Preventing Powdery Mildew on Zinnias: Fungicide Sprays and Resistant Profusion Variety

The Issue

White powdery leaves in late summer are powdery mildew—very common on zinnias.

Prevention (Costly)

Spray copper-based fungicide every 10 days from May. Effective but expensive and labor-intensive.

Better Option: Resistant Variety

Grow Profusion Zinnias (released ~4 years ago). They are mildew-resistant and prolifically blooming. Not widely sold as seedlings; buy seed from Park Seed or Burpee.

My Approach

I enjoy zinnias through mid-August, then let nature take its course.