Growing Zinnias From Seed For Beginners

 growing zinnias,

Zinnias are a popular summer garden choice for good reasons. Zinnias come in many colors and bloom all summer. They are also easy to grow. You can even grow zinnia flowers from scratch! They are also a favorite of butterflies and bees, making them ideal for pollinator gardens. Continue reading to find out how to grow zinnias seeds.

Types Of Zinnias

Zinnias, an annual flower, thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They are tolerant of drought and thrive in the heat. Zinnias can reach heights of 6 to 4 feet. They can have their flowers striped, speckled or solid in a range of colors, from pastels to bright hues. 

Zinnias come in a variety of flower types. There are many options available, including single bloom, button, beehive, and cactus. These flowers make beautiful cut flowers and can be kept in a vase for up to a week.

They can also bloom from the beginning of summer to frost if they are not deadheaded. We'll get to that later.

How To Plant Zinnia Seeds

Zinnias love direct sowing in the ground, but you can also start seeds indoors to transplant later. Start zinnia seedlings in peat pots, or other biodegradable containers. Plant zinnias or pots in the garden when seedlings reach a height of a few inches.

 

This will prevent any damage to seedlings' tender roots. Planting zinnias directly in the garden is the best way to start them from seeds. The spacing of the zinnias you want to grow will depend on their variety. For specific instructions, refer to the back of your packet.

After the frost danger has passed, you can plant your zinnia seedlings in well-draining soil. 

Give the seeds a light covering of soil and give them some water. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Zinnia seeds should germinate within 5-10 days.

How to Care for Zinnias

Staking is a good idea for some zinnias. Garden supports can be used to prevent tall zinnias from falling over. You can plant them near a mailbox, trellis,s, trellis, or lamppost, or make your own zinnia supports using strong vertical stakes or twine. 

When plants are small, weave twine into a grid and your zinnias can grow through it. Deadheading helps zinnias bloom all summer long. Cut or remove the heads from your zinnias once they have begun to fade. The blooming process can also be extended by cutting flowers for bouquets. 

Another way to prolong zinnia flowering is through succession planting. To ensure that you have fresh flowers through the fall, start planting zinnia seeds in your garden in late spring. You can also let the faded flowers go to seed and then save the seeds for next year.

Zinnia Diseases And Pests

Zinnias can be very easy to maintain, but they can also have problems. Common zinnia pests are grasshoppers and spider mites. Powdery mildew can also occur in Zinnias, but breeders have created new varieties like the Magellan series that are more resistant. 

Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent this problem. Water early in the morning to keep your plants dry. Plants should be spaced apart enough to allow for adequate airflow. This will keep them happy and healthy.