Zinnias: Easy Annuals for Explosive Color and Butterfly Gardens

picture of a zinnia from my garden

Tammy Wilson

Zinnia flowers are among the easiest plants to grow—quick growth, heavy bloom. Massive color bursts attract butterflies.

Annuals for one season; superb cutting flowers. Bright, solitary, daisy-like flowerheads on single erect stems. Most common: "dahlia-flowered" to 3 ft. Others: "cactus-flowered."

Use in annual/mixed borders. Smaller types for edging, windowboxes, containers. Narrow-leaf zinnias work in hanging baskets.

Planting Zinnias

• Grown from seed; very quick in right conditions. Do not like transplanting.
• Full sun essential; minimum 60°F daytime temp.
• Adaptable but prefer fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, pH 5.5–7.5.
• Compost-amended soil = faster growth.
• Sow seeds ¼-inch deep.
• Space 4–24 inches by variety (common: 6 inches in-row, 2 ft between rows). Check seed packet.
• Germination: 74–80°F in 5–7 days (not 76 days as originally printed).
• Succession sow for longer flowering display.

Care

• Deadhead to prolong flowering.
• Maintain moderate soil moisture; fertilize lightly.
• Zinnias die with first frost.

Pests and Diseases

Bacterial/fungal spots, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt. Minimize foliage wetting to avoid disease.

Caterpillars, mealybugs, spider mites. Avoid spraying; tolerate some leaf damage unless uncontrolled.

Bonus: Zinnias are deer-resistant, protecting nearby flowers.

Harvest and Storage

Generally 60–70 days from seed to flower (conditions vary).

Recommended Varieties

• Dreamland Series – Full-size flowers on compact plants. Dwarf, fully double 4-inch heads, wide color range; 8–12 inch stems.
• Thumbelina Series – Dwarf, spreading, single/semi-double weather-resistant heads, many colors. 1¼-inch petals, 6-inch stems.
• State Fair Series – Biggest, tallest: 3-inch double heads, 30-inch stems.

Wit & Wisdom

• Small narrow-leaf zinnias make nice dried flowers.
• Zinnias symbolize thoughts of absent friends. Learn more flower meanings.