Zinnia is an elegant blend. Zinnia flower

Many people know this plant under a completely different name - majors. This is a flower without which it is simply impossible to imagine summer garden or a summer flower garden, because this plant has a simply magnificent bright look. That is why many gardeners give preference to this handsome man over many exotic flowers. However, despite its fame and popularity, growing zinnia has a number of nuances and difficulties that you need to know.

In this article, we will consider the main features and description of zinnia, as well as note the most popular and common types and varieties of this plant. We will reveal in more detail the main and important nuances of agricultural technology for growing this crop.

Features and description of zinnia

Zinnia is a herbaceous or shrubby perennial flowering plant that belongs to the large Asteraceae or Compositae family. It was from this family that the most popular flowers in our gardens came out, for example, asters, marigolds. The homeland of zinnia is Southern Mexico, from where this flowering plant spread primarily to North America, and only then throughout the world. The indigenous population of America and Mexico began to cultivate zinnia as early as 1500, but this plant came to Europe in the 18th century. AT European countries bright zinnias became the favorite flowers of the aristocrats. Three centuries later, majors have spread throughout the world, winning the love of gardeners.

At one time, this flower was a symbol of such a US state as Indiana. The zinnia flower got its name in honor of the botanist and pharmacologist Johann Zinn, who helped the famous scientist Carl Linnaeus research his herbarium material.

Associated with this flower interesting fact Zinnia was the first flower to bloom in zero gravity aboard the International Space Station in 2016.

Description of zinnia:

• Zinnia is a perennial plant that has decorative features. In our climate, this flower is grown only as an annual, since its homeland is Southern Mexico with its warm climate.
• This flower is one of the most popular in gardens around the world. The plant is most popular in North America.
• The zinnia flower can grow as a herbaceous plant or as a small bush, depending on the particular variety.
• On average, the height of zinnia can be 20-100 cm.
• The stems of this plant are quite strong, erect, tolerate windy conditions well. Therefore, even tall varieties do not require additional garters.
• One of the features of zinnia is its rapid growth.
• Zinnia leaves are oblong ovoid, slightly pointed at the top. Dark green in color, slightly pubescent. They are attached to the stems without petioles, are sessile, arranged oppositely or whorled, collected several at a time at the same level.
• Zinnia flowers are apical baskets that grow on long peduncles. They are single inflorescences.
• They vary in size - from 3 cm to 14 cm.
• The flower consists of reed petals or tubular. Petal petals are arranged in several rows and have different colors: red, yellow, orange, pink, white. Tubular petals are located in the center of the basket and have yellow or yellowish red.
• Zinnia flowering begins in early summer, around mid-June, and lasts until frost. No wonder this flower is called long-blooming.
• The zinnia plant is distinguished by its resistance to drought, but it cannot stand even the slightest frost, as it is a heat-loving flower.

The most popular types and varieties of zinnia

To date, there are about 22 types of zinnia in nature, but in our conditions climate zone only a few can be grown. Such plants include elegant zinnia, narrow-leaved zinnia, fine-flowered zinnia and linearis zinnia. Consider all these types and their varieties in more detail.

Zinnia graceful

• This type of zinnia has been cultivated since 1796.
• The natural habitat of zinnia graceful is the territory of southern Mexico.
• It is a herbaceous plant.
• A tall plant that can reach a height of up to 1 meter.
• The plant is formed by erect stems that branch slightly. The entire stem is pubescent with stiff hairs.
• The leaves of the plant are ovoid, slightly pointed, up to 7 cm in length.
• At the tops of the stems, single basket inflorescences of different shades bloom: white, orange, pink.
• The inflorescences are rather large in size, in diameter they can reach 5-16 cm.
• The shape of the inflorescence can be simple, semi-double and terry.
• Inflorescences consist of reed and tubular petals.
• Flowering graceful zinnia begins in early summer and lasts until the very cold.
• By flowering time: early flowering, medium flowering, late flowering.

Varieties of zinnia elegant in stem height:

• Zinnia dwarf - reaches a height of only 15-30 cm. Distinctive feature of such zinnias is their good branching and the possibility of growing both in open ground and in pots.
• Medium zinnia - can reach a height of 35-50 cm.
• Tall zinnia - plants 60-95 cm tall.

