What is a Zinnia Flower?
Zinnias are a wonderful annual flower prized for their daisy-like shapes and brilliant colors. Do zinnias need full sun? For optimum growth, zinnias need as much sun as possible. Full sun characterized by 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.
You’ll get amazing results by giving zinnias lots of sun, enough hydration, and mild temperatures.
Are Zinnias Perennials?
Zinnias are typically annuals in the gardening world, depending on the species we’re talking about. However, the few perennial species we’ll discuss here are often not selling in regular seed firms or plant nurseries and mainly grow in the wild.
Annual plants are those whose life cycles end in a single year. This indicates that the plant will typically germinate, develop, bloom, and set seed between the spring and fall seasons (depending on the plant and where you live).
Plants known as perennials go through their entire life cycle over a long period. Some have a brief lifespan, while others have a long one. These plants often grow slowly and may develop woody growth (though not always).
Their aboveground growth, consisting of the stems and foliage, may wither in the winter. However, their belowground development, which consists of the roots, tubers, bulbs, or rhizomes, is still alive and serves as the plant’s storage organs. All the energy remains until the following spring, when the plants emerge from dormancy and resume top growth.
Do Zinnias Need Full Sun?
Zinnias will thrive when you plant them in full sun and get at least six hours of direct sunshine daily. Choose a sunny location for your zinnia seedlings when laying out your garden beds—plant zinnias where they will eventually receive as much daily sunlight as feasible. The best results will come from a planting bed that faces south or west.
Your zinnias can only produce an abundance of cheerfully colored blooms if they receive full sun. Zinnias will grow smaller and have fewer flowers if you provide them with anything less than this, including any partial shade.
Give zinnias as much sun as possible because they enjoy the heat and love the sun. Because it needs the most sun, zinnias prefer the summertime.
Additionally, they like warm temperatures, often around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (2.6 degrees Celsius), for flowering. It’s a brilliant idea to give zinnias as much exposure to sunlight as you can for these two factors. Zinnias grow significantly better in the south and west-facing settings than other flowers like irises because they adore the heat.
What Happens if Zinnias Don’t Get Enough Sun?
Your zinnias will suffer health problems if they don’t get enough sun. Zinnias growing in the shade will be more prone to fungus-related problems. In addition, zinnia flower heads will struggle to grow in the shadow, and your plant could perish from bacterial wilt. Without enough sunlight, zinnias will deteriorate and maybe die.
Lack of sunlight increases the danger of leaf spots, fungal infection, and bacterial illness in zinnias. Watch out for white spots and weak stems, which indicate zinnias are beginning to wilt.
Ensure your zinnias receive sufficient light if you want to avoid these problems.
Check your zinnias for fungal patches and powdery mildew if they haven’t had sun for more than a few cloudy days.
Zinnia Planting Mechanisms
Full sun is ideal for zinnia growth and flowering. Even in warmer climates with afternoon shadows, they can flower there but may be more prone to disease and produce fewer flowers. Organically rich, fertile soils with good drainage are ideal for growing zinnias.
With your container gardening ideas, zinnias will flourish. Make sure to select a sizable container with drainage holes in the bottom if you decide to grow zinnias in this manner. The container should be larger than the taller zinnias you have in mind.
Don’t forget to account for the room your plants will require. One of the container gardening mistakes to avoid is planting them too close together. Because zinnias need sufficient air circulation among themselves, you should place plants far apart.
Place the container in a bright area and fill it two-thirds of the way with a light organic-rich potting mix. This will enable the proper drainage for zinnias. Feed them with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks to promote blooms.
How to Plant Zinnia Seeds
Zinnias require soil and air to warm them to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 degrees Celsius) or above to germinate and grow because they are full-sun flowers that prefer warm weather. Make sure not to disrupt the roots or let plants become rootbound if you intend to transplant zinnias.
However, it doesn’t follow that you can’t make use of the growing season. You can still choose to start zinnia seeds indoors or scatter them outside.
What You’ll Require
- Hand trowel
- Hand transplanter
- Garden shears
- Materials
- Zinnia seeds
- Seed starting mix
- Peat pots
- Compost
Instructions
Plant Seeds Outside
You can start zinnias best by planting them immediately in their final outdoor beds. Wait until spring to plant zinnia seeds since they require air and soil warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 degrees Celsius) to grow effectively.
