I love seeing the bright blooms of Zinnias in my flower garden. These are perfect plants for lining a walk way or for when you need a large stand of flowers for the back area of a garden. They are hardy and happy flowers! Here are 5 tips on growing Zinnias that you can use or pass on.
5. Plant Them in Sandy Soil
Zinnias are less likely to grow to their fullest potential if they are planted in soil that is compacted and hard. These brightly colored flowers prefer to have soil that is light and airy. They like to be able to wiggle their roots through the soil with very little resistance.
4. Seed Them Directly into the Soil
Buying plants that are ready to be placed in the ground gets you a jump start on having to wait for them to bloom. However, Zinnias actually prefer to grow from seeds that are placed directly into the ground, instead of being transplanted later on.
Frequently asked questions
If your zinnias are overwatered, you might notice yellowing leaves and the plants may begin to wilt even though the soil is moist. Root rot can also be a sign of too much water.
Zinnias need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water them about 1 inch per week, but be careful not to overwater them. Too much water can lead to root rot.
Absolutely! Zinnias thrive in full sun. They love to soak up those rays, so be sure to plant them in a spot where they'll get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.
Yes, they can handle poor soil, but they'll do even better if you can improve it a bit. Adding compost or organic matter can really give them a boost and help them thrive.
Yes, they can! Zinnias are quite adaptable and can grow in rocky or sandy soil. Just make sure to add some compost to enrich the soil if it's too poor.
3. Water Regularly, but Not Too Much
Water is necessary for the success of nearly all plants, but Zinnias don’t like to be left in standing water. They have been known to mildew because of being over-watered. It’s also better to water these beautiful flowers at ground level, instead of spraying the water on the blooms and leaves.
2. Make Sure They Have Lots of Sunshine
Primarily found in the grasslands of Mexico, it’s only natural that this lovely flower desires tons of sunlight. These flowers like full sun and plenty of room to spread out. Make sure they don’t get too crowded together. Having lots of sunshine will also keep the chance of mildew very low.
1. Remove Spent Blooms for More Flowers
As soon as a bloom has died back, pinch it off so that your Zinnia will bloom again. Pinching back spindly seedlings will also make them grow bushier and healthier. Deadheading your Zinnia plants will help them to make more blooms and keep them from trying to produce seeds instead.
Zinnias not only are easy to grow, but they make excellent bouquets that are long lasting. They even dry rather nice for dried arrangements. If you tie a bunch of flower stems together and then hang them upside down to dry, the stems will remain straight and they flowers will dry more evenly. Do you prefer the giant or dwarf variety of Zinnias?
Top Photo Credit: j_aubz
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