Varieties of zinnia according to the shape of inflorescences (only 7 categories, of which only a few are grown on our territory):

• Zinnia dahlia. Tall compact bushes, moderately branching. They can grow up to 90 cm in height. The stem is densely covered with large, up to 12 cm leaves. The inflorescences are terry, hemispherical in shape, can reach 14 cm in diameter. Varieties of dahlia-colored zinnias: "Violet" - a plant up to 75 cm in height with inflorescences of all shades of purple; "Orange koenig" - flowers up to 70 cm high with bright large, double inflorescences of a red-orange hue.
• Zinnia Lilliput. It is a low compact plant up to 50 cm in height, strongly branching. The stems are strewn with small leaves and small inflorescences. The flowers are shaped like small pom-poms. Varieties of zinnia Lilliput: "Little Red Riding Hood" - a plant up to 55 cm in height with densely double inflorescences of a bright red hue; "Tambelina" is a variety mixture with flowers of different shades.
• Zinnia fantasy. They are dense compact bushes up to 60 cm in height. It is distinguished by large leaves and unusually shaped flowers, which consist of narrow, slightly twisted petals. Varieties of zinnia fantasy: "Gift" - a plant with bright red inflorescences.

In addition to these groups of elegant zinnia, the following are also grown around the world: Californian zinnia, cactus flowers, super cactus flowers, scabiose flowers.

Zinnia angustifolia

• This type of zinnia is native to southern Mexico.
• It is a bush formed by erect shoots that branch strongly.
• The leaves are small, oblong in shape.
• The inflorescences of this species are also small, in shape they can be simple or terry.
• The color of flowers of zinnia angustifolia is orange.

Popular varieties of narrow-leaved zinnia:

• Sort "Glorienshine". dwarf plant, highly branched in shape. It can reach a height of only 25 cm. It is distinguished by an unusual color of inflorescences: at the very center, the petals are painted in orange tones, and at the ends - in reddish-brown.
• Sort "Persian Carpet Mix". Plants that are distinguished by a large number of shades of inflorescences: two-tone reddish hue with lemon, white, pink. Often used as ground cover plants.

Zinnia fine-flowered

• Plant of medium height that can grow up to 60 cm.
• A small bush is formed by thin and fragile stems that have an unusual reddish tint.
• On the tops of the stems there are small inflorescences up to 3 cm in diameter.

Zinnia linearis

• Is the most undersized view zinnia, which can reach a height of only 25-35 cm.
• The stems of this plant are densely strewn with small, long and narrow leaves.
• The flowers are also small yellow tint with an orange border around the edge of the petals.

Popular varieties of zinnia linearis:

• Sort "Golden ai". The inflorescence of this plant variety has a white core and white reed petals, which is very similar to chamomile.
• Variety "Caramel". This plant stands out in inflorescences with caramel-yellow reed petals and black tubular petals.

Reproduction of zinnia: the most common methods

Zinnia is a flowering perennial plant that is grown as an annual in our latitudes. You can easily breed this flower yourself. Zinnia can propagate in two ways: seeds and seedlings. Let's take a closer look at the two types of plant breeding.

Seed propagation of zinnia

You can plant zinnia seeds directly in open ground. However, this requires certain climatic conditions. If your winters are harsh and long, then sowing seeds directly into the ground will not work for you. To do this, your area must have a warm and mild climate. If this is possible, do the following:

• First of all, zinnia seeds must be subjected to selection. To do this, wrap them in a damp cloth and leave it like that for a couple of days. Good seeds should germinate.
• Next, on the selected site, prepare a landing site. Carefully dig the soil and make small grooves.
• Sow seeds in them and gently sprinkle with sand.
• From above, the bed can be covered with a film to create a small greenhouse.
• Under these conditions, the seeds will germinate in about two weeks.

Reproduction of zinnia seedlings

This method is the most suitable for our climatic conditions. Moreover, home-grown zinnia seedlings will take root and bloom much faster.

• First of all, it is necessary to select only high-quality seeds. To do this, moisten gauze in Hellene and wrap zinnia seeds in it. In this position, hold the planting material for several days. If your seeds are fresh, they will begin to germinate in a couple of days. They are suitable for seedlings.
• The best time for sowing seeds for seedlings is April. If you sow them early, then your seedlings can stretch very much. And in the end you get very thin and fragile plants.
• Next, you need to prepare separate pots or cups to avoid picks. Zinnias do not like to be disturbed at such a young age.
• Pots need to be filled with moistened peat.
• Seeds are sown in several pieces (about 2-3 pieces per pot). Sprinkle with peat about 1 cm on top.
• Next, the soil in the pots needs to be moistened, the field of which the future seedlings need to be placed in a bright and rather warm room.
• The optimum temperature for germination of zinnia seeds is 22-24 degrees Celsius.
• Under such conditions, the seedlings hatch in a few days.
• Further care consists in regular watering.
• After some time, around the beginning of June or at the end (for the northern regions), the resulting seedlings can be planted in open ground.