You should plant them in the ground at a depth of about 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters), spaced as your chosen variety requires, ranging from a few inches (centimeters) to a few feet (meters). After they sprout, thin them out gradually to help the strongest growth. Leave enough space between mature flowers to allow air to circulate and stave against illness.
Start Seeds Indoors
Start seeds in peat and seed starting mix pots about six weeks before the last frost if you want to jumpstart the growing season for some early spring color. You may plant the entire container in the ground once the soil is sufficiently warm for zinnias.
Keep the Right Soil Conditions
Before planting the zinnia seeds or plants, some compost that mixes into the ground early in the season will offer the soil an advantage. Because zinnias need well-fed soil, moisture is crucial, and humidity is essential in the first few weeks, but watch out that it doesn’t become soggy. To avoid issues, the soil must be well-drained.
Space Out Many Plantings
Stagger multiple plantings in the yard to keep zinnia flowers in bloom in the garden from spring through fall. Zinnias can last for up to 2 months, depending on the variety. Some cultivars produce a lot of flowers all season.
Proper Watering
To maintain your zinnias blooming regularly, provide them with water and sunlight. On the other side, too much water increases the risk of powdery mildew, the only disease to which zinnias are susceptible.
Limit all water sources to roughly an inch (2.54 centimeters) per week. Avoid spraying the foliage and flowers as much as possible, and don’t do it at all during the hottest part of the day, as you should with most plants.
Shape the Plants
Pinch the tops of the stems off of immature plants to produce lush, bushy zinnia plants. Stake the largest zinnias to prevent them from flopping over if you want to promote tall growth.
By telling the zinnia to keep producing blooms until some of them can set seeds, cutting zinnias for cut flowers will also promote full growth. If you prune the stems just above the leaf or bud nodes, new branches will continue to grow and bear flowers.
Save the Seeds
You can replace a zinnia plant once it is blooming. Let a few heirloom kinds go to seed, and be sure to save the seeds for the next year. To prevent having dead zinnias as a focal point, try to conserve seeds from plants that nestle beneath other zinnia plants.
Our Top Tips for Zinnia Care
Grow in Full Sun
Grow your zinnias in full sun if you want them to bloom for the longest possible time. And the full sun means at least six hours daily—the more, the better. It is OK to experience periods of full light that total this many (or more) hours without having to do so continuously.
This provides guidelines for determining the light conditions in your garden and defines phrases like full sun, part sun, part shade, and shade. I’ve experimented with growing zinnias in various light situations in my garden. Without a doubt, the blooms bloom sooner and are larger in proportion to the amount of sunlight they receive.
Of course, they also need other crucial factors for growth, such as healthy soil modified with compost, regular rainfall, and wind protection, but make sure to give them plenty of sunlight to see them at their finest.
Sow Seeds Directly Outdoors
The timing may not be ideal for those of us with shorter growing seasons, but if you can, direct-sow your zinnias outside after the threat of frost is over. This is feasible if the number of frost-free days in your growing season corresponds to your zinnia’s growth cycle (days to maturity).
80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4 to 2.5 degrees Celsius) is the best soil temperature range for germination, but only for quick sprouting. 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 to 2.2 degrees Celsius) soil temperatures are ideal for seed germination and plant growth.
Why Sow Directly?
So many gardeners are aware of how dejected their zinnias can become after transplanting. They dislike uprooting their roots, and the shift may cause them to falter. They dislike being rootbound, which can occur when sowing in small containers, related to the previous point.
If indoor planting were my only choice, I would never give up growing zinnias, but you should be aware that direct sowing outdoors might be more effective. Furthermore, it is simpler if it is an option.
Utilize Supports
Some zinnias develop a tall, top-heavy structure that the wind can blow over. Many gardeners support their plants with stakes or if they are growing many flowers, cover the entire bed with horticultural flower netting to keep them safe. The net, while not invisible, does a wonderful job of holding all those large flowerheads.
The most crucial advice is to install any supports or trellises when the plants are still young so they can grow into them. Waiting puts the plants in danger as you try to move them into position.
