Blooming Sensation: Growing Vibrant Zinnias for a Summer Abundance and In-Home Color, Absolutely Free!
Zinnia Cultivation Guide: Growing Stunning Cut Flowers like an Expert
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice, growing zinnias offers an array of benefits, from vibrant cut flowers in raised garden beds to attracting helpful pollinators. Not only are these "unconventional blooms" beginner-friendly, but they're enjoying a well-deserved resurgence in popularity, especially in shades like peach and pastel tones.
Ready to dive into the world of zinnias? Let's get started with this easy, step-by-step guide to growing them like a pro.
What's Needed
- Zinnia flowers, whether seeds or plug plants, such as Sarah Raven's Deep Zinnia Collection, £4.98
- Modular seed tray for sowing from seeds, like the module tray starter pack, £34.99 from Amazon
- Peat-free seed compost, like Verve Cutting and Sowing Compost, £6, from B&Q
- supportive structures, like bamboo canes, £6.49 from Amazon
- Plant food, such as Natural Liquid Fertiliser, £36.99 from Thompson & Morgan
Step-by-step
1. Pick your perfect zinnia variety
With plenty of options to select from, picking the right zinnia variety may seem overwhelming, but don’t let that discourage you! The guide below can help you choose:
- Dwarf or compact varieties are great for vibrant bedding displays, while taller types make long-lasting cut flowers.
- Single-flower varieties attract pollinators.
Personal picks include Zinderella Peach, Giant Mix, Cherry Profusion, and Envy. For that unique touch, opt for the striking Queeny Lime Red.
2. Start seeds the right way
Starting seeds from scratch can be intimidating, but with these simple steps, you'll be growing zinnias in no time:
- Sow seeds indoors in modules or coir pellets filled with peat-free compost. Place one seed per cell and cover with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite.
- Maintain a warm, bright location. Ideally, use a cold frame, greenhouse, or windowsill.
- Hardening off young seedlings by moving them outside during the day and bringing them in at night is crucial before transplanting them outside (usually late May) in well-draining soil.
You can find more information about seed sowing techniques in our enrichment data.
3. Find the perfect spot in your garden
Zinnias flourish in:
- Sunshine
- Good drainage
- Minimal fuss
To coax the very best performance from your zinnias, whether in raised beds, containers, or on balconies, choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
4. Space plants properly
The spacing of zinnia plants can impact their growth and resistance to diseases like powdery mildew. Make sure to space plants about 30 cm apart in the ground or about 9 inches apart in container plantings.
5. Pinch for more blooms
For a bushier plant and extra flower heads, pinch out the plant's growing tip once it reaches 20-30 cm tall. This practice encourage side shoots and more flowers later.
6. Support tall varieties
Provide tall, large-headed zinnia varieties with stake support using bamboo canes or netting for even distribution.
7. Water and feed wisely
Zinnias are often low-maintenance, but container-grown plants may require extra attention, including regular watering during dry spells.
- Keep the soil evenly moist
- Use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks to maintain healthy growth
8. Pick blooms for the vase
Harvest stems in the morning when fully open and strip lower leaves to prolong vase life.
For more vibrant color and an extensive bloom season, considering cutting flowers for indoor arrangements. Zinnias are excellent cut flowers that keep on giving as long as you continue cutting them!
With this expert advice, you'll be growing stunning, unique, and easy-to-care-for zinnias in no time. Enjoy their presence in your garden and the delight they bring to your home!
Enjoy the addition of vibrant zinnia flowers to your home-and-garden lifestyle, with options like the compact 'Dwarf' varieties for colorful bedding displays or the tall types for long-lasting cut flowers. From sowing seeds indoors in a modular seed tray filled with peat-free seed compost, to finding the perfect sunny spot in your garden for these easy-to-care-for flowering plants, follow our step-by-step guide for a successful zinnia cultivation experience. These stunning cut flowers will not only beautify your lifestyle but also attract helpful pollinators, creating a harmonious home-and-garden ecosystem.
