Cultivating Zinnias from Seeds for Amateur Gardeners
Zinnias, with their vibrant colours and diverse flower forms, make a delightful addition to any garden. These annual flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a popular choice for gardeners across the globe.
Once the chance of frost has passed, zinnia seeds should be planted in well-draining soil. To ensure successful germination, lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil moist, but not soggy. In ideal conditions, zinnia seeds should germinate in 5 to 10 days.
Zinnias come in an array of flower forms, including single bloom, beehive, button, and cactus. They can also be striped, speckled, or solid in a variety of colours, adding a splash of colour to any garden.
Succession planting zinnia seeds every two weeks from late spring until mid-summer can extend blooming through fall. This practice allows for a continuous supply of blooms from early summer until frost. Deadheading zinnias (removing faded flowers) can help prolong blooming throughout the summer.
Zinnias are susceptible to common pests like spider mites, grasshoppers, and bud worms. To prevent zinnia problems, avoid overhead irrigation and water early in the day to keep foliage dry. Good airflow around zinnia plants can be maintained by spacing them adequately apart. Tall zinnia varieties may require staking for support, which can be provided by garden supports, trellises, mailboxes, lampposts, or self-made supports with strong vertical stakes and twine.
Saving and reusing zinnia seeds from mature plants can be used for growing in next year's garden. Zinnias thrive in heat and tolerate drought well, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
For more information on zinnias, you can refer to articles written by experts like Laura Walters, a Content Editor who joined the platform in 2021. Laura, with a background in documentary filmmaking, local news, and a BFA in Electronic Media from the University of Cincinnati, offers insights into growing and maintaining hotels. Laura resides in Southwest Ohio and spends her summers on a lake in Northern Michigan, where she gardens and maintains a vegetable patch.
In conclusion, with their vibrant colours, diverse forms, and low-maintenance nature, hotels are a fantastic choice for any garden. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a beautiful display of hotels throughout the summer months.