Stages of preparation before planting zinnia

Planting and caring for zinnia is not difficult, but the planting process itself must be carefully prepared. If you have not grown seedlings yourself, you need to purchase it. It is also important to choose on your site appropriate place for landing. Consider the entire preparation process in more detail.

Stage 1. Selection of planting material

• First of all, you need to decide whether you will grow seedlings on your own or purchase them in specialized stores.
• If you like to grow seedlings at home, then it is easy to do this by following the plan described above.
• If you decide to buy ready seedlings zinnias in pots, then choose specialized stores or agricultural companies that breed plants for purchase.
• When buying seedlings in the store, give preference to single-planted plants. In addition, the seedlings should be strong and not too long.
• When choosing planting material it is necessary to determine the specific variety. Only choose varieties of zinnias that do well in your area's climate. Do not take risks by purchasing exotic types and varieties of flowers.

Stage 2. Choosing a landing site

• First of all, you need to choose a bright and sunny place on your site, because zinnias are heat-loving plants.
• The chosen place should be protected from winds and drafts.
• You can pick up a site on a small hill, as zinnia prefers to grow in well-drained soils. And this means that the plant does not tolerate the close occurrence of groundwater and stagnant water at the roots.
• When choosing a site for planting zinnia, be guided by the garden composition you are planning. Tall zinnias can be planted singly or used for group plantings. They look great along buildings and fences. Smaller plants are suitable for planting on flower beds combined with other colors. Dwarf zinnias can also be planted on balconies in pots or used as ground cover plants.

Stage 3. Selection and preparation of soil for planting

• Zinnia prefers to grow in nutritious and fertile soils.
• It is also important that the soil is well drained.
• Give preference to soil with a neutral reaction.
• The selected site must be carefully prepared before planting. To do this, you need to dig up the area by one bayonet of a shovel, by about 40-45 cm. Thus, you remove weeds and saturate the substrate with air.
• When digging the soil, add leafy humus or compost to it.
• If possible, you can prepare the site for planting in the fall.

Technology for planting zinnia in open ground

• It is best to plant zinnia seedlings in May, when the threat has passed. return frosts. Zinnia does not tolerate even a slight frost of minus 1 degree.
• The area prepared in the fall must be slightly loosened again.
• Next, you need to prepare small holes for planting zinnia.
• Zinnia for active growth you need space, so you should respect the distance between plants. For undersized zinnias, this is 10-15 cm, for medium-sized ones - 20 cm, for tall varieties - 20-30 cm between plants and 35-40 cm between rows.
• If you grew seedlings yourself in peat pots, seedlings can be planted directly with them. Otherwise, carefully remove the seedlings without shaking the soil from the roots.
• If the site you have chosen is in the lowland part, then it is better to provide the plants with good drainage. At the bottom of the holes, you can pour clean river sand.
• Gently place the seedlings in the holes and sprinkle with soil.
• To prevent excessive evaporation of moisture, the soil around the seedlings can be mulched with dry peat.

Agrotechnics for growing zinnia: the secrets and nuances of care

Zinnias are not required special care, however, if you want to get lush and profusely flowering plants on your site, you need to periodically pay attention to the flower. Zinnia care consists in periodic watering, loosening, top dressing.

Watering zinnias

Zinnia refers to plants that cannot tolerate excessive soil moisture. From this her root system may begin to rot and eventually die. For this flower, a lack of moisture is better than an excess. Watering needs regular and moderate. It is also important to know that it is recommended to water zinnias under the root, trying not to get on the flowers. If moisture gets inside the inflorescences, they can begin to rot.

Loosening and mulching

Periodically, the soil around the plant must be loosened, at the same time removing all weeds. You need to loosen very carefully so as not to damage the stems of the plant. Usually this process is carried out after watering to loosen the soil and make it lighter. To reduce the amount of loosening and reduce the number of weeds, the soil around the plants can be mulched. For this, it is recommended to use dry peat.

Top dressing zinnia

For stronger growth and lush flowering zinnia must be fertilized throughout the entire growth period. The first feeding should be carried out even during the cultivation of seedlings (if you do it yourself). As a fertilizer during this period, it is necessary to use mineral fertilizers, while keeping in mind that the level of nitrogen fertilizers should be reduced in it.

