Zinnia is loved by many for its rich range of shades and gigantic flower sizes! What attracts me is the ease of growing it from seeds. Zinnia has another amazing feature that is dear to my heart. Her flower lives 34-35 days! And if you cut it and put it in a vase, it will last for a whole week, and sometimes more!
It is curious that if you write two “n” in the name of a flower, this will not be considered an error! Both options will be correct.
Zinnia is an annual plant. It grows fantastically fast! From the moment the seeds are sowed until the first flowers appear, not much time passes - 2.5 months. And flowering lasts all summer, from late June to late autumn.
Growing a flower - exciting process. Her seeds are large and easy to work with. You don’t have to wait long for seedlings, they grow quickly and easily take root in the flowerbed. Seeds can be sown directly into a flower bed in mid-May or seedlings can be grown, as you wish.
Growing zinnia for seedlings
Seeds for seedlings are sown in mid-April and not earlier. March seedlings quickly gain height and by the time they are planted in the ground they even manage to acquire buds. It is difficult to transport such giants to the dacha - they can be broken. And where can you find so much space for seedlings at home? In addition, the older the plant, the worse it will take root in a new place.
So, for seedlings you will need a large container, at least 10 cm deep. Remember, zinnia grows very quickly! The seedlings will be rather large, so place the seeds at a distance of 2-3 cm from each other and to a depth of no more than 1 cm. Moisten thoroughly and cover with film or glass.
It’s great that you only have to wait 3-4 days for germination. When the green babies appear, remove the film immediately. Try not to overdo it with watering. The soil at the base of the plant should be barely moist, but not a swamp!
When the sprouts become 10 cm high, each of them will need to be planted in a separate pot. Do not be afraid to deepen the seedlings to the level of the cotyledons. Very soon the green leg of the sprouts will grow in the soil with adventitious roots.
Another trick: in order for the root system to branch better, the main root needs to be pinched a little 1-2 cm and immediately into the ground!
"walk". IN good weather take her out to the balcony. This way the plants will get stronger and harden.
Approximately 4-6 weeks after sowing, the seedlings can be taken to the dacha.
If sowed tall varieties, there should be 30-40 cm of free space between plants, low-growing ones - 20 cm.
As soon as the zinnias have settled a little in their new place, it’s time to pinch the top of their heads to make the bushes more branchy. Some do this even at the seedling stage, above the fifth leaf level. Well, it’s ready, all you have to do is wait for flowering!
Growing zinnia from seeds in a flower bed
Sowing zinnia seeds directly into the flower garden is less hassle. There is not always extra space for seedlings on the windowsill, and it is time consuming. Moreover, the flower grows beautifully in open ground. And you gain strength in the air faster than in a greenhouse!
When the threat of spring frosts has passed, approximately sometime after May 15, you can begin to sow the plant. Make beds in the area allocated for it. Perhaps you have your own ideas for arranging a flower bed? For example, in a circle or in a checkerboard pattern? Pay attention to what varieties and species you plant. Depending on the size, they can be quite tall or quite small.
In any case, do not sow the seeds deeper than 1 cm.
I like to sow directly into the flower bed. I sow 10 cm between seeds, and then at the stage of 4-5 leaves I thin out. I don’t throw away the removed plants, but plant them somewhere else in the flowerbed.
That's all the subtleties of growing zinnia from seeds. As you can see, it's not that difficult! But what a queue of neighbors I gather at the dacha on the eve of September 1st! Everyone wants a bouquet of zinnias for the teacher! But I don’t feel sorry for it, let my neighbors and school teachers rejoice with me!
Zinnia, better known among people as major, is an elegant plant with many large and bright colors. Its cultivation will not cause you any special problems, and its beauty will touch the eye from the beginning of summer until autumn frosts. Today we will talk in detail about the only way which reproduces zinnia - growing from seeds. We will also be sure to clarify when to plant seeds in open ground and for seedlings.
Most often, zinnia becomes an element of decor made in rustic style. Often these flowers are used to create more modern flower arrangements. It is in your power to create a truly unique flower garden featuring a unique zinnia!
Zinnia is a charming gift from nature!
To begin with, dear summer residents, let us briefly consider the main characteristics of this popular ornamental plant. Zinnia is an annual. The height of the plant, depending on the variety, can range from 20 cm to 1 m; the colors of the flowers can be found in a wide variety of colors.
