Zinnias are a beginner favorite. They are easy to grow, come in many different beautiful colors, and are somewhat drought tolerant for desert growing. I remember my mom growing zinnias in our garden each year and then saving the heads gone to seed to replant the next year. We never cut them or brought them inside, but they were there in the garden. I didn’t think much of Zinnias until I saw the many beautiful varieties that exist outside the grocery store seeds. Wow!
Quick Facts
Light requirement: Full sun
Spacing: 9-12 inches apart
Warm Season flower – do not plant until after last frost
Pinching: Yes! It helps produce more blooms and longer stems
Support: None needed
Water: Somewhat drought tolerant. Only water at the base and avoid getting leaves wet to prevent disease and damage.
Harvest: Cut when flower are about to be fully bloomed and stem is stiff, not floppy when shaken back and forth. Harvest or deadhead often to encourage more growth.
Vase life: 5-7 days
Fun fact: Zinnias represent friendship.
Growing Tips
Zinnias can be grown from starts or directly seeded after all danger of frost is gone. They do not tolerate cold and love the heat. Always water zinnias at the base with drip irrigation if possible. Water on the leaves can lead to spotting and disease. Zinnias are susceptible to several pests and diseases. The only one I have struggled with is powdery mildew. I plan to space my zinnias 12 inches apart this year to provide more airflow to reduce that risk.
When planting a zinnia start try not to disturb the roots if possible. Doing may alter the flowering pattern of your zinnia from a double petaled zinnia to a single petaled variety.
As with many other cut-come again flowers, zinnias benefit from pinching. When the plant is about 6 inches tall pinch or cut off everything down to the second set of true leaves. If you have questions on pinching watch this video.
Zinnias have a desert feel to me and are so prolific. My kids love picking them and making their own bouquets like in the picture below. They are an excellent beginner flower to add beauty and sparkle to your life.
