Zinnia
(Zinnia Elegans)
Zinnias are perhaps the most beautiful addition to any garden especially for bird watchers and pollinator lovers. Gardener beware, though, in the right condition, with the right love, they will grow magnificently in your garden. Zinnias are beautiful and are loved by birds and pollinators alike. In so many varieties, flower colors range from yellow to magenta to ombré pinks and peach. Zinnias are likely to be adorned by neighbors and passers by.
Environmental Benefits
Has it been mentioned how much Zinnias are desired by pollinators and birds?
Zinnias are a low maintenance, drought tolerant, hardy plant.
In agriculture, Zinnias are plants throughout rows of crops to facilitate pollination.
The effects of urbanization is negatively impacting pollinator populations and food sources for many birds. Just a few Zinnias throughout a garden can supply a few dozen insects and birds with a good food supply throughout the spring and summer months.
Growing Instructions
Zinnia is an annual flower, but whether you start a seed in the ground or in a pot, Zinnias are easy to grow.
Timing: Sow seeds in the fall after harvest for winter germination. Or, sow seeds in early spring after the frost threat has passed.
Sowing: For winter germination, uncover soil of mulch and loosen. Cover seeds with approximately ½ inch of soil and light layer of mulch.
When sowing seeds in the spring, poke seeds into soil approximately ½ inch deep and cover. Water well, do not tamp; keep soil moist until seedling has sprouted. Keep roots moist for about 2 weeks.
Conditions: Full Direct/Sunlight (6 - 8+ hours); if hardiness zone includes humid weather, avoid over watering.
Zinnias do well in hot dry conditions, but you can encourage plentiful gorgeous blooms throughout the summer months with light regular watering. ½ inch of water weekly; 1 inch of water in hot conditions and several days without rain.
Gardeners Notes:
Zinnias will self-propagate very easily and it’s best (in my opinion) to have a dedicated flower bed because they will consume your garden.
They can grow wide and tall.
Birds will ravenously eat Zinnia flower heads and drop seeds without regard.
Encourage extra blooms throughout the growing season by trimming blooms, which is a perfect excuse to make your own bouquets.
