Growing Zinnias- Benefits and Instructions
Benefits of Growing Zinnias
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Pollinator- These cheery flowers help attract bees, butterflies and many other pollinating insects that help keep our gardens happy and productive!
- Hardy - These tough as nails flowers are very easy to grow and can tolerate light frost and extreme heat and drought.
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Colour: Zinnias come in a rainbow of eye catching colours; white, lime green, fusia, purple and every shade in between. Use in cut flower arrangements and bouquets that hold up well.
Growing Instructions
Culture:
Sun Exposure: Full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Zinnias should be seeded directly into the soil after any frost has passed
Moisture: Can tolerate short periods of drought, but grow best in evenly moist soil. Avoid watering leaves to prevent the growth of diseases or fungus. Zinnias benefit from mulch after the plants are established, as well as light fertilizing.
Planting: To start indoors plant seeds four to six weeks before the last frost date. Use biodegradable containers that can be planted directly into the garden. Direct sow in the spring after all danger of frost has passed, around the same time you'd plant tomatoes
Spacing: Plant 4 zinnia plants per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method. Or plant in rows 7-10 inches apart.
Sow seeds: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep
Harvesting:
Harvest blooms at any time for beautiful cut flower arrangements. Deadheading keeps the zinnia plants blooming all season. To harvest zinnia seeds, place flower heads in a single layer on a screen or cookie sheet and allow to dry for 2-3 weeks. Turn flower heads every few days to ensure even drying.
Storage/Preparation:
Store zinnia seeds in a cool dry place, preferably in an airtight container. Make sure the seeds are completely dry before storage to avoid mold.
Companions:
Great companion in vegetable gardens: tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, nasturtiums, cosmos, sunflowers.