Zinnia Zinnia elegans Lilliput Mixed

Water

The Lilliput Zinnia should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; this might translate to approximately once a week, depending on climate conditions. An ideal watering approach is to apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which prevents disease. It's best to provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of about 8 inches, which for mature plants is often equivalent to about one gallon per plant. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in rainy periods, you may water less. Be cautious not to overwater, as Lilliput Zinnias are prone to root rot in soggy soil.

Light

Lilliput Zinnias thrive in full sun, meaning they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. The best spot for these vibrant flowers is in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Avoid planting in areas with prolonged shade or where buildings or trees block a significant amount of sun.

Temperature

Lilliput Zinnias prefer warm conditions and will grow best when temperatures range between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to cold can damage or kill the plant. Maximum temperatures shouldn't exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as extreme heat can also stress these flowers.

Pruning

Pruning Lilliput Zinnias encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Snip off the top of the plant when it's 6 to 8 inches tall to promote branching. Deadhead regularly, removing spent flowers to spur further blooming. The best time to prune for shaping is in the early growth stages, while deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season as flowers fade.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Zinnia elegans, commonly known as Lilliput Zinnia, thrives in rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A good mix would be three parts garden soil, two parts compost, and one part perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage for healthy growth.

Repotting

Lilliput Zinnias are typically not repotted as they are annual plants. They complete their life cycle in one season and are then replanted from seed the following year.

Humidity & Misting

Lilliput Zinnias prefer moderate to low humidity conditions; however, they are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels provided they have good air circulation and are not overwatered.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, moderate water, and airflow for Lilliput Zinnia.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, use well-draining soil, and space adequately for Lilliput Zinnia.

• Hardiness zone

  2-11 USDA

Life cycle

Zinnia elegans Lilliput Mixed, commonly known as Lilliput Zinnia, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in warm soil with temperatures of about 70-75°F (21-24°C), typically within 5 to 7 days after planting. Following germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the plant's first true leaves, signifying the establishment of the young plant. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a robust stem and a greater number of leaves, setting the stage for the subsequent flowering phase. During the flowering stage, Lilliput Zinnia produces a profusion of small, pompom-like flowers in a variety of bold colors, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Once pollinated, the flowers will eventually give way to seed heads containing multiple seeds, thus completing the reproductive stage. The plant's life cycle concludes with senescence, where the once vibrant foliage and blooms wilt and die back, often after the first frost, allowing seeds to disperse and begin the cycle anew the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput Mixed', commonly known as Zinnia, is typically propagated by seed. The best time for sowing Zinnia seeds is after the danger of frost has passed in the spring. To propagate, seeds should be sown directly into the garden soil, as Zinnias do not like to be transplanted due to their delicate root systems. Sow the seeds a quarter inch deep (about 6 millimeters) into well-drained soil in an area that receives full sun. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which generally takes 7 to 10 days. Once the seedlings emerge and grow to have a few sets of true leaves, they should be thinned out to at least 6 to 18 inches apart (approximately 15 to 46 centimeters), allowing ample space for the plants to mature and flourish.