ZINNIA

The zinnia was originally grown in Mexico and is named after Geman botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn. Today’s zinnias are available in many different colors and heights: dwarf, semi-dwarf, standard, and giant. They are grown in the US as annual flowers. Butterflies and other pollinators love zinnia flowers!

Zinnias are generally easy to grow and care for, flourishing in full sun locations with plenty of space to grow into for the full size or giant varieties (less space is needed for the dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties). They prefer well-drained soil and balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooming. Aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles can be pests for zinnias, and watch out for signs of fungal disease like powdery mildew, especially if you have a heavier soil texture or you water your plants from above.

VARIETY: Jazzy, Semi-Dwarf Pumila, Mini-Zini

BLOOM COLOR: variety of colors including -

Jazzy = burgundy, red, yellow, orange/cream, orange/red, or orange/yellow;

Semi-Dwarf Pumila = pink, purple, orange, red, white, or yellow;

Mini-Zini = pink, red, white, yellow, orange, or scarlet red

BOTANICAL NAME: Zinnia haageana (Jazzy) or Zinnia elegans (Semi-Dwarf Pumila, Mini-Zini)

ANNUAL OR PERENNIAL?: annual but may self-reseed occasionally

WARM SEASON OR COOL SEASON?: warm - not frost-hardy

PLANT SIZE:

Jazzy = 20 to 26 inches tall with blooms that are 1 to 2 inches across

Semi-Dwarf Pumila = 18 to 24 inches with 1 to 1.5 inch blooms

Mini-Zini = 10 to 24 inches with blooms from 1 to 2.5 inches across

LIGHT NEEDS: at least 6 hours of full sun a day

WATER NEEDS: normal (about an inch of water total per week)

FERTILIZER NEEDS: normal (balanced fertilizer about once a month)

IDEAL SOIL CONDITIONS: well-draining soil that has been amended with compost at least 3 months prior to planting time

PLANT SPACING FOR TRANSPLANTS: at least 12 inches for semi-dwarf varieties

PLANT SUPPORTS NEEDED?: no

WHEN TO PLANT OUT: after last frost date

CAN IT BE PLANTED IN A CONTAINER?: yes

DURING GROWTH: deadhead for prolonged bloom season and more flowers

TIME TO BLOOM: 45 to 80 days

WATCH FOR THESE PESTS/DISEASES: aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles, powdery mildew, alternaria blight

POLLINATOR FRIENDLY?: yes, especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

PLANT USES: cut flowers