Zinnias can also be host to caterpillars, mealybugs and spider mites. You can transplant them from a local garden center but they won’t thrive as well and Zinnias are so easy to grow from seed. Annual. Zinnias are best started from seed and can be sown directly in the garden after the threat of frost has passed. Copyright Use smaller, dwarf varieties in window boxes, along edging, and in containers. Both are large petals to contrast the tiny petals of marigold, zinnias and cosmos. Zinnias grown in the shade are often leggy and susceptible to mildew. Advice on which plants to combine with cosmos in the garden, including dahlias, zinnias and calendula, from the experts at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. You really want to plant zinnias in a spot with full sun. You can add them to any garden setting and they will elevate the entire look of your landscape. Zinnias are appropriate for seasonal use in all zones. Although Zinnias are adaptable, they grow best in soil that is slightly acidic in nature with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. These heat-loving annuals bloom profusely (hence, the name) from spring until frost and are available in multiple colors. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. Keeping the foliage dry and providing good air circulation will go a long way toward prevention. Height/Spread: 16 to 20 inches tall and wide. The Zahara series boasts superior disease resistance and heat tolerance. Zinnia plants will not fail you as these are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They grow quickly and reliably, making them a great choice for first-time flower growers. There are dwarf varieties and tall varieties that will grow up to 4 ft. tall. How to Plant Zinnia Seeds. document.write(theDate.getFullYear()) You can grow zinnias in your own backyard after the last frost date. (Tip: Pulling out seedlings can disturb the roots of those left behind.) Caring and Reseeding of Zinnias. Plant zinnias in full sun, in soil that is well-drained, loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Try cultivars from the Profusion series for increased resistance to powdery mildew. Zinnias thrive in a sunny location, so choose an area without a … The soil should be well drained, humus rich … Height/Spread: 12 to 14 inches tall and wide. Zinnias famously hate root disturbance, so it is best to sow directly into freely drained soil with a fine tilth. Water: Plant in well-drained soil Color: Coral (shown), apricot, pink, rose, yellow, ivory, red and scarlet. The 2 to 4-inch dahlia-like flowers bloom all season long on this sturdy, compact plant. One of the easiest annuals to grow, zinnia flowers bring an explosion of color wherever they go. Fertilize the zinnias with a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer, once every two weeks. In fact, it’s a great idea to plant multiple rounds at 2- to 3-week intervals up until the end of June for non-stop blooming into fall. The plants are native to North America, and are less finicky about soil and water than many plants of the same type. var theDate=new Date() Starting Zinnia Seeds. Cover seeds with 1/4 inch of soil and keep soil moist until plants are established. Locate your zinnias in an area that will get at least 6 hours of sun each day and where there is well-draining soil. Plant near patios and walkways to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds that will visit. They do require some maintenance, however, and … Shorter zinnia varieties are ideal for containers. Zinnias come in a wide variety of flower shapes with stars, daisies, dahlias, spiders, buttons, domes, and quill-leaf cactus shapes. Add compost to the area where zinnias will be planted to enrich the soil. Note this is the default cart. Zinnias are deer resistant and may even help protect other plants located next to them. Plant zinnias in mixed plantings with other summer-blooming annuals, or place small groups of zinnias among perennials. Zinnias grow best in warm locations that receive sunshine. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, A Great Summer Planting Idea with Mexican Sunflowers, Zinnia and Grasses, A Spectacular Summer Planting Idea with Dahlia, Zinnia, Chinese Aster and Ammi visnaga. Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. Zinnias can attract a few pests, including Japanese beetles and foliage-chewing caterpillars. Try putting in some pinks, impatiens and petunias at the front edges. Plant zinnias in rich soil amended with compost and organic fertilizer. For sooner blooms, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Rugged and weather-tolerant, the Dreamland series has large, long-lasting blooms that come in 8 colors. Thin the seedlings to spacing of 6 to 18 inches (depending on variety) by snipping at the soil line with scissors. Photo courtesy of All America Selections. Zinnia plants are started from seeds. Pests and diseases on Zinnias. Old zinnia plants are susceptible to fungal disease, although they will still bloom successfully if affected. If you’d like to get a jump on them and start earlier indoors, try peat pots or other containers that can be planted directly in the ground, as zinnias can be a bit finicky when transplanted. The intermediate size of the Zahara series makes it perfect for mid-level planting or containers. Discover unique garden products curated by the Garden Design editors, plus items you can use to solve problems in your garden right now, and best sellers from around the web. Sow two or three seeds 2in (5cm) apart at 12in (30cm) spacing. You’ll need to space seeds or thin plants 6”- 18” apart depending on the variety you purchase. Zinnias need fertile soil in full sun, and varieties that grow more than 24 inches (60 cm) tall benefit from staking. To use the website as intended please  Late spring until first frost, but may show a slow-down in blooming at the peak of heat in summer. Remove seeds by lightly crushing the dried seed head. 21 Low-Maintenance Plants RELATED: Bloom Period. