Zinnia – a floral praline
With its cheerful colours and robust stem, the zinnia is a real floral praline. Enjoy the flowers in the garden and bring them indoors for summery bouquets. The zinnia is an excellent attraction for butterflies and other pollinators.
Many delicious colors
Zinnia is native to Mexico. It was used as a popular medicine, as a vegetable dye and in rituals. Linnaeus named the plant zinnia in honor of a German botanist named Gottfried Zinn.
Today, zinnia comes in a variety of delicious colors. The height varies from 25 to 80 cm. Smaller varieties look especially good in pots and as border plants in flower beds.
Different Ways to Sow Zinnia Pre-Grow Zinnia Indoors
Sow the zinnia indoors in March-April. Place 1-2 seeds per pot about 3mm deep. Since the roots are sensitive, we sow the zinnia in pots at least 7 cm deep. There is no need to transplant them until it is time to move them to their final growth location. We cover the pot with potting soil and lay a layer of seedling soil on top. Seedling soil allows seeds to easily form roots. Potting soil provides nutrients when the plant is large enough to need them.
Zinnia germinates best at 20-22 degrees Celsius. Feel free to use an electric heating mat. Or place the seedling in a warm place, such as above a radiator.
Keep the seedling moist but not too wet, as zinnia can be affected by fungal attacks. When the seedlings have germinated, they want to be cool and clear. Water the pots from the bottom. After a few weeks, it’s time to provide the first nutritional supplement.
Top zinnia plants when they are about 10 cm tall. They will then branch nicely and become bushier. Cut just above a pair of leaves. Do not hesitate to put the cut shoot in water. It forms roots and can be planted as an independent plant.
Cold seeding / winter sowing of zinnia
In the spring, many enthusiastic growers run out of space on windowsills and planting tables. Winter sowing is then very practical. The zinnia is one of the summer flowers that can be sown in winter in a growing pot, from December to March. The seeds smell like germination and start early in the spring.
Zinnia in direct seeding
In southern Sweden, zinnia can be sown directly outdoors when the risk of frost is over.
Replanting of the zinnia
Indoor sown zinnia is sensitive to frost. Do not take the plants outside until the risk of night frost has passed. Harden off zinnias by leaving them outside for several days. Protect the plants from the sun and wind and bring the pots indoors overnight until they have accustomed to their new outdoor life.
Of Mexican origin, zinnia is a plant that loves heat. Choose a sunny spot and he’ll be happy. Plant it in well-fertilized soil at a distance of about 25 cm.
Zinnia may need support, especially if it grows in a windy location.
Zinnia is easy to care for. It blooms abundantly and for a long time from July. The zinnia grown in pots needs to be fed every three weeks. For open-ground zinnias, it is sufficient to feed them once during the season when flowering began.
Remove faded flowers over time by pinching the stem just above a pair of leaves. The zinnia will then branch out and there will be room for other flowers.
A jewel in cut flowers
The more zinnia you pick, the more new flowers appear. This is a good reason to fill the vases at home. The zinnia, with its fireworks of colors, is a real jewel in cut flowers. It stays fresh in the bunches for a long time, especially if the water is changed and the stem cut off a few centimetres from time to time. If you want to enjoy zinnia even longer, you can dry it to preserve it.
Auteur : Johanna Damm
Vérifié par Erik Hoekstra
Dernière mise à jour le 14/10/2022