How to Grow and Care for Zinnia Plants
Zinnia elegans
![This is an annual plant or it is commonly grown as an annual This is an annual plant or it is commonly grown as an annual](/graphic2/icon_annual.gif) ![This plant grows best with full sun for most of the day This plant grows best with full sun for most of the day](/graphic2/sun.gif) ![Once established this plant requires little or no supplemental watering Once established this plant requires little or no supplemental watering](/graphic2/lowwater.gif) ![This plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic watering This plant will tolerate some drought, but benefits from periodic watering](/graphic2/medwater.gif) ![Hummingbirds use this plant for food or shelter Hummingbird Plant](/graphic2/hummflower.gif) ![Butterflies use this plant for food or shelter Butterfly Flower](/graphic2/bflyflower.gif) ![This plant is less likely to attract or be eaten by deer No Deer](/graphic2/nodeer.gif) ![This plant produces white flowers White flowering plant](/graphic2/icon_white.gif) ![Plants, shrubs and trees that have red flowers Red flowering plant](/graphic2/icon_red.gif) ![This plant produces pink flowers Pink flowering plant](/graphic2/icon_pink.gif) ![This plant produces yellow flowers Yellow flowering plant](/graphic2/icon_yellow.gif) ![This plant produces purple flowers Purple flowering plant](/graphic2/icon_purple.gif) ![Plants, shrubs and trees that have orange flowers orange flowering plant](/graphic2/icon_orange.gif) ![This plant produces green flowers Green flowering plant](/graphic2/icon_green.gif) ![A photograph is available A photograph is available](/graphic2/camera.png) ![How to Use the Plant Care Icons at The Garden Helper How to Use the Plant Care Icons at The Garden Helper](psd/help.gif)
Zinnias are very easy to grow annual plants.
They produce an abundance of bright and often multi colored, 1-7", single
or double flowers from early summer until the first frost.
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There are hundreds of different Zinnia hybrids on the market,
and more are being added each year.
These wide ranging hybrids include dwarf Zinnias that grow to no more than 12" tall
and produce 1-4" flowers in a rainbow of colors,
to immense 3 foot plants that are covered with massive 8", blood red blooms!
The dwarf varieties of Zinnias are well suited for growing in containers.
The taller varieties make excellent cut flower arrangements.
Growing Requirements for Zinnias
Zinnias should be planted 12-24" apart in rich, well drained garden soil.
They require full sun to bloom,
but will appreciate a little afternoon shade in the hottest regions.
Zinnias dislike having wet foliage, so if possible, they should be watered with a soaker hose.
Once established, your Zinnia will only need watering during extended periods of drought.
They should be planted where they have good air circulation to help prevent powdery mildew.
Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, all purpose fertilizer.
Deadhead regularly to keep plants flowering until fall. |
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Growing Zinnia Plants from Seed
Double flowering Zinnias will often revert back to a single flowering plant if they are transplanted when young,
so these varieties should only be planted directly in the garden.
You can sow Zinnia seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
Sow your seeds about 12" apart and cover them with ¼" of fine soil. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.
Seeds can be sown indoors four weeks prior to planting outdoors.
Maintain a temperature of 70°-75° within the growing medium.
Germination will only take from 5-7 days.
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Pinch Zinnia plants to encourage branching, unless you are growing them exclusively for cut flowers and want long stems.
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