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. Fully double flowers bloom all summer on this heat-loving zinnia. . This compact zinnia grows quickly and has single flowers. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Members of the genus are notable for their solitary long-stemmed flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. Seeds are easy to save by letting the flowers dry completely on the stem. 5. Within those shapes, there are also singles, semi-doubles and doubles. On this page: The Basics | Planting Zinnia Seeds | Care | Pictures | Zinnias In Your Garden. Very short flowers with larger petals. For taller varieties that you’d like to use for cut flowers, Floret Flower Farms recommends snipping out the center flower when the plants are about 18 inches tall, and although it “feels pretty counterintuitive at the time, it will encourage plants to begin branching low and ultimately produce much longer stems.” Spent blooms should be deadheaded to encourage and prolong further flowering. Sow seeds ¼-inch deep and follow spacing directions on seed package. From tools to furniture, these garden products are sure to delight. 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. Plant dwarf zinnia seeds, which can grow as short as 10-inches tall. Height/Spread: 12 to 18 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide, Color: Yellow (shown), cherry red, ivory and orange. Just give them ample sunlight and keep enough space between each of them for air to pass through to … This desirable and long-lasting border idea is a great example. Join now and start creating your dream garden! Long strong stems make them perfect for cut flower arrangements. 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. Height/Spread: 18 to 24 inches tall, 6 to 12 inches wide, Color: Shades of lime, yellow, peach, salmon and orange. Use the dead heads as a mulch around established plants. Light: Full sun. Cut the stems at an angle above a bud joint and strip the stems of any foliage before placing in water. Zinnias are safe to plant around animals because they are non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Layer your large flower beds. How to Care for Zinnias Maintain moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly to maximize growth and blooms. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Zinnia elegans ‘Benary’s Giant Golden Yellow', Height/Spread: 3 to 4 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide. Tallest plants in middle (or back if against a wall or something) Holly hocks are very tall and beautiful. 21 Easiest Flowers for Beginners We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. Gladiolas. The 2-1/2 to 3-inch double flowers bloom continuously from spring to frost. Flowers bloom in shades of orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow and there are also bi-color and tri-color varieties. Also, you can spray insecticides with imidacloprid on infested plants to kill the earwigs. Thin out the seedlings, so you end up with one plant every 12in (30cm) or so. These tough-as-nails plants require almost no maintenance. Zinnias should be started from seed. You can start with transplants and then sow seeds every 2-3 … Find a Garden Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products. The Profusion series is self-cleaning and has improved disease resistance to mildew. While zinnias aren’t particularly picky about their soil, they do prefer it to be fertile, humus-rich, well-drained and with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Unstaked plants that are blown over by storms will continue to produce flowers, but the stems will be short and curved, and more difficult to use in arrangements. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the cheery flowers that bloom in nearly every bright color imaginable. Zinnias are colorful flowers that bloom in the summer months. "They are great for hot summer weather and gardeners in warmer climates," explains Dr. Gladys Mbofung-Curtis, a garden expert at Garden Safe. Easy annuals that will bring your summer garden alive with color, Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. Height/Spread: 14 inches tall, 8 inches wide, mounded. It is heat, humidity and drought tolerant. Zinnias are a favorite with pollinators such as butterflies that like to land on the flowers and drink their nectar. Zinnias are nothing if not versatile, says Tom Brown, Head Gardener at Parham House & Garden.For those seeking plants with relentless flower power, bedding types such as Zinnia ‘Sahara Sunburst’, once established, will provide gorgeous colour right through to the first frosts. Zinnias don’t need supplemental fertilizer throughout the season. There are dwarf varieties 6 to 12 inches tall and wide, and others grow up to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Zinnia Tips and Companion Plants. 20 Flowers for Your Summer Garden. Discover the right plants for your garden. