My love of Zinnias

The past few of years I have really gotten into planting flowers in my garden. Looking back, I can’t believe I ignored them for so long! Not only are they beautiful but they also bring in insects that are beneficial. One of my favorites is zinnias. Zinnias are vibrant, colorful annual flowers that belong to the daisy family. These easy-to-grow flowers come in a variety of shades and sizes, making them a popular choice among gardeners worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore what zinnias are, how to grow them, and the benefits of having them in your garden.

What are Zinnias?

These flowers are native to Mexico and are believed to have been cultivated by the Aztecs for medicinal purposes. The flower was named after the German botanist Johann Zinn, who discovered the plant in the 18th century. Today, zinnias are widely grown for their attractive blooms and are a popular choice among gardeners.

How to Grow

This flower is easy to grow and can be started from seed or transplanted as seedlings. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so be sure to choose a sunny spot in your garden. If you’re starting from seed, sow them directly into the soil after the last frost has passed. Sow the seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which should take around 7 to 10 days.

Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out to give each plant enough space to grow. Zinnias need to be spaced out, so be sure to follow the recommended spacing guidelines for your specific variety. Water regularly but be careful not to overwater as zinnias are susceptible to root rot.

Zinnias are annuals, which means they will only last for one growing season. However, they will produce a lot of blooms throughout the season if you deadhead them regularly. Deadheading is the process of removing spent blooms, which encourages the plant to produce more flowers.

Benefits

These flowers have a variety of benefits, making them a great addition to any garden. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Attract Pollinators: They are a great source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting zinnias in your garden, you’ll be providing a valuable food source for these pollinators.
2. Easy to Grow: As mentioned earlier, zinnias are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. They’re a great option for beginner gardeners or those with limited time.
3. Variety: Zinnias come in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them a versatile flower for any garden. From small, compact varieties to tall, showy blooms, there’s a zinnia for every garden.
4. Long-Lasting Blooms: These flowers produce blooms throughout the growing season, providing color and beauty to your garden for months on end.
5. Cut Flowers: They make great cut flowers and can be used in floral arrangements or as a bouquet. They’re also long-lasting, making them a great option for homegrown bouquets.

You can purchase flower seeds anywhere but an excellent source of Zinnia seeds can be found here https://www.petalforward.org/ (not a sponsored post). We love supporting local farms and this one is just down the road!

In conclusion, these flowers are a colorful and versatile flower that are easy to grow and have a variety of benefits. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, zinnias are a great addition to any garden. So, go ahead and plant some zinnias in your garden this season, and enjoy the beauty and benefits they provide!