Bountiful Gardens

The Enduring Allure of the Zinnia: A Gardener's Delight

Zinnias, with their cheerful, daisy-like to dahlia-flowered blooms, are a vibrant and beloved staple in summer gardens. These hardy annuals are celebrated for their dazzling array of colors, ease of cultivation, and long-lasting floral displays. From fiery reds and oranges to soft pinks, sunny yellows, and even striking greens, zinnias offer a color palette to suit any garden design. Their popularity stems from their remarkable ability to produce a profusion of flowers from mid-summer until the first frost, all with minimal fuss.

The Ease of Growing Zinnias

One of the most significant reasons for the zinnia's widespread admiration is its forgiving nature. They are exceptionally easy to grow, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. These sun-loving plants thrive in the heat and are drought-tolerant once established. Their rapid growth and quickness to bloom provide near-instant gratification, a rewarding experience for any plant enthusiast. Furthermore, their resilience against pests and diseases, particularly newer hybrid varieties, adds to their low-maintenance appeal.

When to Plant: The optimal time to plant zinnia seeds is in the spring, after the last threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (15°C). In most regions, this corresponds to late May or early June. For an earlier start, seeds can be sown indoors a few weeks before the last frost date and then transplanted outside.

How to Plant:

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Soil: Zinnias are adaptable to various soil types but perform best in well-draining soil enriched with compost or other organic matter.

Watering: Water the seeds gently after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 7 to 10 days. Once established, zinnias are relatively drought-tolerant but will produce more abundant blooms with regular watering.

Care: To encourage bushier growth and more flowers, pinch back the young plants when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, will also promote continuous flowering throughout the season.

Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the garden bed, planting them about a quarter-inch deep and spacing them according to the variety's mature size (typically 6 to 18 inches apart).

A Journey from the Wilds of Mexico

The history of the zinnia is as colorful as its petals. Native to the grasslands and deserts of Mexico and Central America, the wild zinnia was a rather unremarkable, weedy-looking plant. It was first encountered by Europeans in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 18th century that it was given its botanical name, Zinnia, in honor of the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.

Initially, the zinnia was not widely embraced as an ornamental flower. However, through the dedicated efforts of plant breeders in the 19th and 20th centuries, the humble zinnia was transformed. Hybridization and selection led to the development of the diverse range of sizes, forms, and vibrant colors we know today. From single-petaled varieties to complex, multi-layered "dahlia-flowered" and "cactus-flowered" types, the modern zinnia is a testament to the transformative power of horticultural innovation, securing its place as a cherished favorite in gardens around the world.

Varieties & Types

Cut & Come Again

'Benary's Giant' Zinnia

'Queen Lime' Series

'Profusion' Zinnia

'Lilliput' Zinnia

'Zowie!' Zinnia

'State Fair' Zinnia

Dahlia Flowered Zinnia

Cactus Flowered Zinnia