Zinnia is very thermophilic, and even the slightest frost can destroy it. In view of this, in regions where spring frosts often do not subside until summer, it is grown only through seedlings. Zinnia seeds germinate well, and the plant develops quickly and enters the flowering phase on average after 2.5 months.
Growing seedlings
In order for the flowers to turn out fantastically beautiful, it is necessary to pay due attention to each stage of cultivation. It is very important to know how to prepare seeds for planting, when to plant them, how to care for seedlings and adult plants.
When to plant seeds? Even if you want zinnia to please you with its flowering as early as possible, you should not be too hasty in sowing seeds for seedlings. The most suitable period for this event is mid-April. If you start planting in March, then by the time of planting the seedlings will have outgrown, and therefore will not take root well in the new place. In addition, large branched plants are easier to break during replanting.
How to plant zinnia seeds? To plant, you will need a large box with a depth of at least 10 cm. Lower the seeds to a depth of 1 cm. Leave 2 to 3 cm between them, since the seedlings will actively grow before picking. When planting is complete, water the soil generously and cover the box with film. With the emergence of seedlings, it is necessary to immediately remove the shelter.
When to make a pick? In order for zinnia to develop properly, it is necessary to plant the seedlings in separate spacious containers in a timely manner. It is best to do this when they reach a height of 10 cm.
Valuable advice from flower growers:
When picking, deepen zinnia seedlings to the cotyledons to form more roots.
Having taken the plant out of the common box, shorten the main root by 2-3 cm, and only then plant it in a separate pot or glass.
How to harden zinnia seedlings? Hardening off young seedlings should begin two weeks before moving to the estate. Choose a method depending on the growing conditions: you can open the window all day, take the pots to the balcony or outside. But don't forget to cover them from the midday sun and strong winds.
How to plant zinnia in OG? On open area Zinnia is usually planted at the age of one to one and a half months. If everything goes according to plan, it will bloom in a month. When planting zinnia varieties that will have a height of 20-50 cm, leave only 20 cm between adjacent specimens. Place tall varieties of the flower less often - in increments of 30-40 cm. As soon as the zinnia gets stronger after transplantation, cut off its top so that later you get lush bushes.
Planting zinnia seeds in exhaust gas
Gardeners who are in no hurry to see zinnia in all its splendor and do not like to tinker with seedlings plant the seeds directly in the OG. As already mentioned, this plant does not tolerate even slight frosts, so planting should be postponed until the period when even the slightest night frosts have stopped. Therefore, for most areas, only the end of May will be suitable. It is easy to understand that flowering in this case will begin only at the end of summer. If you are willing to wait that long, this method of growing zinnia is right for you.
Sow the seeds in the holes, leaving the distance between them recommended by the manufacturer. Deepen by 5 cm. If you decide to plant several seeds in each hole, you will subsequently need to thin out. The uprooted seedlings can be used as seedlings.
The site for zinnia should be sunny (without the slightest shading) and windless.
Light and fertile soil will be suitable. It is extremely important that water does not stagnate in the ground. To improve the drainage properties of the soil, sand is added to it.
Immediately after planting seeds or seedlings of zinnia in exhaust gas, it is better to use covering material for a while to save the plant from possible frosts.
How to collect seeds?
In order to next year To have high-quality planting material, select several zinnia bushes in advance to collect seeds. Everything should be cut off from them. side shoots. After waiting until the flowers turn brown, they should be cut, dried and the seeds removed. The material should be stored in a dry place where there are no temperature changes.
Interesting! There is no need to collect zinnia seeds every year, because their germination persists for 3 or even 4 years.
So, now you know that the only way to have gorgeous zinnia on your site is to grow it from seeds. We have described in detail when to plant seeds for seedlings and in open ground. For those who forget, we remind you: the second half of April and the second half of May, respectively. Zinnia is a flower that is ready to give its beauty without demanding special respect. The most important thing for him is a lot of sun and no excess water. Otherwise, caring for zinnia is very ordinary.
Zinnia is loved by many gardeners for its rich palette of colors and variety of species. This flower needs minimal care and will become a real decoration of your flowerbed. Growing Zinnia from seeds it will not be difficult even for novice gardeners, the main thing is to know when to plant. See the photo and use the tips from this article, then zinnia will take worthy place on your site.
