The zinnia is a beautiful flower that flourishes generously throughout the summer. It decorates gardens, balconies and terraces magnificently with its single or double vibrant and intense colors. Zinnia is easy to grow.
Zinnia derives its origins from Mexico and belongs to the Asteraceae family. The German botanist, Johann Gottfried Zinn. gave it its name. This plant blooms every year.
The zinnia has rigid and erect stems, bearing large, pointed and oval leaves. They end in single, semi-double flower and in solitary flower heads. The zinnia flower offers diverse colors such as white, yellow, orange, red, pink, or mauve.
In this article, we are going to learn more about the zinnia flower and some timely planting advice:
- Zinnia flowers at a glance
- Planting zinnia seeds
- Useful tips to grow and care for the zinnia flower
- Fun fact you should know about the zinnia
- Zinnia symbolism
- Zinnia flower: common pests and diseases
Zinnia Flowers at a Glance
The zinnia is one of the most colorful flowers you can have in the garden. As a matter of fact, zinnias grow quickly and easily everywhere. Zinnias seem to be perfect plants for beginner gardeners because they require minimal care.
In general, there are different kinds of zinnias. The most popular kind is named “Zinnia Elegans.” Most zinnias come from North America, though some are from Central America.
In appearance, zinnia looks like daisies, cosmos, and dahlias thanks to its diverse vibrant colors. Zinnias have long stems that are single and semi-double. The nectar attracts butterflies. Zinnia flowers are represented in a variety of ways with petals arranged in a row, dome, or ball.
Planting Zinnia Seeds
Zinnia is a very resistant plant. Indeed, the flower is available in a wide range of types and colors. Zinnias grow best in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. In general, plants prefer temperatures of 23 to 29 ° C.
In fact, zinnias prefer long, hot summers, and they don’t like sudden temperature changes and cold weather. The zinnia can’t stand the cold and should be sown under cover if the temperatures are below 18 °.
Sowing is done starting in March under shelter at a temperature of 15 ° Celsius, minimum. Sowing can be done directly in the ground from May. Planting is done starting in May, respecting a space of 20 to 30 cm between each plant.
You can also harvest zinnia seeds from wilted flowers. Then, store them in a moisture-proof envelope, and sow them the following year. Zinnia plants go well with cosmos, carnations, roses, and marigolds.
Useful Tips to Grow and Care for Zinnia Flowers
Most zinnia plants come from the equatorial regions, which is why some varieties are more subject to drought. Regardless of how they can thrive in dry soil conditions, they can produce more flowers if they get enough water. Generally, you can water zinnia flowers two to three times a week, once you notice that the soil is completely dry.
Thus, the zinnia flower requires abundant and regular watering, especially during hot periods. This watering must be carried out directly at the level of the foot of the plant to avoid the risks of disease.
In addition, zinnias are watered on the soil surface, not on their leaves. This keeps the foliage dry and reduces the risk of spreading disease. Most gardeners water their zinnias early in the morning. If watered in the evening, the foliage might remain moist and can be more vulnerable to fungal infections.
Fun Facts You Should Know About Zinnia Flowers
In this vein, you can find some zinnia facts you may not know, such as:
- The name of the genus, Zinnia, comes from the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.
- Zinnias strongly attract butterflies and other beneficial insects.
- Zinnia was the flower of the state of Indiana in the United States from 1931 – 1957.
- Small, narrow-leaved zinnias make pretty dry flowers.
- The common garden zinnia or Zinnia Elegans is also called “Youth-and-age.
- The more you cut the zinnia flower, the more it returns.
Zinnia Symbolism
There are many hybrids of Zinnia Elegans, including dwarf (20 centimeters) or high (almost a meter), and they come in colors ranging from pink to orange.
The Mexican Zinnia Augustifolia is a medium size, and it bears orange flowers spotted with brown. They bloom, like most zinnias, in July-August.
There are several meaning for zinnias, and many depend on the color of the bloom. For example, a red zinnia stands for a question; “what have I done to you?” However, a yellow zinnia stands for “all happiness is forbidden from now on, since you no longer love me.”
More candidly, offering a zinnia can express your desire for light relationships without the need for anything serious.
Zinnia Flower: Pests and Diseases
More often than not, diseases and infections in zinnia plants happen mainly because of insects. There are two diseases to look for, too, in zinnias, which are powdery mildew and alternaria blotch.
Powdery mildew affects the plant and takes away its nutrients. Thus, zinnia does not flourish properly, and its leaves become weaker. Alternaria blotch causes reddish, brown, and purple spots on the foliage.
The key to preserve a healthy zinnia is to create an unwelcoming environment for pests. Zinnias should be exposed all times to the sun. Water them regularly but keep the soil well drained to prevent insects from coming.
Remove dead leaves or flowers, too. In addition, weeds must also be removed, which can attract various insects. If all of these steps have been completed and the plants are still suffering, seek advice from a gardening expert.
Zinnias flowers are among the most beautiful plants that grow easily and flourish heavily. The vibrant colors of its leave can brighten up your garden and make it a beautiful place to relax. You should give it a thought and try them this year. Zinnias are mostly annuals. Their flower heads are solitary and bright. There are three types of zinnia flowers, single, semi-double, and double. There isn’t much difference except in terms of row petals.