In the future, zinnias are fertilized two more times during the entire growing season. The first time fertilization should be carried out 3-4 weeks after planting in the ground. As fertilizers, you can use a solution of manure or complex mineral fertilizers. The second time the plant is fertilized during the formation of flower buds.

Pinching and trimming

You need to pinch zinnia if you want to get a beautiful branching plant. Some begin to pinch even at the stage of growing seedlings after the appearance of the fifth leaf. However, it is quite possible to do this after landing. But if you're growing cut zinnia, especially the taller varieties, you don't need to pinch the plant.

As such, pruning zinnia is not needed. However, if you remove permanently withered buds, then your plant will bloom even more abundantly.

Disease and pest control

Like any other plant, zinnia is susceptible to various diseases and pests.

Zinnia pests:

• Slugs and snails. These pests are best collected by hand. To facilitate this process, you can spread out the pieces of roofing material, under which they will climb.
• May beetles. Such pests are also collected by hand.
• Aphid. To combat this pest of zinnia, it is necessary to use a solution of tar soap. If the number of aphids is significant, use special preparations, for example, Fufanon.

Plant diseases:

• Spotting. This disease is one of the most serious, as there is no cure for it. If you notice signs, then the affected areas must be removed. With a large infection, the entire plant is removed.
• Gray rot. To treat this disease, special fungicide preparations are used, for example, Fundazol.
• Powdery mildew. This disease is considered the most common for this plant. Appears as white spots. For its treatment, fungicides are used, for example, Topaz.

Collection of zinnia seeds

The seeds of this plant ripen two months after the start of flowering. Let's figure out how to collect seeds from zinnia. Initially, select the first blooming zinnia flowers. After the inflorescences turn brown, they need to be cut and slightly dried. Next, carefully dry the seeds and place in paper bag for storage. Zinnia seeds are suitable for sowing for 4 years.

The use of zinnia in landscape design

• Zinnias look great in various garden compositions. For example, these flowers can be planted on various flower beds and mixborders in the background.
• Zinnias of tall varieties look great against the background of lawns and garden trees.
• You can plant these plants along outbuildings, between the beds in the garden.
• Smaller varieties of zinnia can be planted along garden paths or along the edge of flower beds.
• Alternatively, they can be grown in containers and pots.

Photo of zinnia in landscape design

You can more clearly see all the features of zinnias and options for their placement on the site in the photos below.

It is impossible to imagine a plot or a flower garden without flowers such as zinnias. These plants are the best suited for our conditions, while you will not need much effort when growing them.

Zinnia strikes with a huge variety of varieties, which attracts the attention of many flower growers. In our country, this plant is better known under the name of majors. Unpretentious in care, zinnia is able to please the eye with its abundant flowering for a long time and at the same time it is very unpretentious. Have you planted it in your area yet? Perhaps the problem lies in the choice? If so, we suggest that you consider the most popular varieties of this flower and make an informed decision.

Zinnia is exactly the plant that is capable of the best way decorate the site with minimal effort on your part

Plant characteristic

Zinnia is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This flower owes its name to Karl Liney, who in 1759 named it in honor of the director of the botanical garden, Johann Zinn.

Zinnia belongs to the genus of perennial and annual herbs, grows quite quickly and is a cross-pollinated plant. Depending on the variety, it can have an upright or spreading stem or form a small bush. In height, it ranges from 0.15 to 1.1 m. The powerful strong stem is covered with hard villi. On it sit elongated oval-shaped leaves, which are whorled or opposite.

On a note! The stalk of zinnia is quite strong, which is why it does not need a garter (except for special weather conditions- strong wind or rain), and cut flowers remain fresh for 1-1.5 weeks!

Zinnia is unpretentious, but in order for it to bloom as luxuriantly and plentifully as possible, it needs a lot of sunlight. For this reason, it is recommended to plant the plant in a warm sunny area, protected from drafts. He does not like high humidity - watering should be rare, but at the same time plentiful.

Bloom

Zinnia blooms incredibly spectacularly, forming complex large inflorescences at the ends of the stems. Their diameter can reach 15 cm, and they consist of two types of flowers. The first type is the outer flowers, rather large, ligulate, their shape can be elongated-oval, elongated or in the form of a tube, which sometimes bifurcates at the end. The second type is tubular flowers. Their sizes are much smaller and at the same time they are, as a rule, tubular in shape. Located in the inner part of the inflorescence.

