Zinnia
Zinnias are the summer garden's most generous performers, blazing in every color imaginable from midsummer straight through the first hard frost.
Zinnia needs its photo.
Identify a Zinnia in Rooted and share it, and yours could become the field guide image.
A Riot of Color That Practically Grows Itself
Native to the dry highlands of Mexico, Zinnia elegans has been bred into hundreds of cultivars spanning single, semi-double, and fully double flower forms in nearly every color except true blue. Heights range from compact 6-inch edging types to towering 4-foot giants, making them endlessly versatile in beds, borders, and cutting gardens.
Few annuals reward so little effort with so much return. Zinnias thrive in heat, shrug off drought once established, and respond to cutting by producing even more blooms - making them a favorite of both beginner gardeners and seasoned flower farmers chasing continuous harvests all season long.
Planting & care
Direct-sow seeds into the garden after all frost danger has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60 F - zinnias resent transplanting and germinate quickly, usually within 5-7 days in warm conditions. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, thin seedlings to 6-18 inches apart depending on cultivar size, and choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil. They are not fussy about soil fertility, but avoid waterlogged ground.
Water at the base of plants rather than overhead to reduce the risk of powdery mildew, the most common zinnia complaint. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering, or cut long stems for bouquets - both actions encourage the plant to branch and set new buds. A light balanced fertilizer once or twice mid-season is plenty; too much nitrogen pushes foliage over flowers.
Cut Early, Cut Often
For the longest vase life, harvest zinnia stems when the flower is fully open but fresh - grip the stem and give it a gentle shake; if it wobbles loosely, wait another day. Cutting stems back to just above a leaf node or side shoot triggers vigorous branching, so the more you harvest, the more blooms the plant will push out all season.
How much sun does Zinnia need?
Zinnia grows best in full sun.
How often should you water Zinnia?
Give it about 1 in per week.
When is Zinnia ready to harvest?
Zinnia is usually ready in blooms 60-70 days from seed.