Zinnia Growing Guide
Zinnia elegans
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Any sunny site with good drainage.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
None. Zinnias cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
Feeding
Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser to stimulate strong reblooming.
Companions
Also grown with fennel and other upright herbs. Tall, single-flowered varieties attract butterflies.
Spacing
Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Plant zinnias in late spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Start seeds indoors in individual containers, set out purchased plants, or direct-sow into warm soil. Poke seeds into the soil about one-half inch (1 cm) deep and 3 inches (8 cm) apart. Thin to 12 inches (30 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties. Zinnia varieties that grow more than 24 inches (60) cm) tall require 18 inches (45 cm) between plants.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Frequent cutting of blossoms helps many varieties to rebloom constantly for many weeks. Butterflies prefer flat, single zinnia blossoms over "double" varieties that are packed with petals.
Harvesting
Gather zinnias for use in arrangements just as the petals open. The true flowers are the tiny yellow florets, which pump out nectar for butterflies.
Troubleshooting
Older zinnias often become infected with powdery mildew. Pull up and compost diseased plants. Many hybrids offer some resistance to powdery mildew.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Zinnia