How to grow zinnia in open ground
Zinnia is annual flower, which, although not whimsical, loves a lot of light and fertile soil. After sowing, the first flowers will appear after 1.5-2 months. If you cut a flower, it will last in a vase with water for more than a week. It's amazing what more colors The more you cut from the bush, the more they will appear again.
Zinnia seedlings
Growing zinnia for seedlings is a fascinating process; the main thing is to prepare the necessary containers and choose a place for them. Seeds for seedlings should be sown no earlier than April, as this flower grows quite quickly. If you plant in March, then by the time the weather warms up the seedlings will already have buds, and large plants difficult to transport and replant.
For zinnia seedlings, prepare special containers with a depth of at least 10 cm. Plant the seeds at a distance from each other, as the seedlings are quite large. The depth of planting in the ground is about 1 cm. After this, use a spray gun to moisten the soil and cover the containers cling film. After 3-4 days the first shoots will appear, so you will need to remove the film. Try to water the seedlings regularly, but not too much, so that the ground does not turn into a swamp.
Flowerbed with zinnia
Wait until your sprouts are about 10 cm high. Then transplant them into a separate pot. In this case, it is advisable to deepen the seedling to the cotyledons, then it will develop a good root system. Experienced gardeners It is recommended to pinch the main root before transplanting so that the root branches well.
Types of zinnia
Harden the seedlings before planting them in open ground. To do this, at the end of May, the seedlings are taken out onto the balcony in good weather. Already 1-1.5 months after sowing the seeds, zinnia seedlings can be planted in the ground at the dacha. Depending on the zinnia variety you choose, plant the seedlings at a distance of 20 to 40 cm from each other. After the flower has taken root in your flowerbed, pinch the crown.
Growing from zinnia seeds
Don't want to spend a lot of time fiddling with zinnia seedlings? Sowing seeds in open ground will help get rid of unnecessary hassle. Zinnia is one of those flowers that germinate well, so the seeds can be planted directly into a flower bed. Sowing the seeds of the plant must be done when the threat of frost has completely passed. Most often this period occurs after mid-May.
Make beds in the flowerbed and sow seeds. It is not necessary to plant zinnia in a row; this flower will add zest to your flowerbed, so be creative and plant it in a circle or in a checkerboard pattern. Keep in mind that zinnia has many varieties, some of which are short-growing, while others are tall.
Now you know all the intricacies of growing zinnias from seeds when to plant and how to care. This flower will delight long time abundant flowering until autumn. See photos of zinnias and design a flowerbed to suit every taste.
Zinnia ( Latin name- Zinnia) – a genus of perennial and annual herbs and subshrubs of the Asteraceae family. The plant is named after the German doctor and botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn, and Southern Mexico is considered its homeland.
Did you know? The Aztecs cultivated zinnia as early as 1500, and it came to Europe in the 18th century and almost immediately became a favorite decoration for gardens and noble receptions. In the twentieth century, zinnia was already cultivated on all continents, and was even a symbol of one of the states of America - Indiana.
Sowing zinnia seeds in open ground
Zinnias, known by the usual name majors and in their diversity, are loved by many gardeners and lovers ornamental plants. It is impossible to find a garden in which this crop does not grow. Zinnia does not require special care, and growing it from seeds is a very simple process that many gardeners enjoy. Growing zinnia is a fascinating process: the seeds are round and quite easy to work with. However, planting and caring for flowers still has certain features.
Time for sowing
Of course, if you want flowers to please you with their beauty as soon as possible, you need to choose the right method and determine the timing of planting. There are several ways to grow zinnia on your site:
- sow seeds at home (seedling method);
- sow seeds under open air(immediately to the garden bed).
In order to determine which zinnia seeds are viable, before planting they are wrapped in gauze or a cloth soaked in epin. Fresh seeds hatch within a couple of days, but old ones may take a week.
Place for zinnias on the site
Since zinnia is a heat- and light-loving plant, its cultivation should be done in a place that is not shaded and abundantly illuminated by the sun.
Important! It is advisable to exclude drafts so that the wind does not damage the stems.
