Zinnia Zing - A wonderful Bouquet Filler
KarenHave you grown Zinnias before?
If not, we have 13 different varieties in our range so there are plenty to choose from. In this blog we look at the ones in our catalogue.
The two most popular are Dahlia Gold Medal Mix and Lilliput Mix. These give the gardener a good range of colours that are lovely clear bold colours.
All from our range are Zinnia elegans with the exception being Soleado which is haageana. The origins are in North America mainly. Selective breeding started in the 1800's which has produced over 100 cultivars since.
PLANT STRUCTURE
The Zinnia is an annual that ranges in height from 45cm - 100cm. They grow as a clump and have strong upright stems making them a great cut flower, featuring in bouquets and floral arrangements. The stems are hairy with lance-shaped leaves that also have a rough texture. Each stem produces a single flower.
FLOWER STRUCTURE
The zinnia produces heavy blooms ranging from a single row of petals to dome shape with many rows of petals. Flowers vary a lot and can have double or semi-double petals, single with visible centre, double with centre not visible or semi-double with visible centre. This provides great variance and interest in the garden with all the differing structures.
Zinnias are great for attracting butterflies into your garden. They are a favourite for the Monarch butterfly who find the nectar a great source of food.
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Zinnias are very easy to grow from seed and prefer to be planted in fertile soil with good drainage. Providing good air circulation amongst the plants will keep them flowering for a long period from early summer through to the first frosts of autumn. This space will also help to prevent powdery mildew and disease.
Root spread suffers if the zinnias are shaded, and they may stop growing so grow them in a sunny position in your garden.
The Zinnia will self seed as it does not require help to scatter its seed. When cutting the flowers, cut just above the leaves and the plant will produce another flower for you.
Zinnias are one of the most commonly cultivated ornamental flowers in the world. That's a big claim but the fact they are very low maintenance appeals to many gardeners. The watering regime required is average and the plants will benefit from deadheading, producing blooms for a longer period if required.
NEW VARIETIES
We added two new Zinnias to our catalogue this season. A lovely tall white double flower and the stunning Zinderella orange. And lastly..........
FUN FACT: Zinnias have been used in experimental growing on the International Space Station and have shown they can bloom in a weightless environment.
