Zinnia Zinnia elegans Giant Double Mixed (d)
![zinnia [Giant Double Mixed]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5af64fbf9.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Zinnia elegans Giant Double Mixed, commonly known as zinnia, is a vibrant and showy flowering plant with a lush appearance. The "Giant Double" part of its name refers to its large flowers that are full and round, giving it a pom-pom-like effect due to the densely packed petals. Zinnias come in a riot of colors including red, pink, orange, yellow, lavender, and white, often with multiple hues per plant that can result in a spectacular display. The petals have a velvety texture and can exhibit various patterns from solid to multicolored or even bicolored with a gradation of shades. Their leaves are typically bright green, lance-shaped and can have a slightly rough texture. When in full bloom, zinnias present a cheerful and abundant display, which makes them popular both in gardens for their visual appeal and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements thanks to their long-lasting nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Common Zinnia, Youth-And-Old-Age, Elegant Zinnia
Common names
Crassina elegans, Zinnia violacea.
ToxicityTo humans
Zinnias are not known to be toxic to humans. They are widely grown as ornamental plants and do not typically cause adverse reactions if they are accidentally ingested. However, as with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur, so it's generally advised not to ingest plant material that is not meant for consumption.
To pets
Zinnias are also not considered to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. These plants are commonly used in gardens without causing harm to pets. Nevertheless, some animals may have individual sensitivities or allergies, and it's always best to prevent pets from eating non-food plants. Ingestion of plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in sensitive pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Zinnia elegans is known for its ease of cultivation and can thrive in various soil types with minimal care.
- Vibrant Colors: Offers a wide range of bright and bold colors that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: Boasts a long flowering season, which can provide continuous color from spring to fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Great Cut Flowers: With their sturdy stems and vibrant blooms, zinnias are ideal for creating attractive floral arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, zinnias can tolerate periods of low water, making them suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone areas.
- Heat Resistance: They can withstand high temperatures, making them a good choice for hot climates where other plants might struggle.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Zinnia bouquet filler: The full, lush blooms of Zinnias add volume and a pop of color to any bouquet, complementing other flowers.
- Natural fabric dyes: The pigments in Zinnia flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of vibrant colors.
- Art and craft supplies: Dried Zinnia petals and heads can be used in craft projects such as making potpourri, floral arrangements, or pressed flower art.
- Garden borders: Zinnias are great for creating colorful, dense borders along garden pathways or between vegetable patches to delineate spaces.
- Educational tool: Zinnias can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant biology, life cycles, and the importance of pollinators.
- Companion planting: Planting Zinnias near vegetable gardens can attract beneficial insects that help with pollination and pest control.
- Photography subject: The vibrant and diverse colors of Zinnia flowers make them popular subjects for photographers and artists.
- Butterfly gardens: Zinnias are known to attract butterflies and can be included in butterfly gardens to promote biodiversity.
- Hummingbird attraction: The bright flowers of Zinnia plants can also attract hummingbirds, adding more wildlife to your garden.
- Seed harvesting: Mature Zinnias provide an opportunity to harvest seeds for next season or for sharing with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Zinnia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Zinnia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Memory: Zinnias are often associated with remembrance and are used to honor someone who is absent but still holds a special place in the giver's heart.
- Enduring Friendship: Giving zinnias can symbolize the bond of a long-lasting friendship, suggesting that the relationship can withstand the test of time.
- Absent Friends: Similar to remembrance, this symbolic meaning represents thinking of friends who are far away.
- Daily Remembrance: Signifying the act of keeping someone in your daily thoughts, zinnias are a gentle reminder of lasting affection.
- Goodness: Zinnias embody goodness and convey sincerity, making them a gift that can express genuine goodwill towards someone.
- Constancy: The plant's ability to bloom for a long period is symbolic of steadfastness and reliability.
- Survivor Spirit: Due to their robust nature and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, zinnias symbolize endurance and the spirit of survival.
WaterZinnias prefer moderate and consistent watering, generally requiring about 1 inch of water weekly. In hot or dry conditions, they may need additional water, but it's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew. Water them at the base to keep the foliage dry, usually once a week, providing deeper waterings to encourage root growth. During periods of drought, increase watering to twice per week, with each session involving about half a gallon per plant. Always check the soil moisture; if the top inch of soil is dry, it's a good indication that watering is needed.
LightZinnias thrive in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for Zinnias is an area where they can bask in uninterrupted sun exposure throughout the day. Avoid planting in shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and increase the risk of diseases.
TemperatureZinnias are warm-season flowers that perform best when temperatures are between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can endure minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to these extremes can stress the plants. The ideal temperature range for robust growth and flowering is at the higher end of their tolerance, between 74 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Zinnias is mainly done to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to stimulate new flower production. In addition, pinch back the tips of young plants once they reach about 6 inches in height to promote branching. The best time for pruning is during the active growing season, whenever the plants start to look leggy or when flowers fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Zinnias comprises well-draining soil with rich organic matter and a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a handful of perlite or sand enhances drainage and fertility, ideal for these flowers.
RepottingZinnias, being annuals, do not typically require repotting. They are sown directly into the garden or container where they will bloom for one season.
Humidity & MistingZinnias thrive in moderate to low humidity conditions, as high humidity can promote fungal diseases in these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant Zinnias in a well-lit spot, use well-draining soil, and keep warm.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, enrich soil with compost, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleZinnia elegans, commonly known as common zinnia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when planted in fertile, well-drained soil and provided with warmth, germinates in 5 to 7 days. After sprouting, the seedling emerges with its first set of true leaves, requiring full sun and moderate water to develop a strong stem and root system. The vegetative stage follows, during which the plant grows rapidly, producing lush foliage; this stage can last several weeks, depending on environmental conditions. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant, large double blooms in a variety of colors that attract pollinators and can last for an extended period if deadheaded regularly. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that mature within the flower head, eventually drying out and releasing seeds for the next generation. Once the plant has completed seed production, it enters senescence, where it dies back, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Zinnia elegans, commonly known as the common zinnia, is typically propagated through seeds. Seed propagation is the most popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate zinnias by seed, start by sowing them indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a well-draining seed starting mix, placing the seeds a quarter inch deep (about 6 millimeters) beneath the soil surface. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and ensure the temperature remains around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Seeds usually germinate within 5 to 7 days. Once the risk of frost has passed and the seedlings are several inches tall, they can be transplanted to the garden, ensuring they are spaced about 6 to 18 inches apart (15 to 45 centimeters) to accommodate their growth.
