Zinnia Care - How To Grow Zinnia Flowers

Laura Walters
Zinnia flowers (Zinnia elegans) are a colorful and long-lasting addition to the flower garden. When you learn how to plant zinnias for your area, you'll be able to add this popular annual to sunny areas that benefit from their perky blooms.
How to Grow Zinnia Plants
Growing zinnia plants can be inexpensive, particularly when growing them from seed. Seeds of zinnia flowers should usually be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed.
If you wish to start growing zinnia plants from seeds indoors, plant the seeds in peat pots, poo pots (pots made from cow dung), or other biodegradable containers that can be planted directly into the garden later.
Start seeds four to six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Zinnias begin to show growth outdoors when temperatures are above 50 degrees F. (10 C). Space the seeds for growing zinnia plants properly, usually several inches to a couple of feet apart (8-61 cm.), depending on the size of the mature plant. This allows for adequate air circulation around the plants as they grow.
Powdery mildew and other diseases can attack zinnia flowers that are planted too close together or that remain wet from overhead watering. While the widest range of zinnia colors and heights comes from planting seeds, the popular flower is usually available in starter packs as well at your local garden center.
Caring for Zinnias
Zinnia care should include watering at the base of the plant. A soaker hose is ideal for keeping foliage and petals dry while providing much needed irrigation. Zinnia care may also include watering in the early morning, which allows the foliage and flowers ample time to dry off before nightfall.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, for young plants. Mature zinnias require less watering, as grown flowers are somewhat drought tolerant. With proper placement and correct watering, zinnia plants provide long-term color and beauty in the summer flower bed.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".
Growing zinnia plants benefit from deadheading and flower removal (used in cut flower bouquets). Clipping the plant back often results in more abundant blooms. In addition, when learning how to grow zinnia, remember that pinching back results in a bushier and more attractive plant.
If you're looking to add some bright color, grow some zinnia flowers in your summer garden this year.

Becca Badgett was a regular contributor to Gardening Know How for ten years. Co-author of the book How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden, Becca specializes in succulent and cactus gardening.
- Laura WaltersContent Editor
-
10 Deer-Resistant Pollinator Plants To Create A Harmonious Wildlife Paradise
Deer grazing getting you down? Try these deer-resistant pollinator plants to help improve your garden without it being decimated by deer!
-
How To Keep Dahlias Flowering For Longer – Start Now With These Pro Tips For A Bloom-Filled Summer & Fall
They are some of the most popular, diverse and dynamic summer flowers you can grow – so here’s how to keep dahlias flowering for as long as you possibly can for a joyful extended season of blooms
-
How To Keep Dahlias Flowering For Longer – Start Now With These Pro Tips For A Bloom-Filled Summer & Fall
They are some of the most popular, diverse and dynamic summer flowers you can grow – so here’s how to keep dahlias flowering for as long as you possibly can for a joyful extended season of blooms
-
Do Deer Eat Hydrangeas? How To Keep Beloved Shrubs Safe From Greedy Grazers
Do deer like hydrangeas? Everything you need to now about deer and hydrangeas, including the best types to plant if you have deer in your area.
-
8 Flowering Shrubs That Bloom All Summer – To Vamp Up Borders & Sweeten Your Curb Appeal
Looking for the longest blooming bushes for your borders, pathways and lawn edgings? You'll love these 8 flowering shrubs that bloom all summer long
-
6 Blue Ornamental Grasses That Will Wow Your Neighbors And Add A Unique Touch To Your Landscape
Choosing a blue ornamental grass can dress up borders and yards with striking color that changes with the seasons.
-
How To Grow A Sorbet Peony For Fluffy Pink Double Blooms With Unique Frills
For pink peonies with a unique edge, the Sorbet peony is a super-frilly bloomer with marshmallow and cream colored petals. Here’s how to grow this dynamic cultivar
-
Grow Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea Shrubs: Try Vanille Fraise Hydrangeas For Sweet Blooms Every Summer
For a dreamy shrub that brings soft color variations and long lasting visual interest, grow a Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea. Here’s how to care for Vanille Fraise shrubs
-
Coral Sunset Peony: Your Complete Guide To This Beautiful Color-Changing Hybrid
The coral sunset peony is a gorgeous addition to any garden. This beauty has double blooms that undergo an amazing color change as they age.
-
How To Grow Panicle Hydrangeas For Gorgeous, Low-Maintenance Blooms All Summer Long – Plus, Top Cultivars To Try
Panicle hydrangeas are the ultimate low-maintenance shrubs! These beauties bloom all summer and all it takes is a little care. Here's how to help them thrive.