Zinnia Cultivation 101: The A to Z Guide on Planting and Growing Zinnias

Zinnias are a popular annual plant that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, except blue. They are tough and resilient and attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The taller varieties are great for cut flower arrangements, with cactus and quill-type blooms and pompom-type blooms. The lower-growing, mounding or spreading varieties work well in containers and require less deadheading. Zinnias need full sun and well-draining soil, and should not be planted until after the last spring frost. They prefer temperatures between 75°F-85°F and do well in poor soils. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage additional blooms, and pruning is not necessary. Root rot, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and blight are common issues, but can be prevented by planting in full sun and practicing good air circulation. Zinnias can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. ‘Benary’s Giant Orange’ is a popular type of zinnia.

Graham Jimerson recommends the Zinnia elegans variety called ‘Benary’s Giant Orange’ for its beautiful and sizable orange double blooms, making it a great choice for cut flower arrangements. This plant can reach heights of 38 inches and a width of 2 feet. Another recommended variety is the ‘Magellan Mix’ Zinnia.

Peter Krumhardt suggests trying out Zinnia elegans ‘Magellan Mix’ for its double blooms that come in an assortment of colors such as pink, red, yellow, orange, and white. This variety grows up to 16 inches tall. Another Zinnia to consider is the ‘Parasol Mix’.

Meet Peter Krumhardt, and he’s a fan of the beautiful Zinnia elegans ‘Parasol Mix.’ This plant produces stunning fully-double flowers in different hues and stands at a height of 12 inches. On the other hand, ‘Cut and Come Again’ Zinnia is also another variety that deserves attention.

Meet Peter Krumhardt, a gardening enthusiast who recommends the Zinnia elegans variety known as ‘Cut and Come Again’. This particular plant produces numerous double flowers in vibrant shades and can grow up to 4 feet tall. Another excellent choice is the ‘Profusion White’ Zinnia.

Marty Baldwin recommends planting the ‘Profusion White’ variety of Zinnia elegans for its disease resistance and beautiful white flowers that bloom all summer. This particular selection is an early-flowering plant that can grow up to 18 inches tall and 10 inches wide. Another option to consider is the ‘Scarlet Flame’ Zinnia.

The King AU Zinnia, also known as the Zinnia Elegans ‘Scarlet Flame’, is a stunning plant that produces double red flowers and can grow up to 42 inches tall. Another beautiful variety is the ‘Zahara Coral Rose’ Zinnia.

Meet the pretty and low-maintenance zinnia variety called ‘Zahara Coral Rose’. This plant boasts large flowers in a delicate pink hue and can withstand diseases and high temperature. It grows up to 18 inches tall and wide, making it a great addition to any garden. Another lovely option is the ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’ zinnia.

Meet Justin Hancock and let’s talk about the beautiful zinnia marylandica variety called ‘Zahara Starlight Rose’. This stunning plant has won multiple awards and is known for its compact size that spreads up to 18 inches tall and wide. What makes it stand out are the white flowers with a unique pink blush. Additionally, this variety is very resilient against diseases. Another option to explore is the ‘Zahara White’ zinnia.

Meet the charming ‘Zahara White’! This petite yet stunning selection of Zinnia marylandica grows up to 18 inches high and wide, adorned with gorgeous large white flowers. It’s a perfect choice for those who want a hassle-free gardening experience as it’s resistant to diseases and thrives in warm weather conditions. Don’t forget to also check out its equally lovely cousin, the ‘Zahara Yellow’ Zinnia.

Meet Justin Hancock, a plant enthusiast who’s excited to share with you the stunning Zinnia marylandica ‘Zahara Yellow’. This particular variety boasts large, eye-catching flowers in a vibrant hue, while also being resistant to disease and thriving in warm climates. It grows up to 18 inches tall and wide, making it perfect for adding a pop of color to any garden. Looking for companion plants to pair with your zinnias? Consider the Spider Flower!

The spider flower is a spectacular plant that is only an annual despite its height. Once the temperature rises, it can shoot up to over 4 feet tall and produce large balls of flowers with fascinating long seedpods that spin out from it. It’s perfect for vases, but keep in mind that the flowers are delicate and may break after a few days. The spider flower self-seeds abundantly, so you only need to plant it once. However, it’s best to keep it away from walkways because it has surprisingly large thorns. It’s best to plant seedlings in the spring after all risk of frost has passed, and it thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Be careful not to over-fertilize, or you may end up with tall and floppy plants. To maximize its impact, plant the spider flower in clusters of six or more.

Another plant worth mentioning is the French marigold.

French marigolds are known for their frilly appearance and distinctive “crested eye,” making them the fancy ones. With a chic, neat growth habit and elegant dark green foliage, these marigolds grow up to 8-12 inches high and bloom throughout the summer. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and can even reseed and return year after year in areas where they’re content.

Salvias are a popular choice for many gardens, as they can thrive in a variety of conditions. Whether you have a dry garden or lots of rainfall, there is an annual salvia that can add tons of color to your space. Hummingbirds are also attracted to these vibrant flowers, especially the red ones. It’s important to wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting salvias outdoors.

If you’re looking to attract butterflies to your garden, zinnias are a great option. These easy-to-grow flowers offer nectar to adult butterflies and nourish the larvae with their leafy food sources. Since butterflies love the sun, make sure to place this garden in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.

For a garden that can withstand hot and humid weather, try the Hot Summer Garden Plan. This mix of annuals and perennials will bloom in bright shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow, adding brightness to your garden as temperatures rise.

Lastly, the French Kitchen Garden Plan offers a unique design with a central diamond-shaped bed and four raised beds filled with vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. The wide brick pathways make it easy to navigate and adds a charming touch to any outdoor space.