Zinnia

Zinnias are one of the easiest annuals to grow, grow quickly, and bloom heavily. They make a massive burst of color in your garden. Zinnias have bright, solitary, daisy-like flowerheads on a single, erect stem. The most common zinnia is "dahlia-flowered" and grows up to three feet. Other types are "cactus-flowered." Use in an annual or mixed border. Smaller zinnias are suitable for edging, window boxes or other containers. The narrow-leaf zinnia also works well in hanging baskets. Zinnias are very popular for cut flowers.

Planting

• Zinnias are grown from seed; they grow very quickly in the right conditions. Zinnias do not like to be transplanted.
• Full sun is essential wiht a minimum daylight temperature of 60 degrees F.
• Zinnias are adaptable but prefer fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil at pH preference 5.5 - 7.5.
• If soil is amended with compost, the flowers will grow more quickly.
• Sow seeds 1/4-inch deep.
• Space plants 4 to 24 inches apart depending on variety.  (Many common varieties are 6 inches within the row and 2 feet in between rows.) See back of seed package.
• Germination occurs at 74 to 80 degrees F in 5 to 76 days.
• Sow in succession for a longer flowering display.

Care

• Deadhead to prolong flowering.
• Maintain moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly.
• Zinnias will die with the first frost.

Pests

• Bacterial and fungal spots, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt. Minimize wetting of foliage to avoid disease.
• Caterpillars, mealybugs, and spider mites also cause problems. Avoid spraying and tolerate some leaf damage unless the situation is uncontrolled.

Harvest/Storage

Zinnias generally take 60 to 70 days from seed to flower (though it depends on conditions).

Recommended Varieties

• Get a full-size flower on a compact plant with cultivars of the 'Dreamland Series.' Dwarf and compact, these zinnias have fully double flowerheads, to 4 inches across in a wide color range; stems are 8–12 inches tall.
• The 'Thumbelinia Series' cultivars and dwarf and spreading, with single or semi-double, weather-resistant flowerheads in many colors. Their petals are 1-1/4 inch across and stems grow up to 6 inches long.
• The 'State Fair Series' are the biggest and tallest of them all with large, double flowerheads that are 3 inches across. Stems grow to 30 inches tall.