You may be hoping this favorite garden flower will come back next year.
But are zinnias perennials?
Here’s the scoop.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Are zinnias perennials that you don’t need to replant next year?
What is an annual plant?
This punch in of zinnia ishardy in USDA Zones 4-9and doesn’t look much like its popular annual cousin.
Credit:Misha Gillingham
Plains zinnia is a low-mounded plant with single flowers in pale yellow.
It grows well in drier, rockier locations and can be anexcellent choice for a rock gardenor pathway border.
You may be able to find perennial zinnia plants or seeds from a native plant vendor.
Zinnias areeasy to grow from seeds, making them great flowers for new gardeners or children.
Just plant the seeds in a spot with full sunzinnias dont mind the heatand fertile, well-drained soil.
They will also grow well in containers, especially shorter varieties.
Misha Gillingham
When and How to Plant Zinnia Seeds
Zinnia seeds germinate quickly in warm soil.
Zinnia seeds are thin and small, so dont worry if two fall into the same hole.
you might thin them later if needed.
There is no up or down, so just let them drop in.
Then, lightly cover with soil and gently but deeply water the area.
Zinnia plants can be spaced pretty close together.
Shorter types can be closer together since the plants wont grow as large.
Choose a pot that is 8-12 inches in diameter with drainage at the bottom.
Place the seeds 14-inch deep in the soil, and only water when the soil feels dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely!
Harvesting regularly anddeadheading any spent blossomswill encourage more blooming.
Cut as long a stem as possible without taking all the remaining branches, nodes, and leaves.
Many gardeners report that their zinnias are quite deer-resistant and are often left alone.
Properly harvested and cared for zinnias will last 7-10 days.
Add flower food to the vase and change the water every other day.
There are smaller varieties of zinnias that grow 6-12 inches tall.
However, larger varieties can grow up to 4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Planting seeds in April or May is ideal.
Although spacing seeds will give your garden a more orderly apperance, it isn’t strictly necessary.
you’ve got the option to scatter zinnia seeds in your garden and they should grow.
Just keep in mind, they could choke out other flowers if planted too close together.