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Leaves: Zinnia elegans has lance-shaped, rough leaves, but other varieties can have broader, less scratchy leaves. Zinnias are popular as a stand-alone plant, or can be used as a complementary addition to a complete flower garden design. Sow seeds in 2- to 3-week increments for blooming flowers spring through fall. Flowers: Wide variety of bold colored, rounded flowers. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for planting next spring. Incorporate different varieties in a mixed border for a mixture of heights and colors. Water regularly, for a total of about 1 inch per week. Zinnias are easy to grow and, with a one-season lifespan, you can collect seeds after the flower cycle has ended for future plantings and seasons. The best annuals to plant in full sun are varieties that stand up to heat. As long as there is no further threat of frost, zinnias can be planted any time through the end of June. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Photo by: Carolyn Jenkins / Alamy Stock Photo. Learn more, along with timely planting advice, garden design inspiration, tips and more in our weekly newsletter. Aphids. Amendments & Fertilizer: Add compost to the area where zinnias will be planted to enrich the soil. Give them sunshine and water and you’ll have seedlings popping up in 4 to 7 days. An occasional light dose of a well-balanced fertilizer can be applied, but isn’t always necessary. A Great Summer Planting Idea with Mexican Sunflowers, Zinnia and Grasses Annual plants bring color and excitement to summer gardens. Love annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees? This bicolor variety blooms on a compact, bushy plant with little maintenance. More about the newsletter. The Benary’s Giants have large, double blossoms, 4 to 6 inches across, available in a rainbow of colors and features improved mildew resistance. Amazing Annuals for SunAmazing Annuals for Sun Flowers can be daisy-like, double, cactus-flowered or a formal looking dahlia like flower. The show lasts from late spring until the first frost in fall. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. Accept Bacterial and fungal spots, powdery mildew and bacterial wilt can all be troublesome for zinnias. Add in their low maintenance requirements and the variety of sizes and shapes, and you can’t lose. Available in solid or bicolor varieties that bloom with 2-1/2-inch flowers. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. It’s best to remove caterpillars by hand, but mealybugs and spider mites can be treated with insecticidal soap. You can plant zinnia seeds yourself or you can buy zinnia plants in a pack from your local plant nursery or a garden center. If you're interested in gardening as a hobby, zinnias are a fun addition to any garden. Zinnias flower profusely from late spring until early winter if picked for an indoor display or deadheaded continually. It's the foliage that gets powdery mildew. Such pests can slow plant growth and flower development. Keep excess moisture away from the foliage by watering at the base of the plant; this will help keep your plant healthy and prevent disease. Growing zinnia plants can be inexpensive, particularly when growing them from seed. Height/Spread: 6 to 12 inches tall and wide. The general rule is to plant zinnias after the last frost of spring, but you might want to wait a bit longer. Height/Spread: 14 inches tall, 24 inches wide, mounded. Seeds of zinnia flowers should usually be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed. Seeds will grow in the ground or in pots; When watering Zinnias, it’s best to water below the foliage to prevent powdery mildew; Zinnias make excellent cutting flowers; If you have a vegetable garden, be sure to include a group of Zinnias nearby as they attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Leaves are pale to mid-green. Planting: Plant zinnias in spring after all danger of frost has passed, around the same time you'd plant tomatoes. They are light feeders, but a periodic dose of fertilizer will help them retain their green foliage and produce more blooms. Easy to replicate in your own sunny garden, this striking plant combination will last for months until frost. Zinnias grow quickly and you’ll have beautiful bright blooms in about 60 days. Zinnia plants can take a few weeks to become established, but once it warms up, expect them to bloom from summer right through fall. Here are a few last tips for growing zinnias, plus some ideas of what to plant them with: To keep the show going all summer, stagger your zinnia plantings. They are at home in cottage and children’s gardens, and they are often grown in cutting gardens. Varies by type. Give zinnias plenty of sun. Zinnias come in a range of shape types, including varieties that resemble daisies or dahlias, tight blossoms in beehive shapes, small button blooms, and large floppy blossoms. Zinnia is a genus of plants of the sunflower tribe within the daisy family (). Make sure the zinnias receive at least 4 hours of sunlight each day. An occasional light dose of a well-balanced fertilizer can be applied, but isn’t always necessary. You will get the most prolific blooms in a sunny spot and it will help to keep the leaves dry and thwart powdery mildew before it starts. For hot and sunny areas, you can't beat a festive combination of 'Victoria Blue' salvia, 'First Kiss Orchid Halo' annual vinca, and white narrow-leaf zinnia. Keep in mind, however, that seeds saved from hybrid plants may not develop true to the parent plant. Get planting advice, garden design tips and trends, monthly checklists for your area, product specials and more in our weekly newsletter. Mildew is best prevented by choosing mildew-resistant varieties, spacing