Loose fertile soil is suitable as soil, and before planting the area must be cleared of weeds. Due to the fact that zinnia reacts negatively to stagnant moisture in the soil, you can add a little sand or turf soil when planting. This way you will dilute the soil and prevent water stagnation.
Scheme of sowing seeds in a garden bed
Before directly planting seeds in open ground, the area should be covered with insulating material. synthetic fabric. This will create a greenhouse effect and slightly retain moisture in the soil.
You can plant zinnias in a flowerbed in any way. geometric pattern: in a circle, in a checkerboard pattern or around the perimeter. The main thing is to take into account the varieties so that the flowerbed looks harmonious.
The depth of the holes should be about 5 cm, and several seeds can be placed in one hole. The distance between the holes should be about 10 cm.
Important!If the time for planting is chosen correctly, the first shoots will appear within a week.
To grow full-fledged flowers, after germination the bushes should be thinned, leaving a distance of 30 cm between them, and for low-growing plants - 20 cm.
Sheltering the first zinnia shoots
To prevent possible frosts from damaging the seedlings, it is recommended to cover them with special material.
Basics of caring for majors
Caring for ascended zinnia does not depend on how the planting took place. The main thing is to provide flowers sufficient watering(at the root), fertilizing, regular loosening, weeding, as well as getting rid of pests and treatment. That is, there is a special agricultural technology for growing zinnia.
Did you know?The flower life is 35 days, and picked zinnias can last 2 weeks in a vase.
Pinching the top
Beginning gardeners often have the question “How to pinch zinnias and is it necessary to do this?” In order for the plant to bush, this procedure really needs to be carried out.
As soon as the flowers take root and grow, they need to pinch the crown, as a result of which the bushes will become more branched and lush. This is done over the third or fourth pair of leaves. However, if you want to grow elegant zinnias on long peduncles, pinching is not necessary.
Watering and loosening the soil
When watering, zinnia requires a special approach because it does not tolerate excess moisture, which can cause root rot. Lack of moisture, in turn, will have little effect on the plant, since it is a drought-resistant species.
Rare is suitable for majors, but abundant watering, the mode of which depends on climatic conditions the region in which they are grown.
Important!When watering, you must ensure that no water gets on the peduncle, as this can cause the flower to rot.
After rainy days, it is necessary to remove faded inflorescences so that flowering is more abundant and lasts longer.
Plant nutrition
The soil in the place where you plan to grow zinnia can be anything. However, the flower grows much better in fertile soils. The soil can be fertilized before directly sowing majors in open ground. To do this, dig up the area and add compost (humus, peat) at the rate of 8-10 kg per 1 m², thoroughly mixing and then loosening the soil.
You can use mineral fertilizers. In this case, per 1 m² you will need:
- 1 tbsp. spoon of potassium sulfate;
- 1 tbsp. spoon of superphosphate;
- 1 tbsp. spoon of nitrophoska.
Collection and storage of seeds
Zinnia seeds ripen within two months after the start of flowering. Therefore, it is not surprising that many gardeners are interested in how to collect zinnia seeds themselves? First of all, you should wait until the seed pods are completely ripe and their color turns brown.
Important!In shoots of the first order, the seeds have best qualities, therefore, all side shoots must be removed from pre-selected specimens.
The boxes are carefully cut from the stem with sharp scissors and dried. Dry seeds are removed onto a piece of paper, which can then be used as an envelope for storage, and cleaned of dry flower residues. Should be stored in a dry place at constant temperature. Seed germination lasts 3-4 years.
Forcing zinnia
Seeds are planted for seedlings in mid-April. The plant quickly gains height, therefore, if planted earlier, then by the time it is planted in the ground, zinnia may acquire buds, which can be damaged during transportation. Besides, mature plant adapts less well to a new place.
For seedlings you need to take a large container (depth - at least 10 cm) and since the seedlings will be large, they are placed in the ground at a distance of 2-3 cm from each other, the sowing depth is no more than 1 cm. The ground must be well moistened and covered with film .
After 3-4 days, shoots will appear and the film can be removed. Do not overwater the zinnias - the soil should be slightly moist and optimal temperature for zinnia germination it is considered +22+24 ºC. After the plants grow to 10 cm, they need to be planted in separate pots. In order for the root system to branch well, the main root is pinched 1-2 cm. 2 weeks before planting in the ground, you need to start “walking” the plant, taking it out to the balcony in warm weather. This way the sprouts will harden and become stronger.
