Zinnias are popular flowers for annual gardens as they are easy and quick to grow both from seeds and transplants. Known for their bold colors and long flowering season, zinnias are a member of the aster family and native to Mexico and Central America and will bring beauty to any garden.
As prolific bloomers all season long, they perform well in garden beds, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. After the first frost, zinnias can be planted in ¼ inch deep soil, and later seedlings should be thinned to 6 to 12 inches apart to promote air flow and prevent mildew. Mulching helps maintain moisture and dead heading spent blooms encourages continued flowering throughout the season. Zinnias tolerate drier soil better than overly wet soil.
The foliage of zinnias comes in varying shades of green, but the flowers come in every color and sometimes a combination of colors. There are three types of blooms: single, double, and semi-double. Because of their brilliant color, types of blooms, and heights, zinnias are ideal for borders, beds, and floral arrangements.
As cut flowers, zinnias last a long time and brighten indoor spaces. Dwarf zinnias also make an excellent container plant. In the garden, they offer months of stunning blooms.
Besides their vibrant colors, zinnias attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thus supporting a healthy ecosystem. In addition, they are somewhat deer resistant and relatively pest free, making them ideal for any garden.
By Brian Sparks, WVU Extension Agent – Fayette and Nicholas Counties