The Benary’s Giant Series, which may reach heights of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters), is among the most well-liked tall, showy zinnias.
Pinching Your Plants
It’s amusing how many people, even those unsure of what pinching is, connect it to zinnias.
In a straightforward form of pruning called pinching, we remove a few stem tips, and the plant grows new stems. This also means that you will obtain more flowers from zinnias. Even though it is entirely optional, some plants will benefit from it if you want flowers—and plenty of them.
Deadhead Often
Deadheading refers to cutting off the stems and old flowers from a plant. Zinnias bloom about 7 to 8 weeks after germination and are “cut and come again” plants. This indicates that you can pinch and deadhead as they continue to produce.
The objective is for the plant to focus its energy on new growth rather than seed production.
Leave your nicest blooms to go to seed if you also wish to save seeds.
Root Your Cuttings
Happy news You have stem cuttings from this pinching and deadheading that you can utilize to grow further plants. Stem cuttings from zinnias grow beautifully. The first important thing to understand is that zinnias can produce roots from the leaf nodes, the points on the stem where the leaves originate.
The critical point is that we leave the nodes in situ when we pinch back stems to promote branching. Make sure your cut stem has some nodes before taking cuttings.
Save the Best Seeds for the Following Year
Your best flowers have the best genetics and produce the best seeds, which is one of the most crucial seed-saving strategies to be aware of. To know which plants to choose for seed harvesting in the fall, devoted seed savers take the time to mark their favorite blooms and fruits during the growing season.
Once the flowers have faded, it is harder to determine which ones were the real show-stoppers.
Additionally, the same plants can have significant differences in bloom quality. If your zinnia has numerous blossoms, mark your favorite stems with ribbon as a seed-saving time marker.
Remember that most of the seeds we purchase from catalogs are F1 hybrids, even if certain zinnias originate from open-pollinated seed that grows true generation after generation. Although hybrid seeds are unlikely to produce plants that look exactly like their parents, you will still be able to develop some magnificent zinnia blossoms from them.
Additionally, plant patents cover certain seeds, so read the information on your seed packet to know what you have. Stick to growing from F1 seeds if you want to produce a specific variety or color.
How Tall Do Zinnias Grow?
Based on the type, some types are small, growing only 6 to 12 inches (15.2 to 30.5 centimeters) tall and wide, while others can reach heights of 4 feet (1.2 meters) and 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters).
Do Zinnias Come Back Every Year?
Since zinnias are annuals, they will only produce blooms and seeds for one season before dying. The original plant will not reappear the following year. They are excellent for use as a cutting flower or food for butterflies since they have vivid, solitary, daisy-like flowerheads on a single, tall stem.
When to Plant Zinnias
It is important to know when to plant zinnia seeds. Because they dislike transplanting, you should start your zinnia plants from seed directly in the garden bed. They will develop relatively quickly from seed if the right circumstances are present.
If you’d prefer, you can start zinnias from the seed inside. Just make sure to transplant them gently and young. Because zinnias are delicate to frost, wait to plant them until after the last frost in your area. See the frost dates in your area.
Zinnias can tolerate a low daily temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7 degrees Celsius), although a temperature range of 74 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (2.2 to 2.5 degrees Celsius) is ideal. To prolong the flowering time, sow a new crop of seeds every week or so for a few weeks.
When Do Zinnias Bloom?
From seed to flower, zinnias typically require two months, though this might vary depending on the weather. Here are some more hints for growing zinnias: For your zinnias, choose an area that is sunny and bright. Zinnia seeds want the sunshine to germinate, so only cover them with 14 inches (35.6 centimeters) of soil.
Zinnia flowers, one of the easiest annuals to grow, are a vibrant riot of color. The exhibition runs from late April until the first frost in the fall. The joyful flowers bloom in almost every vivid hue imaginable and draw butterflies and hummingbirds.
They are a fantastic option for novice flower producers because they produce flowers rapidly and consistently. You can’t go wrong considering their low care needs and the range of sizes and shapes.