Zinnia flowers are extremely diverse in their color. They can be white, cream, red, scarlet, burgundy, orange, bright yellow, pinkish, purple and even lilac. Only blue is missing.

The flowering period of zinnia falls approximately 55-65 days after sowing in the ground and lasts until late autumn. Individual inflorescences are able to "live" for 3 days.

garden classification

There are 4 main types of zinnias:

• graceful;
• narrow-leaved;
• thin-flowered;
• linearis.

At the same time, according to the garden classification, these species are divided into 3 subspecies: tall zinnias, the stem length of which is from 60 to 90 cm, medium-sized - from 0.35 to 0.55 m and undersized with a stem from 0.15 to 0.30 m.

Plants from the first subspecies are bred, as a rule, for cutting, and in general they look rather cumbersome in the flower garden. Low-growing zinnias are more versatile, as they form neat bushes in the process of growth, which are great for a flower garden, and for growing in pots, and for cutting.

Zinnia graceful

Fine zinnia is the most common variety and is mostly grown for cut flowers. She has a strong stem big leaves and luxurious semi-double inflorescences, making up a circle of 12 cm.

On a note! The modern graceful zinnia has rather dense petals, which is strikingly different from the plant that appeared at the end of the 18th century. He had small inflorescences and it fully met its name - graceful!

Currently, elegant zinnia has a huge number of varieties, which are divided into separate groups.

Zinnia angustifolia

The most unpretentious in cultivation and care is narrow-leaved zinnia. She has simple flowers, which in their beauty are in no way inferior to the above group. Their hue is often yellow or deep orange. The bushes are very beautiful spherical shape, small and often their height does not exceed 0.5 m.

The narrow-leaved zinnia cannot boast of as many varieties as the elegant one, and most of the representatives are very similar in appearance to marigolds.

This type most often found in landscape flower beds. Its bushes are small - up to 0.6 m in height. The stalk is thin, cranked, has a somewhat reddish tint. The inflorescences are small - not wider than 3 cm, the flowers are narrow with twisted ends. Their hue is usually purple.

In the next photo you can see what thin-flowered zinnia looks like.

Linearis

Quite often, linearis zinnia is confused with fine-flowered zinnia, since it has the same thin and sharp leaves. This species is one of the smallest of all cultivated. The branching bush has an almost spherical shape and grows no more than 35 cm in height.

During the flowering period, linearis produces small inflorescences with yellow reed flowers. It is most suitable for growing in small containers or pots, it looks great on alpine slides and in miniature flower beds.

Popular varieties

Represented by four main types, zinnia has an incredible variety, and therefore is easily able to justify the highest demands of landscape designers of our time.

Undersized

Among the undersized zinnias, you can find both an elegant variety and an narrow-leaved one. The following miniature varieties are very fond of many flower growers:

• Series "Lilliput" - terry zinnia, which gives quite large (about 10 cm in circumference) dome-shaped inflorescences. A bush of medium height - about 0.5 m. It blooms for a long time and profusely.

  Zinnia "Lilliput"

• "Rotcopchen", or "Little Red Riding Hood" is one of the most sought after varieties of elegant pompon zinnia. The plant got its name due to the thick red color of the petals, which, even under the strong rays of the sun, do not lose their saturation. "Little Red Riding Hood" is a low bush, the height of which can be 0.55 m and has a spherical shape. Covered with dense inflorescences - round or in the form of a truncated cone.

  .Variety "Rotcopchen"

• "Tom-Thumb", or "Tom-Tamb" - this flower also belongs to the variety of elegant zinnia. Its bushes are small, up to 45 cm in height, the flowers are bright red. This variety is very similar to Little Red Riding Hood, but its inflorescences are not so rounded - in this case, the shape is more flattened.

  Variety "Tom-Tamb"

• "Short Staff" - is one of the most popular representatives of undersized zinnias. The height of the bush is often no more than 25 cm, but at the same time it gives rather large inflorescences - about 10 cm in diameter. Flowers can have a different color: coral, cherry, red and white.

  Variety "Short Staff"

Varieties of dahlia zinnia

Among the dahlia-shaped zinnias, the following varieties are most popular:

• "Raspberry Monarch" - this variety gives an incredibly beautiful sprawling bush, the height of which can be from 65 to 75 cm. During the flowering period, terry inflorescences are formed, which can be both dense and loose. Their color is dark red, diameter is about 14 cm. A single flower is able to "live" from 17 to 26 days. The flowering period begins in early summer and lasts until the first frost.

