Are you a gardener in search of a beautiful summer flower to spice up your garden? If ‘yes’ then the Zinnia flowers might be the perfect choice for you, as these flowers create a burst of colors and bring life to your outdoors.
They are easy to plant and take care of. For beginner gardeners, the Zinnia plant is among the best choices as it grows quickly and blooms beautifully.
Type of Zinnia Flowers
There are several types of Zinnia flowers, depending upon the rows of petals in a flower. The most popular of them are:
Single-Flowered Zinnias
Single-flowered Zinnias have a solitary row of petals and their center is visible. These flowers attract pollinators more than any other type because the visibility of the center makes the pollen easier to reach.
Double-Flowered Zinnias
Unlike single-flowered Zinnias, double-flowered Zinnias have has many rows of petals, and their center is not visible. But because of this, the flower has a glorious bloom.
Semidouble-Flowered Zinnias
Semidouble-flowered Zinnias can be called the best of both worlds. Even though they have multiple rows of petals, they still have a visible center.
Cactus Zinnia
The petals of Cactus Zinnia are twisted and curled towards the inside, making them appear pointed. They have a large bloom, which can go up to five inches wide.
Other Miscellaneous Types of Zinnia
Some other types of Zinnias are:
Globe Zinnias – they have spherical flower heads which are a couple of inches wide.
Dahlia Zinnias – they have flat and wide petals, with large, dramatic blooms.
Best Time to Plant Zinnias
There is an optimum time to plant this flower, and if everything goes correctly, you will be able to achieve a gorgeous bloom. Also, it is better to grow the Zinnia directly from the seed instead of transplanting it.
Being a sun-loving plant, Zinnias are sensitive to frost. You must check your last frost dates and plant your Zinnias after they have passed. The ideal temperature for this plant is 73-80°F (23–28°C), and the minimum temperature is 60°F (16°C). If the temperature is any lower than that, you are setting your flower up to doom.
The Perfect Location
If your location checks all of the following boxes, your Zinnia will thrive and you will end up with a beautiful plant in your garden!
- Access to ample sunlight
- Soil rich in organic matter
- Good air circulation
- A balanced mix of compost and soil
How to Plant Zinnia Seeds
In a Pot
If you are growing the plant in a pot, first, add compost amended soil to your pot (do not fill it up). Add enough water to the pot to make your soil moist. Then sprinkle your zinnia seeds over the moist soil and cover it with a layer of dry soil. Moist that layer with a water spray as well.
That is it for now! Now sit back and wait until a little plant sprouts from the seed and then eventually grows big enough to bloom some flowers on it!
In an Open Garden
In a garden, plant the Zinnia seeds with about a 4 to 24 inches gap between them, depending on what variety it is (check what spacing your specific type of Zinnia flower requires and act accordingly). Sow the seeds about ¼ inches deep into the soil. Then all you need to do is have some patience until those seeds bloom into pretty flowers!
Care for Zinnia Plant
Taking care of any plant is the only way to ensure its healthy growth. For Zinnias, there are a few tips that must be followed in order to get the best result – which is a large bloom.
Even though the Zinnia plant is a summer plant, try to place it at a location where morning and evening sunlight will reach. The harsh sunlight of daytime can be harmful to the plant, as it can cause the plant to burn.
A gardener must make sure that the soil is ideal for the plant. You need to ensure that the soil is rich with maximum nutrients and compost, and is always moisturized. Recent studies have shown that an appropriate median for Zinnia flowers is very crucial.
Make sure that after every 15 days you add some liquid fertilizer to the soil to ensure maximum nutrition. Studies have shown that the application of fertilizer increases the growth of Zinnia flowers multi-fold.
As the soil should be kept well-drained, carefully watering the plant is another step that needs close attention. With so much exposure to the sun, the soil is bound to dry out. That is why you must make sure that the soil is well-watered at all times. If because of lack of water your Zinnia starts to dry out, there will be nothing you’ll be able to do. That damage is irreversible!
Factors to Look Out For
Just like any other plant, this plant is also endangered by a few diseases and pests. Here are some of the symptoms and prevention methods for some of the most popular dangers to your Zinnia:
- Spider mites, caterpillars, and mealybugs – pesticides are the best way to deal with them but don’t spray unless you’re fully sure.
- Powdery Mildew – according to research, these micro-organisms are plant pathogens that use the plant as a living host and reproduce. To avoid this, space the seeds properly and try to not wet the foliage.
- Bacterial and fungal spots
Conclusion
To conclude, Zinnia plants are a perfect addition to your garden. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are easy to take care of. You can plant them in a pot, or a garden, whatever suits you the best. All they ask from you is a little bit of care, time, and attention!
If you have any questions, feel free to comment below. What we’ll recommend is to take a leap of faith and get your hand on high-quality seeds and a properly-sized pot (if you want to plant in a pot), and plant them this summer. Have a great time gardening!
Do zinnias come back year after year?
Zinnias are annual plants that complete their lifespan from spring to late autumn. If you do not remove the flowers, the wind can blow up the seeds germinating in the spring, and the cycle begins again. However, due to spontaneous and non-selective reproduction, new plants may or may not resemble the parent plants in color or shape.
Do zinnia flowers need sun or shade?
Zinnias are sun lovers plants, and they need at least 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. They can tolerate partial shade, but they will lengthen, and the buds will not grow to their full size.
How long does the zinnia flower last?
Each flower individually lasts at least 7 days before it begins to wither. Therefore, they are prized cut flowers that stay fresh in a vase for 7 to 10 days.
Do zinnias bloom all summer?
Beautiful zinnias are heavy and reliable bloomers with an accelerated metabolism. Depending on the conditions and varieties from seed to flowering plant usually takes 60 to 70 days and the flower show lasts until the first frosts.
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