An old - fashioned garden flower , zinniashave been grown in the U.S. since the 18th hundred . Easily grown by seed , zinniasbloom reliably through the summertime making them a howling cut flush . Learn how to growzinniasin your Texas garden .
Startzinniasby seed.
In North Texas , plantzinniasby seeding directly in the garden starting in April . Plant old maid flower seed again in July for a fall hot flash of efflorescence . Space seeds according to the directions on the seed parcel for that particular variety .
industrial plant size of it can vary greatly . For classic cutting varieties ( not compact bedding varieties ) , I found each ejaculate 12 inches apart .
Improve your soil.
Zinnias perform best in bed amended with some compost and flesh out shale . Compost improves fertility , and expanded shale improve drainage . Expanded shale is useable at Redenta ’s and Nicholson - Hardie .
“Pinch” to encourage bushier plants.
Once yourzinniasreach 12 inches high , nip off off the growing tip . This is called “ pinching ” . Pinchingzinniasencourages ramify . ramify increase the number of flowers . It also makes a thick plant that wo n’t involve staking .
Cut zinnia flowers frequently.
Remember : the more you cut , the morezinniaswill flush . Harvest flower regularly to keep the flora rich . Always remove any spend blooms .
Watch for powdery mildew.
Newer zinnia miscellany resist powdery mold , but heirloom varieties are susceptible to powdery mildew late in the season .
apply cultural practices to prevent mold damage . Give plants plenty of space to increase air circulation . Only water in the morning , and avoid getting piss on the plant leaves .
Change vase water frequently.
Zinnias are called “ dirty flowers ” . They quickly turn vase water into a muddy mess . alter vase water daily for best result . weigh adding afloral preservativeto your vase water as well .
Pick the best varieties for North Texas.
Zinnia seeds are usable at most Dallas garden middle like Nicholson - Hardie , North Haven Gardens , Redenta ’s and Calloway ’s .
My best-loved online sources for zinnia seeds areBotanical Interests , Swallowtail SeedsandJohnny ’s Seeds .
The potpourri that do well in North Texas are theBenary ’s Giant seriesandCactus types .
Double - floweredzinniaslike Zinderella tend to be unreliable in our clime . I grew Zinderellas for three summer but never achieved the desired outcome .
Rolling , feathery petals are spectacular in bouquets and as garden adornment . At 4"–6 " astray , this is one of the largest zinnias available ! two-fold and semi - double blooms in brilliant tad of pinkish , white , red , orangish , and yellow-bellied .
Share this:
