Zinnias, Old-Fashioned Annuals for the Modern Garden

Zinnias are my favorite annual flowers. Whenever you need a pop of color in the garden, you can't go wrong with zinnias. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and heights. They thrive in a riot of color in summer heat. They attract butterflies with their beautiful blooms.


Zinnias attract butterflies.




Zinnias come in many colors, including red, orange, and hot pink.

Nurseries usually carry seedlings of the newer shorter zinnia varieties, such as the Profusion and Zahara series, in the spring. Larger nurseries might also have plants of the older varieties, such as Cut And Come Again and State Fair. But buying seedlings is not really necessary as zinnias are exceptionally easy to start from seeds. Anyone can do it!

Start zinnia seeds in warm weather as zinnias thrive in the heat. Summer seeds germinate in as little as three days. Lay seed on top of soil and cover lightly with about a quarter-inch of soil.

Some of the old-fashioned varieties are prone to powdery mildew. If mildew becomes a problem, spray with a fungicide. I personally like to use a systemic made for roses.



Zinnias growing in my garden.