Zinnias are among the easiest flowers to sow and are a great way to bring vibrant color and attract pollinators into any space. Learning how to grow zinnias can add charm and appeal to your garden.
Their classic bloom is sure to add a beautiful splash of hue.
Whether they are used for borders or grown in containers their displays of color will brighten up any space.
Want to know how to grow zinnias from seed?
In this blog post we’ll walk through this process so you can enjoy these exquisite blooms in your garden!
Helpful Products When Growing Zinnias
Choosing to Grow Zinnias
Home gardeners have many varieties of zinnias available to them for home gardening, particularly when starting them from seed rather than buying from a nursery.
There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting the right variety for your particular garden.
Zinnias come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors – it is vitally important that the right type is selected!
Zinnia dwarf varieties are among the most beloved types, making them perfect for smaller gardens and containers.
They typically reach 6-12 inches tall, and their colors range from deep reds and oranges to pastel pinks and purples.
Tall zinnias represent another end of the spectrum; these varieties can reach three to four feet in height with larger blooms than their dwarf counterparts.
If you want a striking addition to your garden or want to attract pollinators, tall zinnias may be just what’s necessary!
Before planting zinnias in your garden, take note of their height and bloom size to best fit into the space available to you.
Also consider what colors will complement existing plants in your space
Planting Zinnias
Zinnias should be planted as soon as the last frost has subsided in springtime in a locations where soil and planting preparations have taken place.
Alternatively, they can also be winter sown in jugs to be transplanted once the weather permits.
Zinnias prefer well-draining organic soil that provides good drainage; so be sure to prepare this prior to planting.
Zinnias also thrive best when located in direct sunlight for at least six hours each day for healthy growth.
If you are starting from seed, here are the steps you should follow to achieve optimal results:
1. Direct sow the seeds into the ground as zinnias do not like to be transplanted. Space the seeds at least 6 inches apart, covering them with a thin layer of soil and keeping the temperature consistent throughout.
2. Water the seeds gently, keeping the soil damp until they germinate in approximately one week.
3. Once seedlings reach several inches tall, thin them out so that each plant has approximately one foot of growth space to flourish.
If using seedlings, plant them at the same depth they were in their containers and space them approximately one foot apart.
Water the seedlings regularly to keep the soil moist until they have become established.
For optimal zinnia container gardening, ensure the container measures at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep.
Fill it with well-draining soil and plant seeds or seedlings at the same depth they would be in the ground – keeping moist conditions in a sunny location are best!
Caring for Zinnias
Once your zinnias have germinated and are flourishing, it’s essential that they receive adequate care and are kept healthy and flourishing.
Here are a few suggestions to keep them looking their best:
Watering: Zinnias require regular but controlled irrigation, yet overwatering may result in root rot. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy; to know when it’s time to water, stick your finger in the soil if it feels dry; otherwise water accordingly. Avoid getting any leaves wet during watering sessions as this could lead to fungal disease outbreaks.
Fertilizing: Zinnias are heavy feeders, so regular fertilization is key. You can choose a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or one high in phosphorous that promotes flowering – follow the directions on your fertilizer package for application rates.
Pests and Diseases: Zinnias tend to be relatively free from pests and diseases, although you may encounter some issues. Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies can all attack zinnias; to protect them use insecticidal soap or neem oil; if there are signs of powdery mildew or leaf spot treat with fungicide immediately by removing affected leaves before adding powdery mildew fungicide sprays to their roots.
Preventative care is key when it comes to pests and diseases; keep your zinnias healthy by spacing them properly, limiting overhead watering, and providing ample air circulation.
Pruning and Deadheading
For optimal zinnia growth and bloom, pruning and deadheading should not be neglected.
Not only will pruning help preserve the plant’s appearance, but it will also promote healthier plant development.
Deadheading involves the process of removing spent flowers before they have the chance to produce seeds, redirecting their energy towards producing new blooms instead of seeds.
Meanwhile, pruning involves cutting back stems or branches in order to promote branching and encourage new growth.
Deadheading is essential to maintaining continuous blooming on any plant.
Allowing faded blooms to remain on the plant and go to seed will stop its production of new blossoms altogether, but regularly removing faded flowers from it will encourage it to produce blooms throughout its growing season.
To deadhead zinnias, either pinch off spent blooms with your fingers or use pruning shears to cut just below where the flower stem originates – make sure your pruning shears have been sterilized prior to use to avoid spreading any plant diseases.
Pruning, on the other hand, is designed to promote bushy growth.
Pinch off stem tips when your plants reach six inches to promote branching and increase blooms.
Also consider trimming any yellowed or diseased leaves so your plant stays in top health.
Pruning and deadheading are important parts of harvesting zinnia seeds.
You should wait until the flower head has turned brown before harvesting it, cutting along both stem and head before placing in a paper bag to dry for one week before shaking gently to release seeds from it.
Companion Planting
Zinnias make for wonderful companions in any garden, not only due to their vibrant and cheerful flowers but also for all of the benefits they bring neighboring plants.
Zinnias attract beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and ladybugs which help pollinate nearby plants while controlling pests as well as adding beauty and color. Plus they add elegance and charm.
So which plants make good companions for zinnias? Marigolds make an ideal companion, as their soil and light requirements match those of zinnias, while also acting to deter pests like nematodes.
Other suitable companions for growing alongside zinnias include basil, calendula, cosmos and sunflowers – creating both visually stunning gardens while simultaneously benefiting their owners!
Zinnias should be planted near certain plants to avoid inviting cucumber beetles which feed off of zinnia leaves, and produce chemicals which could inhibit their growth.
Cucumbers, melons and squash in particular can attract these beetles which feed upon them as well.
Harvesting Zinnia Seeds
As summer fades and your zinnias begin to wither, harvesting their seeds becomes necessary in order to ensure next year’s planting will go smoothly.
Harvesting zinnia seeds is easy and ensures an abundance of seeds for use when sowing new seasons’ seeds.
Wait until all the blooms on your zinnia plants have completely dried off; this may take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on their species.
Once this occurs, their seeds should be mature enough for harvest by gently rubbing between your fingers; crumbling is an indicator that harvesting readiness has arrived.
Cut the dried flower head from its stem using pruning shears or scissors and store it until all its seeds have fully dried out and fallen from it – this should allow sufficient time for them to dissipate from its surface and disintegrate over time.
Once your seeds have been separated from their flower heads, gently rub your fingers over them to remove any chaff or debris that has accumulated between your fingertips.
Be sure to work on paper or a tray so you can collect any loose seeds as you go along.
To store zinnia seeds properly, place them in an airtight container or envelope that’s been labeled with their type and date of collection.
Place this in a cool, dry area until planting season arrives in spring.
As it’s essential to keep in mind that zinnia seeds have an extremely short shelf life of two years when stored properly, it would be wise to harvest new seeds every couple of years in order to maximize germination rates and achieve optimal germination.
Harvesting zinnia seeds is an effortless way to ensure an endless supply of gorgeous blooms for your garden.
Final Thoughts
Growing zinnias can be a rewarding experience that brings color to any garden.
To successfully cultivate these delightful blooms, follow our guide – from choosing and planting seeds, care instructions and harvesting seeds yourself – right down to harvesting and saving seeds for next year!
Keep an eye on your zinnias to encourage healthy growth and continued blooming, prune regularly to encourage continued flowering as well as companion planting with other flowers and herbs for increased benefits including beneficial insects that improve garden health!
We hope this article has inspired you to give zinnias a try in your own garden – can’t wait until we see pictures of your beautiful blooms!
