Last night I planted a few flats of zinnias and placed them under grow lights. I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve heard they are really easy to grow and since I’d like to expand my flower garden, I thought zinnias would add a pop of color.
These are the varieties I’ll be growing this year:
- Envy – I LOVE how they are all green!
- Fantasy – Purple and pink flowers are my favorite.
- Fireball Blend – Normally I don’t plant red and orange flowers in my garden, but they looked cool so I’m going for it.
Brief description: Zinnias are an easy to grow annual flower. They have big blooms and provide large bursts of color to your garden, and can be cut and brought indoors for an easy bouquet.
Where to Plant Zinnias: Zinnias must have a sunny location. They will adapt to any kind of soil, but prefer well-drained soil. Depending on the variety, they make great borders in flower beds, container and window box flowers. Some varieties will even thrive in hanging baskets.
I always like to try and include photos of the seed because they are just so stinkin’ interesting!
Planting Seeds: Plant 1/4″ deep. Thin to 1 seedling per grow pot when plants are about 2″ tall. Transplant 1-2 weeks after average last frost.
Growing Tips: Zinnias are susceptible to fungal spots, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt. You can minimize the possibility of these diseases by avoiding watering the leaves. Deadhead to promote new flowers.
How to Harvest: To harvest, just cut the stem at desired length.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
Have YOU ever grown zinnias before? Do you have a favorite variety?
~Mavis
Why Plant Zinnias? Zinnias attract butterflies to your garden, and who doesn’t love that?
krista says
I’ve grown them before and plan to this year! They are awesome for cut flowers, really low maintenance and beautiful!! I bought a variety of Giant Zinnias from Baker Creek Seeds, can’t wait to see them!
You Can Call Me Jane says
Zinnias are the only flower we plant in our garden- and I like them right along the fence row facing the house/my kitchen window so I can see them. My mom always grew them in her garden and we used them as centerpieces for the tables at my sister’s wedding reception. I ADORE them and so will you:-).
JulieK says
I grow them direct-sow in zone 4 since little hands in the house like using their construction vehicles to dig any seedlings in the house… But they are easy, beautiful colors, and definite butterfly attractors! Those same little hands are mesmerized by our winged friends and anything that stops busy children in their tracks must be good! I’ve tried expensive seeds packets as well as a cheapie for a quarter and they’ve all been delightful.
Karen says
I love zinnias, too but so do the deer and rabbits! How do I grow them for me? I cannot put up fences due to condo association regs. Even in pots they get eaten!! Advice, suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks 🙂
Grandma PattyB says
Love zinnias! They are so bright and cheery. I finally learned that they got their mildew from getting water on their leaves. When I lived at the beach in SoCal, that was called fog. I’m now trying to water all my gardens with drip irrigation here in drought plagued Denver.
Knitting with Olof says
I live in Tulsa,OK and these rocked the drought last year. Will be planting plenty of these again this year.
Wendy says
I direct-sowed some into the garden last year, and started some under a grow light (aka a fluorescent shop light). The direct-sown plants were constantly attacked by slugs, though I surrounded them with Sluggo. The seeds I started under the lights seemed to do much better, since they were transplanted at a pretty good size, so they seemed to fend off the slugs better. Awesome, long-lasting flower action!!!:)
Billyzgurl says
I love these!!!!!!! So easy too! Different types are dif size flowers and heights. I found out if you keep cutting the flowers for cheerful bouquets they produce more.bery rigid stems which make them easy to arrange. I love mine in a old blue green canning jar. You can’t help but be in a cheerful mood with a bouquet of these. Cut flowers are long lasting too!
Donika says
Zinnias are awesome, and if you plant them with beans they will draw away the aphids and whiteflies.
Mavis says
Thanks for the tip!
Jay says
Hi Mavis,
Really liked the way you planted. Planning to grow dreamland zinnia in 15″ x 120″.
How may plants you planted to give it a busy look?