  Variety "Raspberry Monarch"

• "Violet" - a sprawling bush, about 65-78 cm high. During the flowering period, dense inflorescences are formed, the diameter of which is from 11 to 13 cm. The inflorescences are terry, purple tones. It begins to bloom in July and this period continues until frost.

  Variety "Violet"

• "Orange King" - the height of the plant is from 65 to 75 cm. The inflorescences are large, painted in a bright red-orange color. Their density is average, diameter is from 13 to 15 cm. Terry flowers.

  One flower can bloom for 20-24 days

• "Lavender Queen" is a relatively tall plant, about 0.85 m. Spreading shrub, inflorescences are dense, terry, about 12 cm in diameter. The shade is purple.

  An individual flower may bloom for three weeks.

• "Purple Prince" - the height of the bush ranges from 60-65 cm. During the flowering period, it gives large inflorescences with a purple tint. The flowering period lasts from the last decade of June until the first frost.

  "Purple Prince"

• "Envy" - a plant about 70 cm high, the circumference of the inflorescence is about 12-13 cm. The most popular variety that looks very advantageous in any flower bed, especially surrounded by pink and purple flowers.

  "Envy"

• "Polar Bear" - a bush of medium height - about 66-69 cm. A compact plant with dense double flowers. Inflorescences are dense, 14-15 cm in diameter. Painted white with a greenish tint.

  "Polar bear"

Varieties of zinnia angustifolia

The most common varieties of narrow-leaved zinnia are:

• "Persian Carpet" is a very beautiful plant, which in its appearance resembles an oriental carpet. The bush has a pattern composed of flowers of various colors: from bright yellow to rich brown.

  "Persian rug"

• "Glorienshine" - branched bush, terry inflorescences. It blooms profusely, and throughout the entire flowering period. The flowers are bright orange, with a brown border on the tips.

  "Glorienshine"

• "KandyStripe" - somewhat similar to the "Persian Carpet" variety. He also has a second name "Tiger". The petals of the inflorescences are striped, which is why this plant looks great in a flower bed.

  "CandyStripe"

hybrid varieties

The largest number of hybrid plants was obtained by crossing elegant zinnia and angustifolia. Such a tandem gives very expressive bushes with incredibly lush dense caps and a bright pattern. Among the hybrids:

• series "ProfusionMixed" - plant height is from 30 to 35 cm. The bush is dotted with small flowers which are very similar to daisies. However, their color may be different.
• Series "Carousel" - bush medium size, about 60 cm high. The flowers are large, double, bicolor inflorescences. The petals are narrowed at the ends.
• "Shaggy Dog" - on the bushes are small leaves twisted into tubes. Leaves look down.
• "Pepermint Stick" is a very interesting hybrid, the petals of which are painted in bright yellow-red.
• "Envi" - the bush has a rather large light green foliage and a very expressive hat of flowers.
• "Magellan" - a relatively small plant - about 35 cm in height. The inflorescences are densely double dahlia-shaped, their diameter is about 10 cm. The color is coral, pink, orange, salmon, cherry, red, yellow.
• The Swizzle series, represented by two varieties - Cherry Ivory, whose flowers have a creamy tint at the tips of the tongues, and Scarlet Yellow, with bright red flowers with a yellow border at the tips.

Bouquet varieties

Zinnia is a unique plant that can be grown both outdoors and in small pots right at home. It behaves well when cut, and under the right conditions will stand in a bouquet for two weeks.

On a note! Zinnia is good because it has a very weak aroma, and therefore will not cause discomfort to those people who are susceptible to the smell of flowers!

If you are interested in zinnia exclusively as a bouquet flower, then we advise you to use a mixture of varieties for cutting. Among the most successful species in this regard will be the aforementioned California Giants zinnia. Bushes can reach a meter in height and will give you large inflorescences of various colors. Among the representatives of this variety, you can see white and yellow specimens, cream and purple, red and lilac, as well as all shades of pink and orange. Such a bouquet can stand for at least 12 days.

"California Giants"

Cactus zinnia is also the most successful choice. Her bushes are quite tall - about 90 cm, and the flowers are great for cutting. On straight strong stems are large inflorescences. It blooms for a long time - from the beginning of summer to September, and stands for quite a long time after cutting.

Zinnia cactus variety "God of Fire"

flower zinnia

But be that as it may, zinnia still looks most successful in a flower bed, as you can see by looking at following photos. Among the flower varieties, the most popular are the following:

What is the best way to use zinnias?

