Zinnias is a daisy genus that belongs to the sunflower family ( Heliantheae ) ( Asteraceae ) . They are discover in chaparral and juiceless grassland from the Southwestern United States to South America , with Mexico serving as a diversity hotspot . The genus is known for its single long - stemmed flowers , which number in a miscellanea of vivacious hues . Flowers come in a variety of people of colour , including pink , orangish , royal , blanched , red , and yellow , as well as multi - color variants . The leaves are light to mid - green in colour . The ruddy diverseness are specially ripe forattracting hummingbird .
Zinnias are yearbook , which means they ’ll develop for one time of year and grow blooms and seeds , but they wo n’t come back the next year . They have beautiful , solitary , daisy - like flowerheads on a single , improbable stalk , give them idealistic for cutting or as a butterfly stroke food root . Zinnia elegans is the most pop Zinnia species , and it has been civilise to grow a wide scope of distinctive variants .
Growing Zinnias
Zinnias are native to hot field , but they are easy to educate in any garden . They ’re easy - to - grow , warm - season annual florals that bloom copiously and demand trivial maintenance . The leaves ofZinnia elegansare spear - work and boisterous , while other type might be big and less peckish . It blooms in a wide range of brightly colored , spherical flowers . There are dwarf variations as well as tall types that may reach a height of four infantry .
Here are some abbreviated fact about the popular esthetic plant :
Zinnias are among the few wildflowers that can be grow year after year . Many annual are perennials that are only hardy in the hot hardiness zone , while Zinnias will be annuals everywhere .
There are midget and spread Zinnias that grow only 6 to 8 inches improbable , and the traditional Zinnia elegans can grow up to 4 - feet tall .
old maid flower flower can take a couple of workweek to establish , but once the weather warm up , they ’ll flower from late spring to late decline . The rich , tropical colors of Zinnias complement the tonus of other reds and orangeness in a het border . They ’re also great for bringing a splash of color to a container .
Water
Zinnias are drouth resilient and normally do not require any extra irrigation . To forefend fungus , H2O Zinnias at flat coat story . Water them thoroughly a couple of times a calendar week after they reach 3 to 4 inch in meridian , look on the weather condition . Zinnias are drouth resilient , however , they choose their stain to be a moment ironical . The ground should not be damp all of the time .
Sunlight
Zinnias should be planted in a full - sun location . A sunny locating will grow the most blossoms while also keeping the leaf ironical and preclude powdery mildew from developing .
Soil
The only actual necessity for dirt is that it drains adequately . Zinnia roots dislike sitting in wet soil , and too much wet increase the risk of powdery mildew . It helps if the grime pH is in the achromatic ambit , but it is n’t required .
Fertilizing
Zinnias are demanding feeders , so fertilize them frequently and systematically to promote lush , vivacious blooms . For a first spring planting treatment , use a balanced 10 - 10 - 10 or 6 - 6 - 6 plant food and apply one Ezra Loomis Pound per 100 square feet .
Invasiveness
Zinnia peruviana is classified as a culture escape . The species is a widespread , but rarely predominant , Mary Jane in its native region . Seeds that are designed for farting and beast statistical distribution , a one - year generative time , tolerance of a variety of soil type , the ability to spring up in extensively damaged region , and the ability to survive in tropic climes are among their invasive characteristics .
Growing Zinnias In Containers
Sow the seeded player in poo pots ( pots made from cow dung ) , peat pots , or other biodegradable container that may be put straight into the soil later to commence growing Zinnia plants from source indoors . Plant seed four to six workweek before your arena ’s latest Robert Lee Frost date . When the temperature climb up over 50 ° F , Zinnias begin to bloom ( 10 ° C ) . Planting beds are ideal for marvelous cutting - type Zinnias .
Care & Tips
lachrymation at the floor of the plant life is an important part of Zinnia care . A soaker hosepipe go along foliage and flower petal ironic while also cater much - need irrigation . Watering Zinnias early in the morning take into account the leaves and blooms to dry completely by shadow . For new industrial plant , keep the soil crocked but not saturate . Because produce blooms are drouth resilient , mature Zinnias need less irrigation . Zinnia plants offer long - term coloring and brilliancy in the summer flower bed with careful placement and watering . Deadheading and bloom removal are good while arise Zinnia plants . More bloom are often produced when the industrial plant is pruned back .
Common Problems
Powdery mould is the most predominant Zinnia issue . To avert this , make certain the plants have equal airwave circulation and are not too push . Mildew prefers cool , moist environments , so hydrate during the day rather than at night .
Water carefully , guide on the water into the soil at the works ’s base to avoid body of water remaining on the leaves and stems . Because powdery mildew is so frequent , some Zinnia producers utilize prophylactic fungicide sprays before it occurs .
Propagating Zinnias
Zinnias are a breeze to develop from seed . As soon as the soil has warmed up a trivial and there is no chance of frost , you’re able to steer sow . You may also start seminal fluid indoors four to six week before the belated frost engagement in your area . If you do n’t have seeds stored , you may buy Zinnia seedlings at any garden center ; however , you will have a limited excerption of kind .
Wildlife attracted by Zinnias
The beautiful flower of Zinnias pull many butterflies , who feed on the well-situated - to - access nectar . The majority of Zinnias attract butterflies , including the endangeredMonarch butterfly . Many types of solitary bees are quarter to Zinnia efflorescence , including honey bees and bumblebees .
The History Of Zinnias
Mexican and Central American Zinnias are native to the part . Because of their bright blossoms , the Aztecs dubbed them “ plants that are hard on the eyes . ” Johann Gottfried Zinn , a German horticulture professor who obtain and brought these plants back to Europe in the 1700s , was given the name Zinnia .
Uses For Zinnias
Antifungal , hepatoprotective , antioxidant , antibacterial , antiviral , cytotoxic ( demonstrated on cancer cell lines ) , antimalarial and insecticidal place have been investigate in some Zinnia species .
Zinnias are one of the most simple flowers to turn since they farm quickly and create a lot of blossoms . Plus , they ’ll bloom flop up until the first heavy icing in the fall . old maid blossom may provide a splash of colour to your landscape , so give them a try this yr !
