How to Grow Zinnias - The secrets to keeping vibrant blooms all summer

Zinnias are one of the most rewarding flowers to grow. They germinate quickly and can be sown directly outside or started indoors. Zinnias seem determined to bloom no matter what, and the more you cut them, the more they grow. Learn the simple techniques to grow this beautiful flower and enjoy vibrant blooms all summer. 

At Sow Right Seeds, we love zinnia flowers for several reasons.

• Zinnias are incredibly easy to grow. You'll appreciate their quick germination.

• They come in a range of colorful, show-stopping blooms for your garden. Their vibrant colors will bring a smile to your face.

• They attract pollinators. Spend a relaxing summer day watching all the butterflies and hummingbirds appreciate your zinnia flowers.

• Zinnias bloom continuously all summer and into fall until the frost kills them off. You won't have to spend time rearranging your flower garden.

• They bloom profusely. Cut as many blossoms as you want to share with your friends. The more you cut them, the more they grow.

• They are at the top of our list of easiest flowers to grow from seed. If you're looking for an easy flower that blooms all summer - plant zinnias.

For earlier blossoms, zinnia seeds can be started indoors. 

Start seeds indoors 5 to 7 weeks before the last spring frost date. 

When seedlings are several inches high and have 3 to 4 true leaves, it will be time to start hardening them off so they are ready for outdoor conditions.

After all danger of frost has passed, transplant zinnia seedlings to a sunny location with enriched, moist soil.

Zinnias love to produce flowers, so getting them to bloom all summer is relatively easy. Getting the water, soil, sun, and cutting right will ensure continuous summer colors. 

Zinnias need warm temperatures and full sun. Don't plant them outside until the temperatures are above 70º F, and make sure they receive a full day of sunlight. 

Although zinnia plants can tolerate dry conditions and poor soil, planting your zinnias in nutrient-rich soil that drains well will result in better flowering.

To keep zinnias blooming, cut off flowers regularly. It may seem harsh to keep cutting, but zinnias love to share. Clip the stem just above a leaf or bud node, and new branches will emerge.

Don't be afraid to do this often so that the plants keep producing more flowers.

Succession planting will also ensure zinnia blossoms all summer long. Plant new zinnia seeds every 2 to 3 weeks to have new plants coming up when others are done growing. 

Zinnias come in a variety of bright colors and even Polar Bear white. Growing a mix of bright-colored Zinnias is a visual joy and will attract local pollinators. With different varieties and colors to choose from, you can have a field of mixed colors or planned sections of all the same color.

Some varieties have a single row of petals, while others are as fluffy as a pompom. Zinnias can grow 4 feet tall, but dwarf varieties, like Thumbelina, will be shorter. Blooms can be 3" wide and up to 5" for California Giants. 

Beyond their beauty, zinnias are a beneficial flower in vegetable gardens because they attract pollinators so effectively. Butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds are attracted to the bright colors and readily available nectar. Planting zinnias will increase the biodiversity in your yard and create a healthy habitat for beneficial pollinators.

Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They can be sprinkled into wildflower gardens, and they will grow without any maintenance. Even though zinnias prefer rich, moist soil, they can tolerate poor soil and drought.