Zinnia genus (Asteraceae family)
Zinnia genus (Asteraceae family)
Monthly Theme: Zinnias are natures easy-to-grow workhorses!
Zinnia is actually a genus (part of the Heliantheae tribe) of the Asteraceae family. As you dream and ponder about next summer’s garden, consider planting the quick-growing, vibrate, and dependable zinnia. Like people, they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. So, read the seed package for plants that will work well in your garden space. Zinnias are annuals, but worth the effort to sow some seeds in the spring. The majority of my gardens are perennials, but there is always some extra room for those favorite annuals wherever a pop of color is needed.
For the price of a package of seeds, you will be rewarded with bright and beautiful flowering zinnias all summer long. I fondly refer to zinnias as my smiley face plants. In 1963, Harvey Ball came up with the yellow smiley face symbol and zinnias have always reminded me of that smiley face icon.
If you don’t want to buy seeds every year, it's easy to save zinnia seeds. Just let the flowers dry on the stem, collect the seedheads, and gently crush the seedheads into your hand to release the seeds. Store in a cool and dry place with your other saved seeds.
I prefer the tall varieties of Zinnia elegans, which are especially suited for the back of a bed or border. The famous Benary's Giant can reach 3’ tall. Magellan varieties are mid-high reaching 14“. Thumbelina dwarf zinnias grow 6-8” tall. Sounds like a women’s clothing department – small, medium or large! Zinnia angustifolia are a creeping variety, which works well at the front of the bed or in containers.
Here's a list of some of the most popular varieties: Zinderella, Benary Giant, Zowie! Yellow Flame, Oklahoma, Peppermint Stick, Cactus, Jazzy Mix, and State Fair. Like of box of crayons, zinnias come in a wide range of colors - white, chartreuse, sunshine yellow, orange, crimson red, hot pink, purple, tequila lime, or lilac, but no blues. They even have bi-color and tri-color varieties.
After the last frost, simply sow the seeds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil (seriously, you don’t even need to do extra prep work). Within a couple weeks, they will begin to sprout. Talk about fast and furious (not Universal Pictures Fast & Furious media franchise)!
Zinnias actually shade out weeds and don't require much fertilizer or even mulch. As with most flowering plants, I highly recommend deadheading to encourage more flower growth.
As an added bonus, zinnias make excellent cut flowers. The long and sturdy stems last for a week in the house. So, if you are like me and enjoy fresh cut flowers in the house, you can’t go wrong with zinnias. The flowers can be quilled, dahlia-type, singles blooms, semi-doubles, or doubles. Cut the stem at an angle and remove the lower leaves before setting them in water.
Furthermore, butterflies and hummingbirds like zinnias almost as much as I do (especially the red and burnt orange ones)! They work well in a children’s garden since they are easy to handle and quick to see progress.
One problem with zinnias is powdery mildew. When the summer is extra wet, that’s when the powdery mildew and leaf spot problems occur. Always water at the base of the plants and only when needed (wet leaves might promote mildew). Zahara zinnias are resistant to mildew and leaf spot.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Zinnia is a genus of plants of the Asteraceae family
Full sun/adequate water
Grows 6”-4’ tall and 1-2’ wide
pH between 5.5 and 7.5
Low/easy maintenance
Drought tolerant - they love the heat
“Where flowers bloom so does hope.” Lady Bird Johnson
The More You Grow
Zinnias are native to the grassy southwestern states, Mexico, and South America, so they can handle the heat. Zinnia genus are members of the Asteraceae family, which also includes asters and daisies (two more workhorses). The zinnias genus name honors German botanist Johann Zinn.
Diving into the magical meanings behind colors, red zinnias represent a beating heart, commitment, and family ties. Magenta zinnias represent love and affection. White zinnias represent purity and goodness. Orange zinnias represent overall health and vitality. The Aztecs labeled zinnias “plants that are hard on the eyes” because they were so colorful.
For my plant nerd readers, sow seeds every two weeks so you’ll have a continual succession of flowers.
In summary, I trust I have convinced you to plant zinnias in your garden. These luminously-hued annuals are easy to grow, drought-tolerant, low-maintence, and provide multiple blossoms to cut and display in flower arrangements throughout your home. Plus, who doesn’t need those little smiley faces around the yard and house?