Zinnia Seeds

• Zinnia Seeds
• The Zinnia Plant
• How to Sow Zinnia
• How to Grow Zinnia
• Growing Tips
• Diseases and Pests
• Uses and Curiosities

Zinnia Seeds

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Mexico, now one of the most widely grown garden flowers in the world thanks to its easy cultivation and abundant, colorful blooms. The flowers, simple or double, come in many shades: red, pink, orange, yellow, white and purple.

The Zinnia Plant

It belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has opposite lance-shaped leaves and upright stems that, depending on the variety, range from 15 centimeters in dwarf forms up to a meter in the most vigorous varieties, such as giant Zinnia elegans. Its root system is delicate, made up of thin roots.

Many varieties grown today are hybrids selected from Zinnia elegans, such as the popular Lilliput and Pompon series, with compact, semi-globe shaped flowers.

How to Sow Zinnia

Sow in March in a protected seedbed, keeping the soil light and constantly moist at a temperature of 16-18 degrees C, or directly in the ground from April-May, after the last frost, at a depth of about 0.5-1 cm. Germination usually occurs within a week.

How to Grow Zinnia

Zinnia prefers full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct light a day, and well-drained soil that is not particularly demanding in fertility. Seedlings should be spaced 30 cm apart for dwarf varieties and about 50 cm for giant ones. Watering should be regular but moderate, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal disease.

Growing Tips

Regularly deadheading spent flowers encourages the plant to keep producing new buds throughout summer. For container growing, dwarf varieties are the better choice, as they need less space and watering.

Diseases and Pests

Zinnia is a robust plant, but in conditions of high humidity or poor air circulation it can be affected by powdery mildew, recognizable by the whitish coating on leaves and stems, and occasionally by alternaria leaf spot. Mealybugs are among the most common pests. Good air circulation and watering at the base of the plant help prevent these issues.

Uses and Curiosities

Thanks to sturdy stems and long vase life, zinnia is one of the most popular cut flowers. It attracts many butterflies to the garden and is generally not favored by deer. Seeds are easily collected from dried flower heads at the end of the season and remain viable for 3-4 years.

• Sowing: March indoors, April-May outdoors
• Exposure: full sun
• Flowering: June to September
• Height: 15 cm - 1 m depending on variety
• Soil: well-drained, not demanding
• Watering: regular, avoid wetting leaves
• Recommended use: borders, beds, containers, cut flower