Growing Zinnias
By Brenda Hyde
Zinnias were one of the first flowers I planted from
seed. They are perfect for kids, but I also think they
are wonderful for beginning gardeners. They are
easy to grow with just a few requirements, and they
actually prefer direct seeding. Germination is very
quick-less than a week in hot weather!
Really, the only drawback to zinnias is they don't like
humidity and often will end up with mildew. I always
have a few that develop this, but most of them are
bright and cheerful, blooming until frost.
When picking
a location for zinnias select a bright, sunny spot. (At
least 6 hours of sun.) They need good air circulation
to help keep disease to a minimum. Keep the area
weed free, water at ground level not from above, and
space as instructed for the variety you choose. It helps
to know they used to call Mexico home where it's hot
and dry. This is how they grow best!
They come in
so many wonderful colors and sizes--from the dwarf
sizes to the giant zinnias that can reach 4 foot. There
really is something for everyone. The giants will work
for the back of the border and the dwarfs are great for
window and porch boxes. Zinnias are also a favorite of
butterflies! It's not too late to plant them from seed. I
planted a giant variety this weekend. The nights need
to be around 50 degrees and in the north we just started
warming up! Plant according to instructions-varieties do
differ, and keep the soil moist til germination. When the
plants are small keep them watered well, but after they
are established they will become drought tolerant. If
they are in containers you'll need to water and fertilize
more than if they are in beds.
Zinnias are known as a cut-and-come-again flower.
The more you cut the more they bloom. Use them
as a cut flower throughout the summer and you will
have a nice supply until fall frost. They do continue to
open indoors after cutting so you can cut them partially
and fully opened in the mornings.
Zinnias are perfect for using in a project with the kids.
Allow them to decorate a clay pot and saucer, then
when dry plant 3-4 zinnias seeds in good container
soil. Have them water well and set the pot in a warm
sunny spot on a porch or deck. Because they are
fast growing it will be easier to keep the kid's attention
as they care for the zinnias and watch them grow.
When they have a second set of leaves thin so only 2
or 3 plants are left in the pot, depending on how small
the pot it. Be sure to use one of the dwarf varieties
and if you have several kids or grandkids give them
each a pot and group them together for a neat display!
You'll find zinnia seeds at Thompson and Morgan. They have a great selection
of giants, dwarf mixes, and other varieties. You can sow
early in peat pots, or direct seed.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is an avid gardener, freelance writer and
editor living in the Midwest with her husband and three
children.
Flower Seed Resources:
Thompson & Morgan Seeds
Nature Hills Nursery
Park Seed