Problems when growing zinnia
How to control pests
Zinnia can sometimes be attacked by pests such as:
- slugs;
- snails
Gastropods are fought with beer bowls placed around the area. You can scatter pieces of roofing felt or slate between the seedlings - mollusks love to crawl there and can be collected by hand.
Zinnia (growing from seeds and seedlings) - when to plant flowers.
The Zinnia flower is a very bright and beautiful flower. It refers to decorative annuals for planting in gardens and flower beds. A healthy multi-petaled flower that sits on a tough, durable stem can vary in height from 50 to 90 cm. There are dwarf varieties, the height of which is 25-30 cm.
Zinnia can be easily grown from either seeds or transplants. This plant is very unpretentious. to provide good flowering, it is enough to plant it in a sunny place, provide moderate watering and sufficient soil fertility. The time from germination to full flowering is on average 60-70 days. That's why. If you want to speed up the appearance of zinnia flowers, its seeds need to be planted as early as possible.
There are two ways to grow Zinnia. The first method is sowing seeds in open ground, and the second is growing from seedlings. For those areas where there are no frosts in May, it is recommended to plant zinnia seeds directly in the open, and the planting depth should be 3 cm. It is better to sow seeds in the 2-3rd decade of May. To do this, you need to put several seeds in a small hole. Holes should be made at a distance 20-30 cm. In just a week you will be able to see the first shoots. Some experts recommend covering the holes before germination with a special covering material to protect them from cold and drying out.
After zinnia seedlings appear, they need to be provided with moderate watering, fertilizing several times over the summer and careful loosening of the soil. If you choose to grow zinnia from seeds, you will not be able to see the flowering plant until late July - early August.
As for growing from seedlings, to obtain it you need to plant Zinnia seeds in pots of 2-3 pieces. in the beginning of April. This plant does not like diving because it does not tolerate damage to the root system. When sowing seedlings, try to plant them not densely, and if the plant is stretched out, you need to add soil to the pots, so the Zinnia seedlings will form additional roots. When to harvest seedlings? It can be planted in a flowerbed in late May - early June.
Zinnia seedlings should be planted at a distance of 30 cm from each other, and care must be taken when transferring the plant with soil from the pot. If you choose this planting method, you will see a flowering plant in early July.
So to summarize:
Sowing zinnia seeds for seedlings - early April.
Planting zinnia seedlings in flower beds - late May - early June.
Zinnia – unpretentious plant, capable of growing in any region, although its homeland is Central and South America. The ancient Aztecs first started growing zinnia in the 15th century, but the flower appeared in Europe only in the 18th century. Breeders have developed many varieties with a wide variety of bud colors. With the help of these shades, you can add brightness to any flower bed by planting tall and low-growing varieties, which grow from 20 to 100 centimeters. Growing zinnia from seeds- the task is not difficult. To do this you don't have to be experienced florist or have special knowledge.
Growing zinnia from seeds
How to grow zinnia from seeds?
The Zinnia flower is distinguished by its shape, the size of its buds and the surface of its leaves, which can be double or smooth. Zinnias easily combine with any plants, so some gardeners use the plant to create an original and aesthetic flower bed. Gardeners most often plant the following varieties of zinnia: graceful, dahlia, pompom, chrysanthemum. They are less whimsical, do not require complex care and quickly adapt to new conditions.
Zinnia blossom
What is the best way to plant zinnia? It all depends on where you live. For example, if you live in an area with a warm climate, then planting a flower can be done directly into the soil itself. But if the climate in your area is unstable and can suddenly collapse at night severe frost, then it is recommended to grow seedlings from seeds. How to do it?
Sowing seeds: what not to forget?
- Selection of planting material. Where do you buy zinnia seeds? Experts advise not to give preference to spontaneous markets and grandmothers who “guarantee” high-quality goods. It is better to trust specialized stores and nurseries for breeding planting material.
- Preparing containers. What container is suitable for growing zinnia seedlings? Deep. main feature The advantage of plant seedlings is the presence of a long, well-developed root system. Therefore, containers must have a depth of at least 10 centimeters.
- The soil. The soil mixture for sowing seeds should consist of turf soil, humus and peat, taken in equal proportions. If you cannot mix all the ingredients yourself, then immediately purchase ready-made soil mixture in the shop.