Obviously, zinnia has a huge variety of varieties, which makes it possible to easily “fit” it into absolutely any landscape. At the same time, you can place this flower in separate arrays: somewhere to create a picturesque carpet covering, somewhere to cover empty areas, somewhere to smooth out transitions between cultures. And in any case, zinnia will be in its place. What else to advise?

• Despite the fact that this plant looks great in a single planting, it is still better to place it in groups.
• If you are creating a mixborder, then tall varieties are best suited for it, but it is preferable to use dwarf species for a border.
• Zinnia is able to recreate a design in a rustic style, for this it must be combined with marigolds, asters, calendula, chrysanthemums and daisies.
• It can also be used to create a kind of "fence", for example, by planting bushes in a row between vegetables and herbs. So you get a bright spot on a somewhat “sad” garden background, which will perform not only a decorative function, but will also attract pollinating insects.
• It is quite possible to plant zinnia along the path leading to your house, as well as around garden building. Such linear landings diversify the overall picture of the landscape and bring bright picturesque notes to it.

If you work hard and make a rating flowering plants in terms of unpretentiousness and ease of care, then one of the leaders would undoubtedly be zinnia. At the same time, it is still very attractive, has the widest palette of colors and blooms until frost. But, most importantly, it withstands intense heat and grows well in the sun itself. It is only important to choose correct timing sowing seeds and planting zinnia in open ground.

Zinnia (Zínnia) family Asteraceae are annual or perennial herbaceous plants, sometimes shrubs (30-100 cm). This South American flower owes its appearance in Europe, as well as its name, to the scientist Johann Zinn. The people call them majors, perhaps because the flowers are very reminiscent of old officer epaulettes.

In nature, there are about 20 types of zinnia. AT decorative floriculture only two are used.

Zinnia graceful

Zinnia graceful

Graceful zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a fast-growing annual, with strong straight stems, the height of which is from 30 to 90 cm. The leaves are whole, oval with a pointed apex, arranged oppositely. Leaves and stems are covered with coarse hairs. At the top of the stem are single inflorescences-baskets, the diameter of which is very diverse (from 3 to 14 cm). The inflorescence consists of two types of flowers that appear to be just petals.

Elongated oval-shaped, straightened or rolled into a tube reed petals (flowers) are located along the edge, and in the center are small tubular, forming a yellow center. Flowering starts in June and stops with the arrival of the first frost. Forms a fruit-achene with oblong rough seeds. Their germination lasts up to 4 years.

Plants of this species differ in some morphological features (height, structure of inflorescences, shape of petals), therefore, groups were formed: chrysanthemum flowers, pompon (Lilliputian), dahlia flowers, fantasy, gayardio flowers, scabiose flowers. In our country, mainly dahlia-colored and pompom varieties have become widespread, there are also varieties of fantasy.

For example, the fireworks of the colors of the Candy Stripe variety mixture are delightful, its double flowers are full of various stripes, specks, and strokes. Miniature bushes (15 cm) with beautiful terry “hats” of various colors will provide you with the Thumbelina variety mixture.

Zinnia graceful Candy Stripe
Zinnia graceful

The unusual shape of the flower will surprise the New Attraction variety series, the extreme reed petals form only the bottom row, and the tubular ones provide all the terry splendor. The same flowers, only pale pink in the Barbie variety and apricot-pink in the Cindy variety. The flowers of the Burpana variety look like chrysanthemums.

Of the individual varieties, I would like to note " Polar bear”, “Raspberry Ring”, “Lime”, “Lavender”, “Envy”. Their chic flower baskets can grow up to 15 cm in diameter. And the Queen Red Lime variety, in addition to a large double flower, has a very beautiful unusual color - a combination of lime color with red-purple.

Zinnia elegant "Cindy"
Zinnia graceful "Polar bear"

Zinnia elegant "Lavender"
Zinnia graceful Queen Red Lime

Cactus-shaped zinnias are especially original, their petals twisted into a tube, resemble long needles. Pay attention to the variety series "Supercactus", variety mixture "Fuete", dwarf mixture "Girls".

Zinnia graceful "Fuete"

Zinnia angustifolia

Zinnia narrow-leaved or Hage (Zinnia angustifolia) is a well-bushing low annual (30-40 cm), oblong leaves are wide at the base and pointed upwards. Forms small inflorescences-baskets (up to 4 cm). The flowers are mostly monochromatic, but the reed petals may have a reddish-brown edge or an orange base. The tubular petals are predominantly dark brown.

