans remains a favourite for the rear of the border, but new varieties, just like the Thumbelina series, grow only about 6-inches tall and make great choices as edging plants or in containers.

Light

You really want to plant zinnias during a spot with full sun. you’ll get the foremost prolific blooms during a sunny spot and it’ll help to stay the leaves dry and thwart mildew before it starts.

Soil

The only real soil requirement is that it’s well-draining. Zinnias roots don’t wish to sit in damp soil and excess moisture improves their chances of getting mildew . It helps to possess a soil pH within the neutral range, but it’s not mandatory.

Water

Zinnias are very drought tolerant and don’t usually need any supplemental watering. If your soil is poor, you’ll add some compost to offer the plants a lift , but they’re going to grow in even bad soil.

Temperature and Humidity

It doesn’t matter how hot the summer gets; zinnia plants just keep it up blooming.

Fertilizer

Zinnias are plain sailing plants, needing only occasional feeding with a well-balanced fertilizer.

Zinnia Varieties

• ‘Zahara’: has large flowers, and is mildew resistant
• ‘Dreamland’: displays double flowerheads on a compact dwarf plant
• ‘Envy’: boasts semi-double chartreuse flowers and is 30-inch tall
• ‘Orange Star’: offers orange flowers and may be a bushy dwarf

Pruning

You can deadhead zinnias for an extended blooming period, but it’s conditionally necessary. they’ll pause flowering for a short time, but they’ll begin again.

Propagating Zinneas

There are a few of the way to propagate zinnias: by division, using already established plants, or with cuttings.

How to Grow Zinnias From Seed

Zinnia is extremely easy to start out from seed. you’ll direct sow as soon because the soil has warmed a touch and there’s no chance of frost. you’ll also start seed indoors, about four to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Every garden center has zinnia seedlings purchasable , however, you’ll have less choice of sorts .

Overwintering

Zinnias are annuals, and therefore the only thanks to keep them browsing the winter is to dig them up and convey them inside.

Common Pests/Diseases

It is rare for zinnias to be bothered by insects and most four-footed animals show no interest in them.

Some varieties are often very susceptible to mildew . It’s ugly, but it’s unlikely to actually harm your plants. But, to cure, clip back the parts of the plant that are affected. Then, apply a fungicide with neem oil, potassium acid carbonate , copper, or sulfur.