Flowers come in vivid colours from red, orange and deep pink to green, with a lovely long flowering season from summer to the first frosts. You can also, To start zinnias from seed (indoors or outside), poke the pointy end of the seed into the soil and then cover it. This annual can grow from 6 to 12 inches long and can bloom during Summer and Fall. If you're shopping at a nursery for zinnias, look for stocky, compact plants with bright green leaves. Start zinnia seeds indoors or in the garden. What is your soil like? If you wish to start growing zinnia plants from seeds indoors, plant the seeds in peat pots, poo pots (pots made from cow dung) or other biodegradable containers that can be planted directly into the garden later. Teach your friends how to grow zinnias too. Provide a way to raise the lights as the plants grow, keeping them about 3 to 4 inches above the tops of the plants. The secret to getting the longest stems from your zinnias is … 6. Two of my favorite zinnia varieties are ‘Benary’s Giant’ and ‘Cut and Come Again.’ Their names tell their story. Zinnias are the workhorse of the farmer’s market, too. How to grow zinnias. Fertilize zinnias every three to four weeks with 1 tablespoon of balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. At the end of the season, leave the blooms on the largest, prettiest flowers. Then I transplant them into the garden when they are a few inches tall. Color: Shades of lime, yellow, peach, salmon and orange. ), only a few are typically grown in the home garden. How to Start Zinnia Seeds As a full sunflower that likes warm weather, zinnias need the air and soil to be warmed to the 70s F to germinate and begin to thrive. That is frustrating. Along with being beautiful and easy to grow, zinnias are also heat- and drought-tolerant. The best zinnias I’ve ever seen were lining a path to a primary school in Sri Lanka. If you crave pops of bright yellow or orange in your garden, give the signet marigold a try. They’re easy to grow, bloom for months and they’re butterfly magnets. Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions. Zinnias make excellent cut flowers, and come in varied sizes, colors, and textures. Plant seedlings outdoors only after the last expected frost. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. If you use method 1 zinnias will bloom 6-8 weeks after the seeds are planted. Cut the flower at the end of the stem when harvesting. The plants emerge quickly and will flower no later than 60 days after the seeds hit soil. Of the over 20 species of zinnia (Zinnia spp. Zinnias are colorful additions to any flower garden, they’re great for cutting, they are easy to grow and start from seed, so they make a great choice for container gardening. Day time temperature of 74 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit are favorable. The Zinnia Seed Mix contains four colorful varieties of this long-blooming annual, for a dynamic blend in the garden, meadow or vase. Zinnias are grown in the summertime and bloom all summer long. Be sure not to get water on the leaves. Bloom Time: Summer to frost. Growing zinnia plants can be inexpensive, particularly when growing them from seed. I’ve had the most success starting zinnias indoors in seed trays just a few, . Plant after the last frost date and be sure to give them space; crowding encourages disease. To encourage quick growth and best performance, amend soil … Bloom Time From Seed. Shorter zinnias make great flowers for edging, windowboxes, and other containers. We succession sow zinnias every 2 to 3 weeks in order to have a steady stream of these beautiful blooms all summer long. Zinnias come in a rainbow of colors. But, they do best when daytime temperatures are around 74 to 84 degrees. In serious cases, powdery mildew can thwart flowering or even kill the zinnia. This tip for how to grow zinnias will make the biggest difference in the number of blooms. Your best bet is to grow zinnias from seeds sown directly in the garden beds. Start s… Zinnias have style, in addition to long, strong stems, so they are naturally destined for the vase. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. Common zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is an annual plant that grows 8 inches to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety. Zinnias are tough plants when it comes to drought and soil tolerance, but they don't take well to transplanting. How to grow Zinnias – 5 Tips for Growing Zinnias, How to Kill Bermuda Grass Without Chemicals Before Planting a Garden, What to Cover in a Freeze: Frost Protection in the Garden, Arizona Fruit Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Fruit, How to Grow Lettuce: 6 Tips for Growing Lettuce, How to Grow Chamomile: 5 Tips for Growing Chamomile. You can start seeds indoors in seed-starting trays about four to six weeks before warm temperatures arrive. Zinnias in pots can look just as lovely, if not more so, than those planted in beds. With that being said, the amount of time that someone can spend keeping the blooms of a zinnia alive is going to be somewhere between 60 days and about five months. This early pruning encourages multiple stems rather than one. Although Zinnias are adaptable, they grow best in soil that is slightly acidic in nature with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Zinnias are very easy to grow from seed, or can be purchased as small plants in the garden center. I planted Zinnia from seed at the end of May, and so far I have 6″ skinny stems with only a few leaves. Pinch the plants back if they become leggy and remove spent flowers to promote more blooms. What Is the Length of Time From Planting to Full Flowers for Zinnias? Flower farmers will attest that zinnias with their brilliant colors, easy care and long vase life are one of the most profitable flowers to grow. There are several possibilities I can think of right away: one is that they are still too young to bloom, another is that they are not receiving enough sunlight, and the third is that they have been provided with too much nitrogen. The colors range from pale to vibrant, in an assortment of just about every color except blue. Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. How Much Water Should You Use to Water Zinnias? You can also plant seeds directly in the garden when the soil has warmed to around 75℉. Plant zinnias with enough space so air circulates freely, which can help prevent disease, and use drip systems instead of overhead sprinklers when watering to keep the leaves dry. Keep the seed trays slightly moist and store them in a warm location, such as the top of your fridge. How long does it take for a Zinnia seed to sprout? Zinnias are summer flowers. Zinnias need full sun and well-drained soil. How do you know when they are ready? Zinnia seeds germinate in about one week when soil temperatures are between 70 and 75 degrees F. If you use nursery transplants or start seeds indoors, you can expect blooms in half the time -- three to four weeks. Seeds from hybrid plants typically do not come true to the parent plant, so if you love a specific attribute of the zinnia, such as its double flowers or special colorings, you might be disappointed by the offspring of hybrid zinnias. If you have purchased zinnias from a local nursery and … Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, and mulch it with 2 inches of wood-chip mulch. Where Can Zinnias Grow? I’m watering daily at sunrise and I have them mulched with a shade cloth, but is the AZ sun still too hot for them? If you use nursery transplants or start seeds indoors, you can expect blooms in … When the young zinnia plant is 6-8 inches tall, cut the central stem just above 2-3 side shoots. Also cut them back when they are a few inches tall to encourage branching stems. Cold temperature causes them to die out. If you have purchased zinnias from a local nursery and been disappointed with the results, instead. Your email address will not be published. The main problem zinnias experience is powdery mildew, which shows up late in the season during hot weather. Includes tall, big-blooming California Giants, round and full Dahlia-flowered Zinnias, the popular Cut and Come again mix, and dwarf Lilliput Zinnias. Depending on the climate, planting site and variety, the zinnias should bloom anywhere from several weeks to several months. Zinnias are an excellent cut flower and last up to 10 days in a vase. A zinnia is a very beautiful flower that can be provoked into flourishing by deadheading. Then I transplant them into the garden when they are a few inches tall. Thin to one seedling per cell when they have two sets of leaves. Space plants 6” to 18” apart depending on the variety to maximize air circulation and reduce powdery mildew. Alternatively, you can grow zinnias in a heated greenhouse. Zinnia blooms don’t continue to open once cut; harvest flowers when all the petals are open. Hi! They can be planted in the spring throughout Florida and also in the fall in South Florida. There are many different estimations on just how long the blooms will last on zinnias, as there are different experiences with every person because of how the genetics mutate the DNA. Do they need to be wintered over outside in cool weather, or are they ready to grow immediately? Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Hello Angela, I really enjoyed reading your article about growing zinnias, I found it very helpful. They don't tolerate frost, though, so wait until nighttime temperatures are at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to plant them outdoors. Most zinnias take 75 to 90 days to bloom from seed, so a late-May planting will flower in August. Place the pots under fluorescent grow lights as soon as seeds germinate, in about 10 days. Do Zinnias come back every year? Taller zinnias make great backdrops for flower gardens. Let the flower head dry completely on the plant. The seeds are the large plump center of the flower head. Read this blog post to learn more about how to save seeds. Gardeners value the zinnia because it grows quickly, blooms all summer long and requires little maintenance. In the Americas their ability to attract hummingbirds is also seen as useful as a defense against whiteflies, and therefore zinnias are a desirable companion plant, benefiting plants that are inter-cropped with it. The petals will dry and fall away. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a02b16fc4ccc8c668f599b6d133925c4" );document.getElementById("ib8960eec1").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Organic master gardener in Arizona sharing garden inspiration & helpful tips for growing your own garden. Thank you, Richard. I’ve had the most success starting zinnias indoors in seed trays just a few weeks before the last frost date. Plant zinnias in full sun, in well-draining rich soil. At the end of the season, leave the blooms on the largest, prettiest flowers. Required fields are marked *. But if you use method 2 they will bloom 4-6 weeks AFTER they are transplanted outside depending on the weather and their growing conditions. Your email address will not be published. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators are drawn to these vibrant flowers. Harvest the seeds to plant in your garden next season and to share with friends. Mine are in full sun with about 15 inches of good soil. I'm going to let some of my zinnia flowers stay on the plant til they produce seeds, but I dont know how long that will take or how to remove them once they are ready. Hi. ", Temperature Tolerances for Gerbera Daisies. Planting the zinnia and making sure that it gets enough sun, food, and water are all important to keeping the flower blooming, but deadheading is what will keep the zinnia blooming all season. Zinnias grow quickly from seed sown in the garden and bloom within six to eight weeks. Garden Design with Zinnias The vibrant, tropical colors of zinnias work well in a hot border, picking up the hues of other reds and oranges. Let the flower head dry completely on the plant. . A white powder covers the stems and leaves of the plant. Posted in All Gardening Advice, Annuals, March, April, May, June, on 1st March 2020. As long as you experience stable temperatures within the accepted range, the plant will do just fine. To start zinnias from seed (indoors or outside), poke the pointy end of the seed into the soil and then cover it lightly with soil. They don't... Transplants. Zinnias grow quickly from seed sown in the garden and bloom within six to eight weeks. One plant can grow up to 12-18 inches wide, with multiple flowers on long stems. This tip for how to grow zinnias will make the biggest difference in the number of blooms. When the young zinnia plant is 6-8 inches tall, cut the central stem just above 2-3 side shoots. Plant zinnias in well-drained soil. If you're interested in gardening as a hobby, zinnias are a fun addition to any garden. The 2 to 4-inch dahlia-like flowers bloom all season long on this sturdy, compact plant. Choose a location where your plants can receive direct sunlight. and last up to 10 days in a vase. Wonderful language gets used when describing zinnia flowers: stars and daisies, dahlias and spiders, buttons and domes, and quill-leaf cactus. where they add beauty and attract pollinators. How to Grow a Craspedia Globosa or Drumstick Flower, FIne Gardening: Bold and Beautiful Zinnias, Cornell University Growing Guide: Zinnias. Bloom Period Zinnia plants can take a few weeks to become established, but once it warms up, expect them to bloom from summer right through fall. If you have purchased zinnias from a local nursery and been disappointed with the results, try planting them from seed instead. Zinnias grow in warm weather. Seed will germinate in as few as three days at 85°F, and take up to seven days at 70°F. This article will show you how to properly do it. "They are great for hot summer weather and gardeners in warmer climates," explains Dr. Gladys Mbofung-Curtis, a garden expert at Garden Safe. I use these trays from Amazon. Zinnia blooms don’t continue to open once cut; harvest flowers when all the petals are open. See my disclosure policy for more information. Zinnia plants are known to germinate within roughly 7 to 10 days after sowing. Zinnias thrive in hardiness zones 3 … Seeds are ready when the flower head is dry and brittle. Learn how to grow low-maintenance zinnias and add a long-lasting pop of color to your garden during even the hottest months of the year. Zinnias generally take 60 to 70 days from seed to flower (though it depends on conditions and variety). You can grow zinnias in your own backyard after the last frost date. Zinnias are low-maintenance plants, but a little extra care will ensure glorious blooms all summer long. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes. Zinnias are colorful flowers that bloom in the summer months. The bottom leaves keep turning brown and falling off. Cut the flower at the end of the stem when harvesting. Height/Spread: 18 to 24 inches tall, 6 to 12 inches wide. Zinnias Seeds of zinnia flowers should usually be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed. Zinnia elegans ‘Queeny Lime Orange’ Zones: Annual. I'm growing tall zinnias of 7 different colors. Zinnias are mostly annual plants, popular because of the colourful, daisy-like flowers.Native to Mexico, there are 18 species and hundreds of cultivated forms, which are grown as annual bedding plants. Before you begin, it's important to know whether your zinnias are open-pollinated plants or hybrids. depending on the variety to maximize air circulation and reduce powdery mildew. They work great in a flower bouquet! Learn more here. Zinnias grown in the shade are often leggy and susceptible to mildew. In this video we will compare Zinnias that have been pinched to zinnias that were allowed to grow normally. Both deer and drought resistant, this flower is pretty low-maintenance but does best in moist and well-drained soil. They’ve been flowering for a few weeks in … Spray infected plants every day with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda dissolved in 1 gallon of water, advises "Fine Gardening" magazine. Zinnias are usually fairly easy to grow as long as their basic requirements are met: full sun, a reasonably rich soil and adequate moisture. Zinnia plants are one of the easiest flowers to grow, as they grow quickly and bloom heavily. Zinnias are quite hardy despite the delicate flowers they produce. Zinnias do best in full sun, so gather your collection of zinnia seeds, choose your space(s), and get ready to start your spring zinnias. Can Pansies & Marigolds Be Planted Together? Exposure: Full sun.