Zinnias are the epitome of the discrete beauty of a harmonious garden in its full bloom. But they have won our hearts (and gardens) not only because of their attractiveness. These flowers have several advantages over other annuals and perennials – a huge variety of colors and shades, different heights, depending on the variety, and special unpretentiousness in care.

Zinnia inflorescences are baskets, solitary, relatively large, apical, on long, usually thickened pedicels from above or sessile. The flowers are lingual and diversely colored: yellow, red, white, pink, purplish, lilac, densely arranged with a rounded or emarginate margin; inner ones are small, tubular. The fruit of the zinnia is a seed.

Two annual species, Zinnia elegans and Zinnia angustifolia, are used in landscaping. They gave rise to numerous varieties of garden zinnias, which are very diverse in their decorative possibilities. Zinnias are particularly popular in the United States. Most of the modern types were bred there. Americans have grown to love it for its resistance to heat and bright coloration.

Advantages of Growing Zinnias

At least five reasons explain the desire of many gardeners to have beautiful zinnias in their gardens. These are:

Peculiarities of Growing Zinnias

Zinnia is a heat and light-loving plant that cannot withstand freezing. For abundant prolonged flowering, it requires soil with enough nutrients with a neutral reaction. Plot allocated for the cultivation of zinnias, first dig over, and then add humus, compost, or leaf soil at a rate of 8-10 kg per 1 sq. m. Of mineral fertilizers, 1 tablespoon of superphosphate is added. It does not tolerate excess moisture in the soil or prolonged drought.

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Planting Zinnias

Propagate zinnias through seedlings, as zinnias are sensitive to even the lightest frosts, both spring and autumn. Before planting, it is advisable to soak the zinnia seeds in a damp cloth to select the germinating seeds. Old ones germinate in about 6-10 days, and fresh ones in 2-3 days.

Sown on the windowsill in peat pots in early April, embedding to a depth of 1 cm. The optimal germination temperature is 22-24 degrees. At the end of May, the seedlings are hardened by taking the plants to the balcony.

Using Zinnias in Garden Design

Used in flower beds, squares, groups, large masses, and for cutting. High-growing varieties are ideal for decorating flower beds and rainbows. For balconies and containers, medium and low-growing (15-20 cm) varieties are suitable. They are wind-resistant and bloom abundantly and continuously. Zinnias look especially good in a group.

Flowers stand well in water and retain the brightness of color for a long time. They are cut when the inflorescence opens to 3/4, and the ends of the stems are burned or cut in hot water. A wilted bouquet of zinnias can be restored to freshness by placing it in hot water and renewing the oblique bottom cut.

You can dig up low-growing zinnias before frost with a clump of earth, plant them in large pots, water them generously and keep them in a room on a bright window. Then they will grace your apartment for several more weeks.

Types and Varieties of Zinnias

• Zinnia Elegans

  Zinnia elegans is native to southern Mexico. Annual quick-growing plant with upright, sturdy stems 30-90 cm tall. Leaves are ovate, pointed, smooth-edged, sessile, arranged in opposite rows, and dark green. Stems and leaves have stiff pubescence. Inflorescences are baskets, 3-14 cm in diameter.
  Reed flowers are bright white, cream, yellow, orange, red, lilac, purple, and violet; elongate-oval, linear-oblong, or curled up into a tube, with three teeth at the tip; tubular flowers are small, yellow. Blossoms very abundantly and prolong from mid-June until frosts. It bears fruit. Seeds keep their germination for 2-4 years. Cultivated in Europe since 1796, and it was cultivated by the Aztecs since 1520.

• Zinnia Angustifolia

  Zinnia angustifolia is native to Mexico. The plant is annual, erect, forming branched shrubs 30-40 cm tall. Leaves are sessile, elongate or lanceolate, acuminate, up to 6 cm long, with a broad base. Inflorescences are small, up to 4 cm in diameter, monochromatic, bright orange, sometimes lingual flowers with red tips and dark orange base, simple and semi-maxillary; tube flowers are dark or black-brown. Zinnia narrow-leaved blooms from late June until frost. Fruits. Seeds keep their germination for 2-4 years. Seeds are strongly flattened, oval- wedge-shaped. Cultivated since 1862.

• The Benary’s Giant Zinnias

  Benary’s Giant zinnias are a mainstay. These zinnias are premium quality since they are large, gorgeous, and productive! The Association of Specialty Cut Flowers genuinely recommends Benary’s Giant Zinnias. Flowers with 4 to 6 inches diameter are boldly displayed on sturdy stems. The flowers are compared to dahlias. This series resists the summer heat well and has a low susceptibility to powdery mildew. In roughly 75 to 90 days, the plant will mature, reaching a height of 40 to 50 inches.