- Disinfection. Before sowing, the seeds need to be soaked using a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Those that float are not suitable for planting, and the rest are placed on a damp cloth for germination. The first shoots most often appear on the second day, which indicates good seed germination. If the seeds are old, they may hatch in 5–7 days.
At what distance are the seeds placed? Planting material Zinnias are placed at a distance of up to 3 centimeters from each other, deepening them no more than 1 centimeter. After sowing, the soil must be moistened with a sprayer. You can sow seedlings in a common container, individual cups or peat tablets. Individual containers are preferable, because when transplanted into open ground, seedlings are not injured and adapt more easily. Seeds are planted no earlier than April, so that the seedlings do not have time to start setting buds, otherwise, when transplanted into open ground, zinnia may drop them. If you sowed the seeds in May, then the first flowering can be expected in early July.
Immediately after planting the seeds, the container is covered with film to create a greenhouse effect. You can make several small holes in the shelter for air exchange. In order for seed growth to continue actively, it is important to maintain a certain level of soil moisture by periodically adding water to the tray with a container. After the sprouts appear, the film can be removed.
Caring for zinnia seedlings at home
As soon as you see the first leaves, immediately start adding light fertilizing.
Growing zinnia: when and how to plant seedlings in 2018
Do not immediately fill the flower big amount mineral fertilizers. First you can try adding a large number of feeding, highly diluted with water. The first serious feeding is done after four true leaves appear, and then fertilized weekly. Root and foliar feeding comprehensive mineral fertilizers, diluted in water for irrigation. But, the solution should not get on the leaves of the seedlings, so as not to cause burns. But that is not all.
Seedling care consists of:
- Transplants. If the planting was carried out in a common container, then when the seedlings reach a height of 8–10 centimeters, they need to be transplanted into individual containers, deepening the seedlings to a depth of two centimeters. This will promote their rapid growth and protect against the spread of infections.
- Hilling up. When they reach 10 centimeters, the seedlings should be hilled (create a small earthen hill at the root), which will promote the appearance of adventitious shoots.
- Pinching. At the same time, you need to pinch, removing shoots at the base of the root, at a height of two centimeters.
- Hardening. Want to grow healthy seedlings? Then, 10 to 14 days in advance, begin to harden it, taking it out onto the loggia for several hours.
Many summer residents are delighted with zinnia. Why? The flower has pointed, ovoid leaves, and graceful basket-shaped buds, the diameter of which is from 3 to 16 centimeters. Only one flower blooms on each stem and the plant blooms almost all summer, starting in June. From mid-May, if the frosts have passed, zinnia can be planted in open ground. To do this, you should choose a well-lit place with fertile soil. You should not plant zinnia in lowlands where large amounts of moisture collect. Root system The flower does not tolerate stagnation of water, so the result of such a transplant can be disastrous.
Zinnia can tolerate various vagaries of weather, even cold down to -4 degrees below zero. But it is better to take care of young seedlings and, if necessary, cover them at night. Zinnias look good in bouquets. They need to be cut off when the bud has opened a little more than half. In order for the bouquet to last longer, it is recommended to burn the cut points and place the flowers in warm water. So, now you know how to grow zinnia at home. Bloom this beautiful plant will not leave anyone indifferent and will make your country cottage area the most attractive.
Zinnia - planting and care in open ground, types and varieties
The genus Zinnia (Zinnia) from the Asteraceae or Compositae family includes about 20 species of herbaceous and semi-shrub annuals, perennial plants. In nature, the culture grows in the regions of South and Central America. The genus is named after the German professor of botany and pharmacology, director botanical garden in Göttingen by Johann Gottfried Zinn.
The plant is characterized by a straight stem, along which there are pairs of oval leaves of an intense bright green color. At the ends of the shoots, magnificent single inflorescences-baskets are formed, which are distinguished by a wide range of colors, although the most popular shades are pink, orange, lilac, red, yellow and white. The annual is characterized by long and abundant flowering - from June to late autumn.
Thanks to its ease of outdoor care, zinnia is one of the most popular garden flowering plants, ideal for creating stunning flower beds and edgings. Low forms look good in container gardening and along paths. And cut flowers can stand in a vase for about 2 weeks. The annual is well suited for filling empty spaces after bulbous primroses have faded.
