You may be hoping this favorite garden bloom will come back next twelvemonth . But are zinnias perennials ? Here ’s the scoop .
Are old maid flower perennial that you do n’t need to replant next twelvemonth ? There are in reality several specie of these colorful flower , all in the genusZinnia , which includesboth perennials and yearly . However , the most popular for gardens is the common or elegantzinnia(Zinnia elegans).It ’s the one that has been grown and hybridized extensively to give us hundreds of dazzling varieties to opt from . These plants are annuals , but there are a few perennial types of zinnia as well that are worth a spot in your garden .
What is an annual plant?
An annual plant is one that completes its sprightliness hertz within one year or mature time of year — going from cum germination through vegetative growth , reproduction ( anthesis ) , and cum drop-off before dying .
Denny Schrock
Perennial Zinnias
A few zinnias native to the American Southwest are perennial , the best - known one beingZinnia grandiflora , which move by several mutual gens such as plains zinnia or Rocky Mountain old maid . This character of zinnia ishardy in USDA zone 4 - 9and does n’t wait much like its popular annual cousin . Plains zinnia is a low - mounded plant with exclusive flowers in wan yellow . It grows well in desiccant , rockier positioning and can be anexcellent selection for a rock gardenor pathway border . You may be able-bodied to discover perennial zinnia plants or seminal fluid from a native works vendor .
Growing Zinnias from Seeds
While yearly zinnias wo n’t last beyond your current growing season , they may reseed themselves if give a chance . crossbreed old maid flower that self - seed wo n’t bring forth plants that are identical to the parent flora , but you ’ll get young old maid to enjoy anyway . In ecumenical , most gardeners justpurchase and plant new seedseach spring rather than count on self - seeding to be successful , especially if there are specific varieties they want to grow .
Zinnias areeasy to grow from seed , micturate them great flowers for new gardeners or children . Just imbed the source in a spot with full sun — old maid do n’t heed the heat — and fertile , well - drained soil . They will also grow well in containers , specially short potpourri .
Misha Gillingham
Credit:Denny Schrock
When and How to Plant Zinnia Seeds
Zinnia seeds shoot apace in warm soil . After yourarea ’s last freeze date in spring , when soil temperature have warmed up , plant old maid flower seed about ¼ inch deep . Zinnia seeds are thin and small , so do n’t interest if two fall into the same hole . you’re able to reduce them later if needed . There is no “ up ” or “ down , ” so just get them send packing in . Then , thinly embrace with soil and gently but deeply water the area .
Zinnia plants can be spaced pretty close together . Larger varieties will require a bit more space : Try planting seeds 8 - 12 inches aside in course that are 12 inches apart . Shorter types can be nigher together since the plant wo n’t grow as large .
Keep new seedlings flourish by watering from below if you may , because zinnias are susceptible to spot from piss drops and leafage diseases likepowdery mould . It also help oneself to irrigate in the morning when potential , so warm daytime temperatures help to dry off any spattered water cursorily .
Credit:Misha Gillingham
Growing Zinnia in Pots
Zinnias are adaptable flowers , so planting seeds in pots will work as well as planting seed in the ground . select a lot that is 8 - 12 inches in diameter with drain at the bottom . Place the seeds ¼-inch late in the soil , and only piddle when the soil feels ironic . These plants need 6 - 8 hours of sunlight per day , so set the pots in an region that receives enough light and is protected from the wind .
Frequently Asked Questions
perfectly ! harvest home on a regular basis anddeadheading any spent blossomswill further more blooming . Cut as long a stem as possible without taking all the remaining branches , nodes , and leaves .
Many gardeners describe that their zinnia are quite cervid - resistant and are often give alone . Of course , no plant life is totally immune to cervid , specially when they are seedlings ( nice pinnace shoot ) .
in good order harvest and care for zinnias will last 7 - 10 mean solar day . For the best vase life , harvest zinnia in the dawn after the dew has evaporated or in the evening once the temperature cool down from the 24-hour interval ’s heat . add together flower food to the vase and change the water every other day .
There are diminished assortment of zinnia that grow 6 - 12 inches tall . However , larger diversity can grow up to 4 feet tall and 1 - 2 foot wide .
Planting seed in April or May is ideal . Zinnias dislike the cold , so you do n’t want to plant them until the weather has jump to warm up .
Although spacing seed will give your garden a more orderly apperance , it is n’t strictly necessary . you may spread zinnia seeds in your garden and they should grow . Just keep in mind , they could choke out other flowers if institute too close together .
