Zinnia Growing Guide

Zinnia elegans

Zinnia

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any sunny site with good drainage.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

None. Zinnias cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer to stimulate strong reblooming.

Companions

Tall, single-flowered varieties attract butterflies look nice grown with dill, fennel and cosmos.

Spacing

Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant zinnias in late spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Start seeds indoors in individual containers, set out purchased plants, or direct-sow into warm soil. Poke seeds into the soil about one-half inch (1 cm) deep and 3 inches (8 cm) apart. Thin to 12 inches (30 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties. Zinnia varieties that grow more than 24 inches (60) cm) tall require 18 inches (45 cm) between plants.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Frequent cutting of blossoms helps many varieties to rebloom constantly for many weeks. Butterflies prefer flat, single zinnia blossoms over "double" varieties that are packed with petals.

Harvesting

Gather zinnias for use in arrangements just as the petals open. The true flowers are the tiny yellow florets, which pump out nectar for butterflies.

Troubleshooting

Older zinnias often become infected with powdery mildew. Pull up and compost diseased plants. Many hybrids offer some resistance to powdery mildew.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Zinnia