Zinnia belongs to the large daisy family (Asteraceae) – just like the common daisy (Bellis perennis) and dahlias (Dahlia). There are about 20 species in the genus Zinnia, which grow as annuals, perennials or as half-shrubs. The main variety planted here is Zinnia elegans. This annual summer flower is originally from Mexico and is also found in other areas of Central and South America. The plant was named by the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in honour of the Göttingen anatomist and botanist Johann Gottfried Zinn.
Benefits:
– Zinnias are easy to grow and require little maintenance.
– Zinnias are drought tolerant and can survive in hot, dry conditions.
– Zinnias are attractive to butterflies and make a great addition to any butterfly garden.
– Zinnias are available in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, and yellow.
How to care:
Zinnias are thirsty garden inhabitants and require a regular water supply. The soil should always be kept evenly moist for them, but should never get wet or waterlogged, otherwise root rot may occur. Magnificent flowering plant can be cut throughout the flowering period for the vase. To do this, use a sharp knife and cut the flower stalk back to one pair of leaves at a time, because this is where the plant will re-branch and form flowers again. The flowers keep fresh in the water for about one to two weeks.
Ideal location:
The ideal location for plant is basically sunny, protected from the wind and warm. The ornamental plant prefers to thrive in loamy, sandy, nutrient-rich soil that retains moisture well but never becomes waterlogged. Whether in the garden, in a pot or on the balcony, zinnias thrive outdoors as well as in a container, as long as the location and care are right.
Type of soil:
Loamy, sandy and nutrient-rich
Propagation:
Zinnias are easily propagated by seed. Sow seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use a seed starting mix and sow the seeds on the surface of the mix. Light is required for germination, so do not cover the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not wet and the seeds should germinate in 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into individual pots and then outdoors after the last frost date.