Description
Zinnias are a bushy annual with showy flowers up to 1.4 m in height. The plants are mainly grown as an ornamental but also serve as a companion plant to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Origin
Mexico
Uses
Zinnias can be planted around and in garden beds to attract beneficial insects. They are an excellent companion plant and are often grown for sale as cut flowers.
Cultivation
- Elevation:
- Rainfall:
- Soil Types: grows in a variety of soils
- Temperature:
- Light: full sun
Zinnia is a warm weather annual and grows best in a hot dry season. It will flower more as the days shorten. It is insect pollinated. Plant 15-45 cm apart for cut flower production. For companion planting, they can be scattered around the edge of plots. Zinnia is generally propagated by seed. Pinch off side branches to produce larger flowers and remove dead flowers to prolong the flowering period.
Harvesting and Seed Production
Cut the dry brown flower heads and remove the seeds from the center. Remove chaff. Spread out the seeds and dry them before storage.
Pests and Diseases
Bud worms and grasshoppers can damage flowers, while Japanese beetles and thrips damage foliage. Zinnia is susceptible to powdery mildew and alternaria leaf spot. Various bacterial and viral diseases may also occur. Infected plants should be removed from plots.
References
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a618
Christman, S. (2004). Floridata: Zinnia elegans. Floridata. Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/z/zinn_ele.cfm
Schoellhorn, R., E. Emino, and E. Alvarez. Warm Climate Production for Specialty Cut Flowers: Zinnia.
Commercial Floriculture Update, University of Florida IFAS. Retrieved from
http://hort.ufl.edu/floriculture/pdfs/crop_production/zinnia_ENHFL05‐017.pdf