Zinnias for most Climates-About Me
Mixed Zinnia Bouquets for Halloween
Hello friends of the Garden,
Before we discuss Zinnias I’d like to introduce myself and my gardening experiences.
I am a 3rd generation farmer and gardener.
Growing successfully for 40 years in a variety of climates and ten different states.
I am also a Master gardener, as well as being a published author on various gardening topics.
I grow my flowers in Colorado on Sunnydell Flower Farm with my husband Dave.
I am currently writing a gardening book to empower hesitant growers to grow beautiful gardens!
My personal flower farmer goal is to share common sense gardening with you.
Gardening and growing are as old as time!
My gardening principles focus on common sense gardening and the gardeners creed.
Naturally, after all of this growing experience I have had great gardens and many struggles.
I am here to guide you through the basic principles of gardening, with a positive and hopeful mindset.
There really isn’t a mystery to gardening; seeds are meant to be planted, watered, receive sunlight and grow!
Rural Magazine Publication
Zinnias grow beautifully and easily nearly everywhere in the United States.
Today I am enthusiastic about sharing my practical outlook about growing zinnias.
Zinnias grow beautifully and easily nearly everywhere in the United States.
I believe that there are certains flowers which simply do not receive the accolades that they should.
The zinnia is one of these flowers.
Zinnias are a easy to grow flower, which makes them a perfect choice for the hesitant gardener.
4th of July centerpiece
I want you to be confident in growing and experience the joy of the sprout.
Growing plants from seeds sometimes feels overwhelming,.
If you happen to be a hesitant gardener the zinnia is the perfect choice for propagating or sowing seeds directly into warm soil.
I know exactly how intimidating growing from seed feels.
Waiting for seeds to sprout requires a ton of patience.
I recently planted squash seeds.
According to the packet instructions the seeds should have sprouted in 5-10 days .
My seeds took 14 days on a window will.
I was ready to toss them out everyday past 10 days-but I hung on and they have sprouted!
Positive Characteristics of the zinnia:
Heat tolerant
Germinates quickly
Fade resistant.
Long lasting blooms
Cut and come again flower
Their sweet dispositions are eager to grow in less than perfect conditions in most regions of the U.S.
Their variety of colors are positively vibrantly stunning.
New varieties of Zinnias have longer, stronger stems which make them even more appealing for bouquets.
Pollinators and hummingbirds love them.
Fresh snipped zinnias for grapevine wreath
Negative Characteristics of the zinnia:
Susceptible to the following:
Powdery mildew (fungal disease.)
Japanese beetle (species of scarab beetle)
Cercospora leaf spot (common fungal disease)
How to get rid of powdery mildew and leaf spot according to the experts.
How to get rid of Japanese beetle by Bob Vila.
How to control leaf spot with neem oil.
Ironstone with fresh zinnias
Bouquet Tip for Zinnias:
Zinnias are called "dirty flowers" because their stems make water cloudy.
I don’t like seeing murky water in a clear vase so hereis a great florist tip!
Remedies:
Change the water daily/cut off a small piece of the stem.
Add a drop or two chlorines to water.
Add a CVBn pill to water.
Many gardeners discover that Zinnias become their favorite summer bloom!
Benary Lime Zinnia and Queeny Lime Zinnia
I hope that you feel more confident in growing from seed after reading this.
So many gardeners consider the zinnia to be one of their favorite Summer blooms.
A little patience and faith go a long way!
As ever,
Jemma