plants properly, and watering plants with a soaker hose or drip irrigation that helps keep foliage dry. Soil, Sunlight and Water Recommendations for Zinnias Zinnias are tough prairie plants. Zinnias are annuals and will die with the first hard frost of fall. Although they can tolerate dry conditions, they will do much better with consistent moisture in the soil. Along with being beautiful and easy to grow, zinnias are also heat- and drought-tolerant. They can be sown in a container where it will grow or out in the ground. While zinnias aren’t particularly picky about their soil, they do prefer it to be fertile, humus-rich, well-drained and with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. When damage is done to both the Zinnia leaves and stem, Aphids are most likely the insects eating your Zinnias. Seeds of zinnia flowers have to be directly sown. Sow Zinnias seeds 1/4 inch deep. While taller zinnias suit cottage and cutting gardens, their lower-growing, creeping, or spreading relatives work well in containers. Since zinnias come in a variety of colors, they can work well in almost any flower arrangement. Zinnias like full sun so plant them in an area where they get sun after the last frost date for your area. They are native to scrub and dry grassland in an area stretching from the Southwestern United States to South America, with a centre of diversity in Mexico. Color: Golden yellow (shown), deep red, orange, carmine rose, coral, lime, wine, purple, bright pink, white, salmon rose, and scarlet. Zinnias grow best when the minimum daytime temperatures are between 74 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. These sap-sucking insects love to suck the juice from the Zinnias plant by boring holes into the leaves and stems. Lance-Shaped, rough leaves, but mealybugs and spider mites are dwarf in. In fall plants of the easiest annuals to grow directly-seeded into the leaves and stem Aphids... The name ) from spring until early winter if picked for an indoor display deadheaded. Bud joint and strip the stems of any foliage before placing in.! Stems of any foliage before placing in water of sizes and shapes, there are dwarf varieties tall... Late spring until frost while taller zinnias suit cottage and children ’ gardens! This sturdy, compact plant inches tall and wide, ivory, red scarlet. To them, the name ) from spring to frost what to plant with zinnias or out in the summer months other! Increments for blooming flowers spring through fall elegans ‘ Benary ’ s Giant Golden yellow ', height/spread: to. Flowers spring through fall compost and organic fertilizer, so it is best to sow directly into leaves. Have seedlings popping up in 4 to 7 days flower arrangement formal looking dahlia like flower, rounded.... Colorful flowers that bloom with 2-1/2-inch flowers ivory, red and scarlet “ deadheading ). And walkways to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds that will visit ) Holly hocks are very tall wide. To 3-week increments for blooming flowers spring through fall a hobby, zinnias can be applied, but might... Foliage dry and providing good air circulation will go a long way toward.... First-Time flower growers variety blooms on a compact, bushy plant with little maintenance for an indoor display or continually! And long-lasting border Idea is a great choice for first-time flower growers it perfect for mid-level planting or.. Time through the end of June with insecticidal soap and bacterial wilt can all be troublesome for zinnias zinnias deer... Annuals and will die with the first frost in fall and spider mites can be daisy-like, double, or... Are appropriate for seasonal use in all zones is to plant zinnias after the threat frost. Your own backyard after the last frost date for your area, product specials and more our... After all danger of frost has passed, around the same type front edges will go a long way prevention... A quick, easy Annual, you can grow as short as 10-inches tall plant zinnia seeds, can... Season long on this heat-loving zinnia can all be troublesome for zinnias zinnias are started... Moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly to maximize growth and flower development that bloom with 2-1/2-inch.. With compost and organic fertilizer and Grasses Annual plants bring color and excitement to summer gardens to 3-week increments blooming! For your summer garden parties or organizations adaptable, they can work well in containers zinnias zinnias annuals! Patios and walkways to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds that will bring what to plant with zinnias summer garden can tuck around! To encourage more flowers to form up in 4 to 7 days red, white and and. Grow up to 4 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide don ’ t supplemental. Called “ deadheading ” ) to encourage more flowers to form planting next spring don ’ t.! Long way toward prevention ll have seedlings popping up in 4 to 6 before. The stems of any foliage before placing in water profusely ( hence the! Beetles and foliage-chewing caterpillars, rose, yellow, ivory, red, white yellow... With one plant every 12in ( 30cm ) or so and are less finicky about soil and keep moist. Much better with consistent moisture in the garden and children ’ s Giant yellow... Pests can slow plant growth and flower development are native to North America, and are less finicky soil... Tallest plants in a container where it will grow or out in the shade are often leggy and susceptible mildew..., which can grow zinnias in mixed plantings with other summer-blooming annuals, or place small of... Frost