Gardeners bonk old maid flower ! They are showy , undimmed , and easygoing to grow . They continue to bloom from early summer until the first frosts of fall , and most varieties make lovely cuttings to enjoy in a vase or to share with a friend .
Zinnias(Zinnia elegans)are well-chosen little annual that have monotone or pom - pom looking peak with petals that overlap either in a single level or a double level . They are available in every color with the exception of blue . There is a large variety of size to choose from too , from large and tall zinnias that develop up to 4 foot , to small and shaggy versions that get just 1 foot magniloquent .
Zinnias are warm - be intimate flowers . They are indigenous to Mexico where they were grow as far back as the 1500s by the Aztecs . They are perennials in their warm , native clime .
Zinnias made their fashion to Europe in the 1700s . Europeans were the first to begin to breed zinnias for their appealing characteristic . Eventually they arrived in the United States where several award - winning varieties were developed . Today , there are C of varieties of zinnias to choose from , and one is indisputable to fit dead into your garden outline .
How to Grow and Care for Zinnias
Zinnias can be lead off indoors from seed four weeks before the last frost in your neighborhood . However , they are tender annual , and they do n’t always transpose well . A preferred method acting for starting your old maid flower is to institute them direct in your garden shortly after the peril of frost has passed .
Your zinnias will spring up best in moist , rich soil . Whether you choose a small or a enceinte mixture , they will postulate plenty of personal space . Plant your small varieties at least 8 inches asunder and your larger , branching varieties at least 14 column inch apart .
Zinnias have sex full sunshine . They enjoy just the right amount of body of water , too . stain that is moist to the mite will suit your old maid dead . When you water your zinnia plant , attempt to water at the root . Or water them early in the day so their farewell have spate of sunshine to dry them .
Once your zinnias efflorescence , you will be able-bodied to savour cut them often . In fact , with most varieties , the more you reduce , the more they will bloom . You do n’t have to keep from bask the pretty blossoms in a vase indoors for fear that once you cut , your outdoor color will be get going . That might be the case with some yearbook , but not with zinnia .
If you select not to cut them , ensure to deadhead often to keep those colorful flower come .
Pests and Problems
Because zinnias are in the beginning a tropical flower , they are sensitive to cold . If you live in a coolheaded part , pick out a dauntless variety .
Zinnias foliage is also prone to fungi and molds when they are exposed to a lot of moisture . To stave off this trouble , give each zinnia plant batch of space to allow for gentle wind circulation . Again , water this flora low to forefend allowing water to sit on the leave more than necessary .
Zinnias may struggle with spider mite , coarse-grained bugs and caterpillars , too . Since they are annuals , they will probably make it through the blooming season in spite of these unwanted guest . If a industrial plant becomes disadvantageously overrun , remove it to salvage your other healthier plants .
Varieties to Consider
With hundred to choose from , be indisputable to select a multifariousness that is well - suit for your garden and your taste sensation in color and size of it . Here are a few limited cultivar we feel are worth looking for !
To find out more about growing zinnias , chequer out the following golf links :
Zinnias – University of Illinois Extension
2011 : The Year of the Zinnias – National Gardening Bureau
Creative Commons Flickr photocourtesy of Muffet
