Zinnia elegans, commonly known as common zinnia, is one of the most rewarding summer flowers with its brilliant colors and its profuse blooms over a lengthy season. Easy to grow and care for,  they make a perfect addition to any garden or bouquet and are a great choice for beginner gardeners. 

What is Zinnia elegans?

Plant: Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Mexican zinnia or simply zinnia, is a popular annual flowering plant native to Mexico. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is widely grown for its beautiful, colorful, daisy-like flowers.

Hardiness: Zinnias are typically grown as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one growing season and do not survive frost. In terms of USDA hardiness zones, zinnias are typically grown in zones 2-11 as annuals. 

Height: Zinnia elegans can grow up to 12-48 inches tall (30-120 cm) and 6-18 inches wide (15-45 cm), depending on the cultivar.

Flowers: The flowers may be single with one row of petals leaving their center exposed, semi-double with several rows of petals still leaving the center exposed, fully double with several rows of petals hiding the center of the flower, or cactus-like with long petals whose edge rolls back along part of their length, giving the flowers a spiky look. As the flower matures, a circle of small golden stars surrounds its center disk. The blossoms are fairly large, 2-4 inches across (5-10 cm).

Foliage: The leaves are lance-shaped or ovate, opposite, and can be hairy or smooth.

Blooming season: One of the most appealing features of zinnias is their long-lasting blooms. They start blooming in early summer and continue until the first frost.

Uses: Zinnias make great border plants and can be used to create a colorful edge around a garden bed. They are terrific for container gardening and are also popular as cut flowers.

Pollinators: Zinnias are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. They are a great addition to any pollinator garden and are also wonderful companion plants for fruits and vegetables. 

Diseases: Zinnias are relatively disease-resistant, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to minimize the use of chemicals in their garden.

Deer: Zinnias are generally not favored by deer, as they have a bitter taste and tough texture that deer find unappetizing.

What is Special about Zinnia?

Zinnias are a popular garden plant known for their bright, showy blooms and ease of care. Some of the special features of zinnias include:

1. Wide range of colors: Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, from bold, bright shades like red, orange, and yellow, to softer pastel hues like pink, lavender, and cream.

2. Long blooming period: Zinnias are known for their long blooming period, which can last from mid-summer to the first frost in some regions.

3. Easy to grow: Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and require minimal care, making them a great choice for novice gardeners.

4. Attracts pollinators: Zinnias are a favorite of pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a great choice for gardens focused on supporting wildlife.

5. Versatile: Zinnias are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of settings, from mixed borders and cottage gardens to containers and cut flower arrangements.

Where to Grow Zinnia?

Zinnias are versatile and can be planted in a variety of locations in the garden. Some popular locations to plant zinnias in the garden include:

Flower beds: Plant zinnias in flower beds to create a colorful display of flowers. They can be planted in rows or clusters to create a variety of patterns and designs.

Borders: Use zinnias to create a border around a garden bed or along a pathway. They come in a range of colors, which can be used to create a specific color scheme.

Containers: Zinnias can be grown in containers and placed on a deck or patio. Use a good-quality potting mix and make sure the container has good drainage.

Cutting gardens: Zinnias are unsurpassed as cut flowers and can be planted in a dedicated cutting garden. Plant them in rows or clusters to create an abundant supply of flowers for cutting.

Zinnia Growing Tips

1. Light: Zinnias prefer full sun but. They can tolerate some light shade but will not bloom as well in areas with less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Soil: Zinnias prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.

3. Water: Zinnias are fairly drought-tolerant but will do best with regular watering during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

4. Fertilizer: Zinnias benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers.

5. Deadheading: Regular deadheading of spent flowers can promote continuous blooming throughout the season.

6. Pests and diseases: Zinnias can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot, bacterial wilt, as well as pests such as cutworms, mealybugs, and spider mites. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate fungicides and insecticides can help prevent and control these problems.

Overall, Zinnia elegans is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add vibrant color and beauty to any garden or landscape.