Where and When – Plant zinnia seeds outside when the soil begins to warm in late spring, and all danger of frost has passed. However, in Mississippi, successive plantings of zinnia seeds will keep the flowers blooming until almost Thanksgiving. It is not too late to get started. If you are too impatient to wait for seeds to sprout, almost every garden center will have zinnia plants ready to bloom.
Watering – Overhead watering is usually not recommended for zinnias because it encourages powdery mildew. However, if the zinnias have lots sun and good air circulation, a sprinkler system that runs in the mornings on really hot days may not be too detrimental.
Fertilization – Zinnias certainly do not have to be coddled, but they do appreciate a little fertilizer, but not too much. Less is better.
Cutting – Cutting and deadheading flowers will keep zinnias blooming all summer long. If you are using zinnias as cut flowers, cut early in the morning and immediately immerse in a bucket of water. Cut the stems at an angle just above a bud head, and before arranging them in a vase, strip the stems of lower foliage. Do not store in the refrigerator, and floral preservative is really not necessary.
Problems – Probably the most prevalent zinnia problem is powdery mildew, but rather than spray, since you want to keep attracting pollinators, thin the plants to improve air circulation or plant a new crop.
Save the Seeds – I have a garden friend who plants his grandmother’s zinnia seeds every year and, if only for nostalgic reasons, they are indubitably the loveliest of all. To save seed, let the flowers dry on the stem. Lightly crush the flower heads to collect the seeds and store in a cool, dry place. Pass the seeds along to your garden friends.
Cut & Come Again – This old-fashioned zinnia will not disappoint or fail to delight. Butterflies will find your garden irresistible! As the name implies, cut them and they will bloom again.
RECOMMENDED VARIETIES:
Benary’s Giant Zinnias – These zinnias have large, double flowers and are absolutely gorgeous, especially if you are growing them for cut flowers. These come in many colors and are magnificent.
Persian Carpet – This variety is bi-colored and in deep gold and red tones. If those colors complement your garden, this is the zinnia for you.
Oklahoma Series – This zinnia is large, has a profusion of blooms, and is disease resistant.
Profusion – The Profusion zinnias are ideal for containers.
