One of the best annual plants for luring pollinators, particularly butterflies, is the zinnia. To increase the number of pollinators visiting your garden, interplant zinnias between the rows of your crops or use them as a border around them.
Zinnias are they self-fertile?
As the pollen florets open in the morning, I perform my pollination. I pluck the pollen florets with tweezers or forceps and use them as “brushes” to apply the pollen to the stigmas. Therefore, there is nothing left on my breeders for the bees. Bees are only attracted to pollen florets and are not at all interested in a zinnia bloom that has completely lost all of its pollen florets.
Because it was grown indoors, the onion zinnia was unaffected by bees. Some onion-flowered zinnias have floret-petals that have functional pollen and stigmas on their own, therefore they naturally create a selfed floret seed exactly like regular pollen florets do without the need for assistance.
Bees have no interest in pollinating anything at all. For food, they are harvesting nectar. They only accidentally pollinate plants. When the hybrids flowered out, I would detect any “natural” pollination since the crosses I make are targeted. Rarely do I find a hybrid zinnia that appears to have undergone natural pollination. I wouldn’t notice if a bee unintentionally formed the same cross that I was. Over the years, I have pollinated and crossed-pollinated many zinnias, and I have never felt the need to bag my female zinnias to stop bee pollination. I have occasionally used “hair nets” to block a seedhead from being accessed by bird seed eaters. But in the zinnia patch, the bees and I get along just well.
Although a sphere is not a particularly fascinating flower shape, zinnias rarely bloom in this unusual shape.
I was going to remark that some of the ball-shaped flowers don’t appear to have distinct male and female components, making cross-pollination difficult. Some of your other ones appeared to be lacking the male or female component.
How can you prevent zinnias from fertilizing each other?
This is the first in a series of posts I’m writing about seed preserving. For two reasons, I decided to write a piece about saving zinnia seeds. First, it’s simple to save zinnia seeds. Second, one of my favorite annual flowers is the zinnia. Furthermore, zinnias are an obvious choice for a butterfly garden. Monarch and swallowtail butterflies, among others, were abundant in my garden. See my post on Growing and caring for Zinnias, the entire guide for more details on how to cultivate zinnias.
- The best seeds to save are those from self- or open-pollinated plants. Plants that have been naturally pollinated by wind, insects, or birds are said to be “open-pollinated.” Self-pollinated plants are those that received pollen from either another flower on the same plant or the same flower itself.
- It’s possible that seeds from hybrid plants won’t grow an identical or as colorful of a plant. The initial pollination (also known as f1) of hybrid seeds is managed by humans. A new hybrid variety is created when the pollen of two separate species or kinds is mixed together.
- If you grow multiple zinnia varieties, cross-pollination may occur. This shouldn’t, in my opinion, deter you from saving seed. Just be aware that it can produce a “different” kind. When wind, insects, or birds move pollen from one variation of a plant to another type of the same plant, cross-pollination takes place.
- A technique for plant propagation is to save the seed. The capacity to develop a new plant from an existing one is known as propagation.
Benefits of saving zinnia seeds
Why store seeds when doing so requires work, research, preparation, and time? As I see the advantages, the following is my list:
- Saving seeds is challenging, but in a good way. Locating the seeds can be challenging at times. You feel accomplished whenever you eventually locate the seeds.
- When my preserved seed grows into a plant, I am happy and feel like I’ve accomplished something.
- You support the preservation of plant diversity.
- Saved at home seeds are free.
- Saved seeds are more tolerant of your soil and climate.
Harvesting (saving) zinnia seeds
The largest family of flowering plants, the aster family, which includes marigolds, cosmos, and daisies, includes zinnias. While deadheading zinnias will increase their flower production, the conclusion of the growing season is a good time to store seeds. Here is how it works:
- Pick the blooms that seem to be in the best health.
- Alternatively, pick your preferred color from a range of hues.
- Let the flower’s stalk get dark and brittle.
- Cut the stem with scissors or garden shears once the blossom has turned brown.
- Indicate the flower’s type and color on the label. When it comes time to sow the seeds, you will be glad you took these steps.
- Allow the flower head to dry for another week or two in a cool, dry place. My own preference is to set it on a paper towel in a quiet spot.
- Pull the flower head apart gently, then let everything fall into a paper towel.
- The arrow-shaped seeds are affixed to the flower petals’ tips.
- Sort the remaining chaff and seeds with care. The seeds were divided into a mound using a little knife.
Storing saved zinnia seeds
I prefer to store my saved zinnia seeds in tiny brown envelopes, which are simple to locate and buy on Amazon. Brown envelopes are reasonably priced, simple to write on, and convenient to store. Here is a guide about seed storage.
- Put the seeds in a mailer. Add a packet of silica gel or dry rice to the envelope to ward off moisture.
- Inscribe the following information on the envelope:
- kind of seed (e.g. Zinnia)
- Variety (e.g. Cut and Come Again)
- When Saved
- Put the envelope in a container that is sealed.
- Put the container somewhere cool. I make advantage of the fridge.
