Planting and caring for zinnias
Easy to grow and ideal for beginners
Zinnias Zinnia elegans are among the most opulent summer flowers, and the new varieties can certainly compete with them. dahlias They can keep up. Large, densely packed flower heads in fantastic colors make them a real eye-catcher in the garden. Furthermore, they tolerate drought very well and are a great addition to dry summers. perennials The best flowering plants for the garden. Even if you only have a balcony, it's worth starting them from seed, as they also grow wonderfully in containers.
the essentials in brief
- particularly easy to cultivate
- are ideal for beginner gardeners
- annual cut flower
- sunny location & sandy-loamy soil
- It tolerates drought.
- Dark germinator
- Sow indoors from February, outdoors in the garden from May (when the ground is frost-free)
- Pinching back the tips for higher flower production and bushier growth.
- Regular pruning stimulates bud formation.
- Suitable for beds, tubs and pots
Sowing zinnias
With the sowing of the zinnias You can start indoors as early as March. Zinnias like warmth and should be started on a bright, sheltered windowsill at this time. Their ideal Germination temperature is at 15-25°C. The soil should always be kept moist, especially if the zinnias are in a very sunny spot. After about 10 days, you can expect to see the first green leaves. It's always a real joy to watch. Only when there is no longer any risk of frost should the young plants be moved outdoors.
Direct sowing in the garden is possible from May onwards (as soon as the ground is frost-free). You can then sow the seeds with a planting distance of approximately 20-30 cm. Again, remember to water regularly at the beginning!
From cultivation to flowering, it takes about 75-90 days.
Location & Soil
To fully develop their beauty, zinnias need a sunny, warm location protected from the wind.
Ideally, the soil should be loamy-sandy and moist to dry. However, be sure to avoid waterlogging at all costs, as zinnias tend to die very quickly in overly wet conditions. They tolerate dry periods very well. Zinnias are not only ideal for summer flower beds, but also grow wonderfully in pots and tubsSo whether you have a lot of space or just a little, zinnias are definitely the right choice. Perfect for sunny balconies too!
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Care for Zinnias
When the zinnias have reached a height of approximately 20-30 cm, the main shoot should be cut off to encourage more branching and a higher number of flowers.
To enjoy their beautiful colors all summer long, faded blooms should be regularly removed. It's important not only to remove the flower heads, but always to cut them precisely above a pair of emerging leaves. This encourages bud formation, and you can expect an abundance of flowers well into early autumn. Additionally, treat your zinnias to a good, high-quality water every two weeks or so. liquid fertilizerThe nutrients further support growth. For taller zinnia varieties, it is recommended to use a support structure.
Cut zinnias for a vase
Zinnias, with their vibrant array of colors, are ideal as cut flowers for a vase.
You can easily test whether your zinnias are ready for a vase: Gently shake the stem about 8-9 cm below the flower. If it bends easily, wait a little longer. If the stem is firm and stands upright, they are ready to harvest.
Choose the longest possible stems for cutting and preferably cut them low down above a pair of leaves using a sharp knife or a Flower shears and place them in water immediately. You can enjoy them for up to 10 days if you regularly trim the stems and change the water.