Zinnia Spacing Requirements
Depending on the kind, place plants 4 to 24 inches (10.2 to 61 centimeters) apart. (Many common varieties require you to plant them 2 feet (0.6 meters) between rows and 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) apart within the row.) You should set smaller kinds 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) apart from large types and vice versa.
Before transplanting or planting zinnia seeds directly in the ground, sow the seeds in tiny containers. You should space about six seeds evenly in a 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) pot for planting in containers.
Is Deadheading Zinnias Necessary?
Deadhead zinnias to prevent fading. Either remove the old blooms once they fade or cut mature stems to utilize in fresh bouquets for the home. To extend blooming and encourage branching, deadheading and regular harvesting are crucial.
The Different Zinnia Colors
Zinnia blooms come in four different varieties. The types come from the flower’s rows of the petal. You can find them in many colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, lavender, white, and even green. Blue is the only color that is not there in zinnia flower varieties.
Single Flowered
Zinnias with a single blossom have just one row of petals. Each flower of this kind has an exposed center.
Semi-Double Flowered
This type of flower has blossoms with many rows of petals. Each flower possesses a visible exposed and discernible center.
Fully Double Flowered
Fully double-flowered zinnia flowers contain multiple rows of petals, and the center of each flower is in the petals, making it difficult to see.
Cactus Flowered
The cactus’ blossoms bloomed. Long are zinnias. Each petal rolls toward the underside, causing the entire petal to twist and create a distinctive flower.
How Long Do Zinnias Bloom?
Most zinnia types need 75 to 90 days to bloom after planting. These are their “days to maturity.” However, other classes, particularly dwarf varieties that don’t need to grow as tall before focusing on creating buds, are available that bloom in as little as 60 days.
For zinnias, the blooming period typically lasts two months. With some preparation, you may use succession sowing to extend that two-month window of flowers to four or more.
For as long as possible, succession sowing is essential to keep your garden blooming. If you’ve never heard of succession sowing, it is simply the process of sowing new seeds every two to four weeks to allow the emergence of new plants while the older ones stop flowering.
Tips to Keep Your Zinnias Blooming All Summer Long
You can employ a few additional techniques to extend the harvest of stunning zinnia blooms and your growing season.
Deadhead Fading Flowers
Deadheading your zinnias is one approach to ensure they bloom all summer. Deadheading is the practice of eliminating spent flowers before they set seed. If not, the plant will focus on producing seeds rather than blossoms.
With a pair of garden shears or scissors, trim the stem just below the spent flower to deadhead zinnias. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle to prevent water from collecting and rotting on the stem.
Regular Fertilization
Giving your zinnias the proper nutrients is another strategy to keep them blooming all summer long. Due to their intense feeding habits, zinnias will benefit from fertilization every few weeks. Select a fertilizer that encourages bloom production and has a higher phosphorus concentration, the second number listed on the packaging, such as 2-8-4.
Supply Enough Water
Zinnias require a lot of water to look their best. Water them every few days when it’s hot and dry. Don’t lightly water them; they won’t wilt and keep hydrated thanks to deep watering.
Do Zinnias Self–Seed?
As soon as the flowers start to fade, zinnias produce seeds. While seed production halts due to deadheading during the growing season, fresh flowers come up. Fall is when seeds fall from withered flowers, and spring is when they begin to sprout.
Profit from this by planting zinnias where you like to have more influence over your garden design ideas. Gather seeds from your collection’s most vibrant and robust plants. It is not advisable to collect seeds from any disease-prone or weak-willed plants.
Let the zinnias finish their life cycle and dry out. Once the petals have fallen off, the flower heads are ready to harvest. Place a tiny paper bag over the flower head. Alternatively, chop and suspend the flower head upside down in the bag. Keep in a bag with a prominent label.
Conclusion
Zinnias are the plants with the most vibrant flower clusters. They are not only stunning but also simple to grow for a novice. It’s time to plant them. These flowers start to blossom and continue until the first signs of frost.
Most people have memories of these plants from the gardens of their grandmothers. They have been around for a long time and prosper in various gardens worldwide.
According to many gardeners, these blooms have a nostalgic vibe. Every garden has a zinnia, so the saying goes. You should plant your zinnias in an annual or mixed border garden. The smaller zinnias work best for edges, pots, and window boxes.