A wide range for cut flower production, but also suitable as a border plant. Annual. Available in many colors.
Zinnias are loved for their long, sturdy stems, vibrant colors, and long vase life. Additionally, they are very prolific: the more you cut, the more the plants bloom.
For larger and sturdier flowers, choose varieties such as 'Benary's Giant'. For a mix of shapes and colors, consider the 'Oklahoma' series and 'Queen Lime'.
Zinnias bloom from summer until the first frost, provided you regularly cut back flowers or remove dead flowers.
Sow the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. For continuous flowering, sow at intervals of 2-3 weeks.
Sow the seeds at a depth of approximately 0.5 cm and keep the soil moist until they germinate.
Zinnias need full sun, which ensures the most productive plants with the longest and sturdiest stems.
To encourage long, straight stems, you can place the plants closer together, about 15-30 cm apart. This also helps to support the plants.
You can "top" zinnias by cutting the top off the young plant. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce more flowers. The flower stems may be slightly shorter than the original main stem.
