Zinnia
zinnia elegans
Also known as: ["Common Zinnia","Youth-and-old-age"]
Overview
A vibrant annual flower known for its bright, daisy-like blooms and long-lasting flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Zinnia |
| Botanical Name: | Zinnia elegans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in full sun exposure
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers weekly; light pruning as needed for shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer heat by providing partial afternoon shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to direct sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; provide shade during peak summer heat to prevent scorching.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, less frequently in cooler periods
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use raised beds for better drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Warm temperatures (65–90°F or 18–32°C); prefers stable conditions, avoiding extremes.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer, every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seeds; seeds are the most common and easiest method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Plant seeds or cuttings.
- Water lightly.
- Maintain warmth and humidity.
- Transplant once established.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and stable.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid, and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or seed-starting medium with perlite or vermiculite.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 5–10 days; stem cuttings root in 2–3 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting bottle, heat mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems with fingers or use clean shears for larger cuts.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; trim leggy stems to promote bushier growth.
Tools
Clean pruning shears or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Check for dead or damaged stems; deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy growth; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, at the start of the growing season.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Not typically needed for annuals; if grown in containers, repot if roots are crowded or growth slows.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter or cool weather; increase during hot, dry periods.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil remains cold and wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; cover plants in frost; ensure soil is well-drained to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, flowers may drop, and growth may slow in excessive heat, especially with poor water management.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply to soil; avoid foliage contact.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks during growing season; reduce or stop in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicZinnia elegans is non-toxic to cats. There are no documented toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicZinnia elegans is non-toxic to dogs. There are no documented toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicZinnia elegans is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Zinnia elegans be watered?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 1-2 days during hot weather.
Q: Do Zinnias attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Zinnias are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Can Zinnias be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Zinnias thrive in containers as long as they receive full sun and well-draining soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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