Soil and Planting. Here's and easier way: When the first true leaves appear, snip off the extra seedlings at the soil line. You really want to plant zinnias in a spot with full sun. Zinnias are annual flowering plants prized for their ability to withstand heat and drought-like conditions that would destroy other plants. Divide ornamental grasses. The most commonly grown types of zinnias are Zinnia elegans. Creeping zinnia (Sanvitalia procumbens) is a cheery annual plant with a spreading nature, ideal as groundcover or for planting in containers. Seedlings must be thinned out to grow into healthy and strong adults. Ken_5. Growing between 6 and 36 inches tall, depending on the cultivar, zinnias (Zinnia elegans) produce bright blossoms with double, semidouble or single flower structures. They are the last thing I start for the summer garden and most years they are planted outside in seedling rows to be transplanted toward the beginning of June. It saves indoor space and the plants are sturdier. Nobody likes to thin seedlings. Although it can feel wrong to remove healthy plants, this prevents fungal and growth problems later … Any of your annuals can be planted closer together when placed in containers. Each will be able to produce another 1-2 stems of cuttings in a season. Light . Zinnias require well-drained soil that does not retain excessive water, but remains moist. Click each orange link below if you’re interested in buying seeds or plants. ... You can also divide the … Cut the stem into sections with minimum 2-3 buds. The tall zinnia elegans is still a favorite for the back of the border, but new varieties, like the Thumbelina series, grow only about 6-inches tall and make great choices as edging plants or in containers. How Deep Are a Zinnia's Roots?. Butterflies love zinnias and are sure to flock to your garden if you plant these vibrant flowers. They will likely fail in humid, wet conditions but are well-suited to arid locations. While shorter zinnia species do attract some butterflies, using them as a border for larger zinnias makes more sense than a stand-alone patch. It is really terribly early to start zinnias. The fine green foliage is unique in itself, but the small yellow blooms steal the show and have been compared in appearance to sunflowers, albeit a miniature version. Rows should be 24 inches apart. Root in well draining soil. How to Thin Out Seedlings. Spacing is anywhere between 4 and 24 inches (10-61 cm.). Zinnias – Spacing for zinnias varies a lot depending on the variety, so check your plant information. A member of the aster family, dahlias look a bit like zinnias, chrysanthemums and other aster-like plants. Different Kinds of Zinnia Cultivars. A lot of us have done it, so you have good company. These beauties range in size from the diminutive ‘Thumbelina’ to the enormous 4-foot … Zinnia varieties range in appearance from dahlia-like to cactus flower or beehive shape and may be single or double petaled. The zinnia is a popular plant because it is very easy to grow and maintain in most gardens. They come in a wide range of forms, from small, single blooms to enormous, so-called dinner-plate dahlias, many of which are more than 10 inches across. ... To divide dahlia tubers, you need to look for … Strip leaves from bottom buds and leave some leaves on the cutting. I would not think grafing works because of the highly freshy nature of a zinnia. It's fussy work, and always hard to decide which ones to save and which to toss. A tall zinnia plant can produce 6-8 cuttings. Most zinnia species come in a wide assortment of colors and can be purchased as a mix or a particular color. Prune and divide perennials that bloom in late summer or fall.