Zinnias originally come from South America. But they also cut a fine figure in our gardens. But only if they are planted and cared for properly.
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) are very popular for the summer garden, mainly because they are very easy to care for and show a long flowering period. They can also be combined with other perennials and grasses to give your garden that certain something. The special thing about the zinnias is above all the variety of colors. They flower for many weeks in the summer and are often planted in combination with coneflowers or dahlias. But you can also add a touch of color to your own terrace in a pot.
Many new varieties bred
The plants have been available in our latitudes since the 19th century and since then many new varieties have been bred, which have also produced new colors. A plant can grow 20 to 100 centimeters high. You can buy and plant flowering zinnias until September. In this way, the colorful flowers enrich the flower beds even in late summer.
Location and Ground
Zinnias are heat-loving plants and therefore need a sunny and wind-protected location. Just like they know it from their warm homeland of South America. So you don't mind if the temperatures rise above 30 degrees. They won't hang their heads right away.
The soil should be permeable. But it can also be slightly clayey. The zinnias don't mind.
Tip:
It is best to enrich the soil with some compost before planting. This way the plants will grow much stronger.
How to properly plant zinnias
Sowing:
Zinnias are available as seeds in spring. You can put these into the ground from May. The temperatures should definitely not fall below 18 degrees Celsius. It is therefore best to wait until after the ice saints before sowing. Then do the following:
Loosen the soil and work in some compost. You can then plant the seeds about 30 centimeters apart in the ground. Then cover lightly with soil and water.
Put zinnia plants in the bed:
You haveOnce you have bought zinnia plants, you can place them in the flower bed from May. To do this, loosen the soil again and enrich it with compost. Meanwhile, place the zinnia root balls in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes. Then you can put the zinnias in the bed.
Tip:
If you want to put the zinnias in planters, you must make sure that they have a drainage hole so that excess water can drain off and no waterlogging occurs forms.
This is how zinnias thrive
Casting:
Zinnias don't like their root ball drying out. Therefore, water the plants regularly. But not too much, otherwise waterlogging could occur and that doesn't suit the zinnia at all.
It is best to water in the morning or evening hours. In the midday hours, drops of water could remain on the leaves, which in turn can cause heat damage from burns. More on this in our article How to avoid sunburn on plants - 4 tips.
Clean plants:
Remove wilted and faded parts of plants quickly. This encourages the formation of numerous new flowers.
Hiberation:
Zinnias are annual plants that cannot withstand the cold in the flower bed. But there are good chances with zinnias that grow in the planter. If you bring the flower pots into the house before the first frost and place them in a bright, frost-free room, they could survive the winter and bloom splendidly again next year. Water sparingly during this time and slowly acclimate the zinnias back to the warmer temperatures outside from mid-May.