• Queen Lime Red

  The gorgeous, in-demand “Queen” series, which includes “Queen Lime Red,” would not be included on a list of the most well-known zinnia types. This zinnia blooms in various hues, including dusty rose and hazy eggplant with undertones of lime. The medium-sized flowers have several double blossoms.

• Double Zahara Cherry’

  This Zinnia Maryland variety from PanAmerican Seed Co. won the 2010 All-America Selections (AAS) bedding plant competition. The numerous cherry-red completely double blooms provide for a stunning summer and fall show. With wholesome green leaves, mature plants grow to 14 inches.

• Uproar Rose

  The distinctive feature of this hybrid zinnia type in the garden is its enormous, gorgeous blossoms. The size of the flowers can reach 4 to 5 inches. The blooms are dense and remarkably consistent. The plant will mature between 75 and 85 days and grow to about 30 to 36 inches. These enormous, rose-colored flowers are ideal for cutting.

• Queeny Lime Orange

  These strong, healthy plants have dark green leaves 12 feet long and lovely blossoms 2 to 4 inches across. The flowers have a dark peach center and begin as a darker orange color that fades to the yellow inside. The flowers’ color changes as they age, ranging from a darker orange to a more coral hue. This plant’s added benefit is that it keeps blooming even without deadheading!

• Oklahoma’ Mix

  This zinnia hybrid is really sweet! Double and semi-double blooms are produced in abundance by these plants. The flowers are smaller, with a diameter of 1 ½ to 2 inches. The plant grows to a height of between 30 and 40 inches, and the long, sturdy stems make lovely cut flowers.
  This variety can be grown in containers! These zinnias mature around 75 to 90 days on average. Powdery mildew is not very susceptible to the Oklahoma series. You can buy seeds in mixed varieties or buy them in distinct hues. White, salmon, red, carmine, golden yellow, and pink make up this series’ color palette.

• Cactus Flowered’ Mix

  The “classic” zinnia has a unique twist thanks to “Cactus Flowered” varieties. The petals have a unique curled or twisted appearance because they are quilled. The flowers have a diameter of 3 to 6 inches and are available in pink, orange, red, yellow, peach, and white hues. Between 75 and 90 days pass before the plant matures, growing to a height of 28 to 40 inches. In addition to being wonderful cut flowers, cactus zinnias provide helpful insects to the yard.

• Isabellina

  Buttery yellow blooms cover the top of this heirloom zinnia cultivar. The single or double flowers create wonderful cut flowers and combine well with white and pastel-colored flowers. Typically, plants generate long, sturdy stems and reach heights of between 2 ½ to 4 feet.

• Mazurkia

  The blooms are very moderate, measuring up to 3 inches in diameter, and are “extremely vivid.” ‘Mazurkia’ is more likely to produce double colors than similar types. This type can be grown as a border plant for the landscape, in a pot, or as a cut flower garden. When fully grown, the plant will measure 30 inches. “Mazurkia” is a companion plant to the bicolor variation “Macarenia,” which has red petals and golden tips.

• Sunbow Mix

  ‘Sunbow’ is a charmingly adorable hybrid with double, 1 to 2-inch blooms. Rose, purple, golden yellow, crimson, orange, pink, and white are all in the mixture. The plant grows to 24 to 30 inches and has long wiry stems. ‘Sunbow Mix’ is a great addition to the garden for cut flowers.

• Zinderella

  Zinderella’s zinnias have exquisite “tutus” encircling their little, fluffy centers, making them very princess-like flowers. It’s common to describe these zinnias as “scabiosa-like.” These flower blossoms have a dark purple eye in the middle, shorter fluffy florets surrounding it, and a single row of longer and bigger petals making up the “skirt.”
  There are many hues in the “Zinderella” series, including lilac, orange, peach, purple, red, white, and yellow. When fully grown, these plants can grow to be 25 to 32 inches tall. Remember that not every bloom in this mixture will be double or semi-double. There could be some single blooms.

Conclusion

Zinnia is a well-known ornamental flowering plant. This beauty was first seen and discerned by the Austrian scientist Carl Linnaeus. He named the flower after the botanist scientist from Germany, Johann Zinn. From him, Linnaeus received an amazingly bright herbarium of zinnias. So in the 18th century, zinnia began its journey worldwide, and today is considered one of the most beautiful and favorite flowers. In the 20th century, new varieties of zinnias were bred by specialists in all continents worldwide.

Many flower growers love zinnias for their bright flower heads and unpretentious nature. Most varieties grow well in direct sunlight and do not require frequent watering. Not every flower can survive in such extreme conditions. The only thing that Zinnia would like is low air temperatures. The plant will bloom from early spring until the first frost with proper care.

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