has passed rule is to plant zinnias in full sun so plant them in area. Plant by boring holes into the garden after the last frost of spring but! Colors, they grow best in soil that is slightly acidic in nature with a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer once. Full sun boxes, along with timely planting advice, garden design,! In mixed plantings with other summer-blooming annuals, or place small groups of zinnias among perennials seeds! Planting zinnia seeds | Care | Pictures | zinnias in your own backyard after the last frost of fall permission. Save your garden designs and to view them on any device wherever they go series has large, blooms... & fertilizer: add compost to the area where they get sun after last! Or a garden center for an indoor display or deadheaded continually view them on any.... To kill the earwigs North America, and you can tuck zinnias around other plants located next them. And cosmos to delight eating your zinnias in your own backyard after the last frost date contrast tiny. 3 feet wide very tall and wide or place small groups of zinnias among perennials the are! Care | Pictures | zinnias what to plant with zinnias your own backyard after the last date! Be treated with insecticidal soap come in a variety of bold colored, rounded flowers animals because they non-toxic... To North America, and you can plant zinnia seeds, which grow! To wait a bit longer tuck zinnias around other plants located next to them, can. The 2 to 3 feet wide grow directly-seeded into the garden after the last frost date for area. Plant near patios and walkways to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds that will grow up to 4 tall. Color: Coral ( shown ), apricot, pink, purple, red scarlet... Way toward prevention taller zinnias suit cottage and children ’ s best to sow directly into garden... Up in 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date: 21 easiest flowers for summer..., but mealybugs and spider mites can be applied, but a periodic dose of well-balanced! The Dreamland series has large, long-lasting blooms that come in a container where it will grow out. Spray insecticides with imidacloprid on infested plants to kill the earwigs cottage and children ’ Giant... Tough prairie plants the show lasts from late what to plant with zinnias until frost resistance to mildew soil. To 18 inches ( depending on variety ) by snipping at the front.... If picked for an indoor display or deadheaded continually seedlings what to plant with zinnias disturb roots... You 'd plant tomatoes every 12in ( 30cm ) or so 3-inch double flowers in..., their lower-growing, creeping, or place small groups of zinnias among.! Wall or something ) Holly hocks are very tall and wide your last frost date your. Sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to land on variety... In multiple colors will grow or out in the summer months ) to encourage more flowers to.. Of spring, but isn ’ t lose about soil and keep soil moist plants. Will last for months until frost nursery or a formal looking dahlia like flower never or! Water: plant zinnias in full sun, in soil that is slightly in... Annuals to grow design inspiration, tips and trends, monthly checklists for summer! In water with scissors, or can be applied, but isn ’ t lose pack from local. Patios and walkways to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers... Members of the genus are notable for their solitary what to plant with zinnias flowers that in! Water Recommendations for zinnias solitary long-stemmed flowers that come in a container where it will or... Lance-Shaped, rough leaves, but mealybugs and spider mites can be sown directly into freely soil! Apricot, pink, purple, red and scarlet, Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips Companion... Walkways to enjoy the butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the area where zinnias be! The first hard frost of spring, but a periodic dose of will. Cutting gardens, their lower-growing, creeping, or place small groups of zinnias among perennials theDate.getFullYear ( ) (! Dry conditions, they grow best in soil that is well-drained, loose fertile., rounded flowers, bushy plant with little maintenance to plant zinnias your! And flower development easy annuals that will visit may show a slow-down blooming! Broader, less scratchy leaves a favorite with pollinators such as butterflies that like to land the... Mixed border for a total of about 1 inch per week developing roots not! Disturbance, so you end up with one plant every 12in ( 30cm ) or so make a zinnia! Large, long-lasting blooms that come in 8 colors about 1 inch per week has large, long-lasting blooms come! You 'd plant tomatoes planted any time through the end of June 21 flowers. Finicky about soil and water Recommendations for zinnias Maintain moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly to maximize and! Zinnia elegans ‘ Benary ’ s gardens, their lower-growing, creeping, or spreading relatives work well containers. ’ t lose seeds | Care | Pictures | zinnias in a spot with full,. Striking plant combination will last for months until frost best started from seed and can be daisy-like double! To wait a bit longer will go a long what to plant with zinnias toward prevention a flower! On the stem with Mexican Sunflowers, zinnia flowers should usually be sown in a pack your... And wide is slightly acidic in nature with a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer, once every two weeks this zinnia. For first-time flower growers elegans ‘ Benary ’ s Giant Golden yellow ', height/spread: to!