Zinnia Zinnia elegans Cresto Mixed

Water

Zinnias require a consistent watering schedule, ideally early in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. They should be watered deeply a few times a week, providing about an inch of water, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons per square yard of soil. During hot, dry periods, they may need more frequent watering. It's important not to overwater, as zinnias are drought tolerant and prefer well-drained soil. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged by checking the soil moisture an inch below the surface before the next watering.

Light

Zinnias flourish in full sun, where they can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for zinnias is an area with unobstructed exposure to the sun, ideally away from taller plants or structures that could cast shade. Sufficient sunlight encourages strong stem growth and vibrant blooms, making it essential for optimal plant health.

Temperature

Zinnias are best suited to warm conditions and should be grown where temperatures range between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit but will not tolerate frost. The ideal temperature for robust growth and flowering is within the range of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Zinnias should be pruned or deadheaded regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Remove faded flowers and any damaged or diseased foliage to redirect the plant's energy into producing new growth. The best time to prune is when flowers begin to wilt and lose their vibrant color, roughly once a week during peak blooming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Zinnias thrive in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. An ideal soil mix for Zinnia elegans would be a combination of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand for improved drainage. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will promote robust blooms.

Repotting

Zinnias, including the Cresto Mixed variety, are annuals and do not typically require repotting as they will complete their life cycle within one growing season. They are generally sown directly where they are to flower or started indoors and transplanted once.

Humidity & Misting

Zinnias prefer moderate humidity levels and are adaptable to the humidity found in most outdoor garden environments. They do not require high humidity and excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering for indoor Zinnias.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sunny spot, fertile soil, water regularly, and provide space for air circulation.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Zinnia elegans, commonly known as zinnia, begins its life as a seed that germinates within 5-24 days after planting, depending on temperature and moisture. In the seedling stage, the first true leaves develop after the initial cotyledons, and the plant starts to photosynthesize. As zinnias enter the vegetative stage, they rapidly grow stems and leaves, and with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrition, they become bushy. Transitioning into the flowering stage, zinnias produce vibrant blooms in a variety of colors which can last from mid-summer until the first frost, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. After pollination, flowers develop into seed heads that mature and then dry out, allowing the seeds to be collected for future planting. Eventually, as cold temperatures set in or conditions become less favorable, the annual zinnia plants die, completing their life cycle, but leaving behind seeds for the next generation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Propogation: Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Zinnia, is typically propagated by seed. The most popular method involves direct sowing into the garden bed or outdoor container after the last frost when the soil has warmed, usually in late spring or early summer. To sow, scatter the seeds lightly over the soil surface and cover them with a fine layer of soil no more than a quarter inch (about 6 millimeters) deep. Water gently and maintain consistent moisture until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. Zinnias prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. They are not generally propagated by cuttings or division due to their rapid and robust seed germination process.