Over time, seed viability declines. Use saved zinnia seeds within three years. I wish you well with the zinnia seeds.
Zinnias can they self-seed?
Will Zinnias Self-Reseed? Here, the quick response is “yes” There is a fair possibility that zinnia seeds will germinate and thrive the following spring if the plants are allowed to blossom and set seed.
Which types of pollinators are drawn to zinnias?
From summer till frost, zinnias draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and other helpful pollinators with their vivid, enticing blossoms. Zinnias make excellent cut flowers and are resistant to deer.
What should zinnias be used for at the conclusion of the season?
One of the simplest flowers to plant, zinnias grow quickly and provide a lot of blooms. Additionally, they will continue to bloom right up until the first fall hard frost. Consider trying zinnia flowers this year to add a huge splash of color to your yard.
About Zinnias
Since zinnias are annuals, they will only produce blooms and seeds for one season before dying. The original plant will not reappear the following year. They are excellent for use as a cutting flower or as food for butterflies since they have vivid, solitary, daisy-like flowerheads on a single, tall stem.
Types of Zinnias
Zinnia elegans, the most widely grown zinnia species, has been developed to produce a large number of distinctive variants.
Single, semidouble, or double zinnia blooms are the three most common varieties. The number of petal rows and whether or not the flower’s center is visible serve to distinguish between these forms:
- A single row of petals and the center are both visible on single-flowered zinnias.
- Petal rows abound on double-flowered zinnias, and their centers are hidden.
- Between the two are semidouble-flowered zinnias, which have several rows of petals but discernible cores.
In addition to these shapes, zinnia flowers also occur in “beehive,” “button,” and “cactus” forms. Additionally, the plants themselves come in various heights: taller types function best as a garden bed’s background, while shorter varieties are useful as a border. There is a zinnia for every garden, in fact!
In an annual or mixed border garden, plant zinnias. Smaller zinnias work well as window boxes, edging, or in other containers.
To have a lot of flowers all season long, choose a place that receives full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day). Additionally, later in the season, foliar diseases like powdery mildew can be avoided by planting in an area with sufficient air circulation.
Although zinnias can grow in a variety of soil types, they prefer organically rich, well-draining soil. The optimal pH range for soil is between 5.5 and 7.5. The blooms will grow more quickly if compost (humus) is added to the soil. Find out more about soil improvements and getting the soil ready for planting.
When to Plant Zinnias
- Because they dislike being transplanted, it is advised that you start your zinnia plants from seed directly in the garden bed. If the correct circumstances are present, they will develop quite quickly from seed.
- It should be noted that zinnias can be grown from seed inside if you like. Just make sure to transfer them gently and young.
- Because zinnias are delicate to frost, wait to plant them until after the last frost in your area. See the frost dates in your area.
- Zinnias can tolerate daily temperatures as low as 60F (16C), although a range of 7484F (2328C) is ideal.
- To prolong the flowering time, sow a new crop of seeds every week or so for a few weeks.
How to Plant Zinnias
- Depending on the kind, place plants 4 to 24 inches apart. (Many common kinds are planted 2 feet between rows and 6 inches apart within the row.) For information about each variety, consult the seed packet’s back.
- Plant zinnia seeds no deeper than 1/4 inch.
- The majority of zinnia cultivars will produce seedlings in just 4 to 7 days, but it may take up to two months or more for blooms to appear (depending on planting site and climate).
- To promote air circulation, thin seedlings when they are three inches tall, spacing them 6 to 18 inches apart. As a result, powdery mildew is less likely to grow.
- To promote development and blossoms, keep the soil’s moisture level moderate and apply a mild fertilizer.
- Deadhead zinnias once they have finished blooming to facilitate the development of new blossoms.
- Since zinnias are annuals, they will perish with the first fall hard cold. Let the final blooms of the season fully mature before dispersing their seeds if you want them to reseed.
Zinnias still not your thing? In your garden, try them out for the following six reasons:
- With cultivars from the Dreamland Series, you can have a full-sized flower on a little plant. These zinnias are compact and dwarf, with stems that are 812 inches tall and totally double flowerheads that can be up to 4 inches across with a variety of colors.
- The dwarf, spreading cultivars of the Thumbelina Series have weather-resistant, solitary or semi-double flowerheads in a variety of hues. Their stems can reach a length of 6 inches, and their petals are 1-1/4″ wide.
- One of the largest and tallest of them all, the State Fair Series has huge, double flowerheads that measure 3 inches in diameter. Stems can reach a height of 30 inches.
- Typically, it takes zinnias 60 to 70 days from seed to flower (though it depends on conditions and variety). They are fantastic in a bunch of flowers!
- The tiny, narrow-leafed zinnias are great for hanging baskets and also make lovely dried flowers.
- Zinnias are considered to represent memories of those who have passed away. Discover more about the significance of flowers here.
- Zinnias may be harmed by bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, and bacterial and fungal spots. To prevent illness, keep leaves from getting too damp and correctly space your plants.
- Problems can also be brought on by caterpillars, mealybugs, and spider mites. Spraying should be avoided unless there is a real infestation because some leaf damage is not a problem.