Popular types and varieties
Only two types of zinnia, diverse in their decorative possibilities— Zinnia elegans and Zinnia angustifolia, as well as their numerous hybrids and varietal forms, are widely used in garden landscaping.
Zinnia graceful(Zinnia elegans) - the most known species. Thanks to the work of breeders, you can find a large number of varieties and new forms are constantly being created - from miniature ones, reaching 30 cm in height, to tall ones - almost 120 cm. Inflorescences with a rich color palette can be single, double or semi-double and vary in size - from small (3 cm) to impressively large (15 cm in diameter). Seed germination lasts 3-4 years.
Based on the structure of the inflorescences and height, this species is divided into garden groups of zinnias:
Dahlia. The height of some specimens can reach 120 cm. It is distinguished by a large number of large spherical flowers 12-15 cm in diameter. There can be about 25 of them on one bush! Among the group we will meet such valuable varieties, like the giant “Benary’s Giants Series”, low “Burnus” (55 cm) with bright red flowers, snow-white compact “Polar Bear” (60 cm), pink “Eldorado”, purple “Purple Prinse” and “Violett” of all shades purple and etc.
Chrysanthemum. Grows up to 60 -70 cm and has no less impressive inflorescences of orange, bright yellow, soft pink, coral and violet shade. Popular varieties: “Coral Pink”, “Fantasia”, series of hybrids “New Burpee’s Hybrids”.
Giant cactus is also called acicular with petals of a characteristic needle shape. As a rule, it reaches 60-80 cm in height. The most common on sale are multi-colored varietal mixtures and "Burpees Spielarten" in pastel colors. Sometimes you can find seeds individual varieties intense orange, light pink or dark lilac.
Pompon zinnias They are distinguished by abundant flowering and do not exceed 40-50 cm in height. Among them we can highlight a mixture of Liliput and Thumbelina with miniature plants up to 15 cm in height. Small double dense inflorescences-balls 4-6 cm in diameter. Well-known and popular varieties in gardening include compact bushes of the densely double “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Tom-Thumb” with flatter inflorescences.
Narrow-leaved(Z. angmtifolia) also known as Mexican (Z. Mexicana). It has narrower, elongated leaves and forms a branched bush, often creeping, up to 40 cm in height. Single or semi-double inflorescences are small and not as showy as those of other species.
The flower palette is usually monochromatic, yellow, orange or white, sometimes with a contrasting dark color of the tips of the reed petals, but in varietal forms you can find red, pink or purple color scheme. For example, excellent low-growing variety mixtures “Persian Carpet” and “Candy Stripe”.
Features of care
Zinnia thrives in sunny, warm locations. For good growth And abundant flowering Requires fertile, slightly moist, permeable soil.
When and how to plant zinnia when growing from seeds
You can improve the clay structure of the soil by adding coarse sand and compost. The crop is resistant to short-term drought, during active growth After planting, zinnia requires moderate watering.
If the soil is rich nutrients, then the plantings do not require fertilization. In poor substrates, the first fertilizing with organic and nitrogen-containing fertilizers for flowering crops is carried out long before the development period flower buds and then repeat during the budding period.
Subsequent care of zinnia is limited mainly to the systematic removal of faded inflorescences, maintaining uniform soil moisture during the hot period and loosening.
Planting zinnia and growing from seeds
In agricultural cultivation technology it is used seedling method planting zinnias. At the end of March - beginning of April, the seeds are sown in containers with peat to a depth of about 1 cm in a room with a temperature of 22 to 24 ° C. Before sowing, it is advisable to soak the seed material in a damp cloth. This will help you select seeds with good germination. Containers are placed in a well-lit place, but not under direct sun rays. Watering is carried out using a spray. The substrate should be constantly moderately moist. The first shoots appear after a few days.
When the saplings produce their first two true leaves, they are picked into separate pots. In May, seedlings are hardened off by exposing them to open air. On permanent place They are planted in the garden in the second half of May, when the danger of the slightest frost has passed. Zinnias are planted at a distance of 20-40 cm from each other. The time from sowing to flowering is approximately 12 weeks.
Seeds can also be sown directly into the ground at the end of May. In this case, flowering should be expected much later. Shoots that are too dense are thinned out.