- Thanks to their resistance to deer, zinnias may be able to prevent surrounding flowers from being eaten.
Do zinnias return the following year?
It’s hot outside, so gardening in the summer calls for plants that are minimal care, drought and heat tolerant, and have vibrant colors.
The better, the brighter.
On each of the three criteria, zinnias were suitable. plus more. They’re among the best flowers that savvy gardeners may use in their gardens, in fact.
If there is a flower that is simpler to grow, please let us know. Since zinnias are annuals, their life cycle from seed to flower to seed is short. Simple garden preparation is all that is needed for zinnias’ arrow-like, pointy seeds to germinate. Simply place them in soil that is well-drained, in full sun, and in an area that receives a lot of summer heat, and you’ll soon see small seedlings and blooming flowers. No enduring can boast of that speed!
One gardening buddy just scatters seeds wherever she wants a few zinnias, watered those areas for a few days, and then lets the zinnias’ naturally easy-to-grow nature take its course.
“Candy Cane,” “Green Envy,” “Persian Carpet,” and “Pop Art.” When a variety has names like those, color is guaranteed. The ridiculous color palette of zinnias includes every vivid and pastel shade (aside from blue), as well as bi-, tri-, and crazy-quilt combinations made for cutting, luring pollinators, etc.
Many new zinnia series give options for height and width in addition to vibrant color.
- While Zinnia elegans tall varieties continue to be the preferred option for the back of the border, shorter series are now challenging the low ground once held by marigolds and petunias. The Thumbelina Series of dwarf zinnias reach their highest point at 6 to 8 inches, whereas the Magellan Series remain roughly knee high at 14 inches.
- The Crystal Series and other creeping or spreading Zinnia angustifolia are a revelation for the front of the border, raised beds, containers, and even ground coverings. The fact that its native to Mexico is even more drought tolerant than regular zinnias makes it the preferred choice for hot locations like sidewalk beds or that no-man’s-land next to the garage.
- With a height of about 8 to 12 inches, ZaharaTM zinnias are renowned for their resistance to powdery mildew and leaf spot (see below). In the entry beds of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, we paired Zahara Yellow, which is brief but sweet, with tiny sunflowers.
Zinnias are obviously meant for the vase because they have style and long, sturdy stems.
The words stars and daisies, dahlias and spiders, buttons and domes, and quill-leaf cactus are all used to describe zinnia blooms. Flowers come in different varieties: “singles,” which have their petals arranged in a row around an open center; semi-doubles; and doubles. Each one is fantastic in floral arrangements.
The best zinnias for cutting are, of course, the tall kinds; “Benary’s Giant” is renowned for its three-foot-tall, robust stems and huge flowers. Just above a bud joint, angle-cut zinnia stems. Zinnias often stay a long time in a vase; thus, remove all but the most obvious leaves off the stems before placing them in water.
Zinnias require little upkeep. Because they grow quickly, they shade out weeds. They don’t need mulching, and the only fertilizer they need is an occasional application of a well-balanced mix.
Deadheading encourages the growth of additional blooms. Lack of time to deadhead? When it comes to a big bed, the Zaharas indicated in the sidebard are a significant time saver.
The Profusion Series, a cross between Z. elegans and Z. angustifolia, is resistant to powdery mildew, which is the bane of zinnias, just like Zaharas.
Zinnias are accustomed to dry environments because they are indigenous to the grasslands of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and South America. However, wet summers, like the one we’ve had so far, can be damaging. And leaf spot and powdery mildew can result from that. Three recommendations for surviving inclement weather:
- Only water as necessary, and then only at the plant’s base. Wet leaves can encourage the growth of mildew, and water splashing can instantly spread fungus from the ground onto zinnia leaves.
- Taller, mildew-prone kinds can be hidden by foreground plants.
- As one horticultural put it, “Even when zinnias are coated in powdery mildew, they’re covered with flowers,” do both #1 and #2 and accept that zinnia leaves (but not flowers) are impacted by wet weather.
Zinnia seeds can be saved with ease. Simply let the blossoms to completely dry on the stalk, gather the seedheads, and delicately crush them in your fingers to release the harvest of seeds for the following year. In the same manner as other seeds, store in a cool, dry area. (And save some for our seed swap in February of next year in a labeled envelope!)
Last but not least, zinnias attract butterflies, so plant them every year. The plants with larger flowers serve as landing places for butterflies looking for nectar. (The same is true with hummingbirds.) To capture the most attention, try tall zinnias with scarlet or hot pink blossoms.
Living and gardening in Oak Park, Illinois, Karen Zaworski is a writer and photographer who specializes in gardens.
‘Benary’s Giant,’ one of the greatest for cut flowers, stands out in the English Oak Meadow with its 1,000 blooms.
Above: Double Zahara Fire (Zinnia marylandica), one of a group of plants resistant to powdery mildew, was cultivated in the Enabling Garden.
For your summer garden, the ZaharaTM Coral Rose Zinnia (Zinnia Marylandica) excels and requires little water.