Zinnia angustifolia

The popular variety mixture "Persian Carpet" will please with its variegation and diversity. Very saturated colors will be presented by the Zakhara and Malyshka varieties. Abundant flowering and compact dimensions in plants of the "Crystal" variety series. Bright combination red with yellow emphasizes the volume of the flower cap of the Acapulco variety.

Zinnia narrow-leaved "Zahara"

A hybrid of narrow-leaved and graceful zinnia "Profusion" is gaining popularity, it is gaining attention with its weather resistance, compact habit and bright coloring of simple and semi-double flowers.

Zinnia angustifolia "Profusion"

Reproduction methods

Like all annual plants, propagated by zinnia seeds. Since it is quite thermophilic, most often the seeds are sown for seedlings. In the southern regions, sowing seeds directly into open ground is practiced.

You can buy zinnia seeds in specialized stores or collect from existing plants. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the expiration date, it should be no more than 4 years.

If you already have zinnias in your garden, then outline beautiful flowers at the beginning of the season, so as not to accidentally cut them off or cut off the withered inflorescence. Seeds need about 2 months to mature. By the end of summer, when the intended inflorescences dry up, they need to be cut and ripened in a dry place. It is important that from the autumn rains they do not begin to rot. Then the seeds should be shelled and stored in a paper bag.

A very relevant question is when to plant zinnia when growing from seed? It depends primarily on your climate zone. Zinnia is a fairly thermophilic plant and even with small frosts it can freeze. Therefore, planting it in open ground is possible only with the onset of stable heat. For the middle band, this period falls approximately at the beginning of June. Based on this, planting zinnia for seedlings should be carried out in mid-April. With more early dates seedlings can be very stretched, and with later ones, flowering will be delayed.

zinnia seeds

Seeds should be immediately held in a wet cloth, they should hatch within a week (fresh earlier, and old ones later). Then the germinated seeds need to be planted in separate cups. And you can briefly soak the seeds in a solution of "Epin" (or another growth stimulant), and then sow in a common container. In any case, when sowing zinnia for seedlings, you must first disinfect the soil by spilling it with boiling water or a solution of potassium permanganate. Seeds are deepened into the soil by about 1 cm. The temperature for successful germination should be in the range of 23-25 ​​degrees. In the future, it is important at home to provide the sprouts with enough light to avoid stretching.

They are also good for cutting. Zinnia flowers stand in vases for a very long time without losing their decorative effect. You just need to slightly cut the tip of the stem and dip it in boiling water for a few seconds, and then immediately put it in warm water (this procedure is repeated periodically). For bouquets, it is better to cut flowers that have blossomed a little more than half.

Growing zinnia is not difficult at all. We tried to tell you how and when to plant it, dive, feed it, pinch it. Now you can provide this wonderful flower proper cultivation and care. And he will thank you with great bright colors that will decorate the garden until the frost.

Zinnias or, as they are also called, dahlia-flowered majors, are very bright, tall flowers that always stand out against the background of other inhabitants of the flower bed. Correct fit and minimal maintenance is all that is needed for such beauty. How to propagate zinnias and prevent the development of diseases? What is the place in the flower bed and in the landscape garden design should the majors take? To get answers, just read the article and view the photo.

Guest from Mexico - beautiful zinnia

The flower owes its name to a pharmacologist who is fond of beautiful plants- Johann Zinna. It was he who gave it to the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus in the herbarium.

It comes from southern Mexico, where it grows as a perennial in the form of bushes. The local population decorated their gardens with this beauty as early as the 15th century, and in Europe the flower appeared by the middle of the 18th century. Zinnia won over with its beauty and became a very popular flower crop. Gardeners decorated with it the gardens of aristocrats and reception places. In the middle of the twentieth century, the flower symbolized the state of Indiana in the United States, and by the end of this period of time, he conquered the whole world.

Now there are about twenty species, many varieties and hybrids of zinnia. These plants have a huge range of colors, they differ in the size of the buds and the height of the stem. In mid-latitudes, zinnia is cultivated as an annual. At the same time, the flower grows very quickly and pleases with its colors until late autumn.

Description of zinnia dahlia

This is a large group, according to the classification belonging to the species of elegant zinnia. Due to the external similarity with the dahlia, it bears the corresponding name. The characteristics of a flower are completely dependent on belonging to a particular group.

zinnia bloom

Powerful plant bushes can be from 60 to 120 cm in height, sprawling or quite compact.
Peduncles are long. Thanks to them, zinnia is good for cutting. In a vase, flowers do not lose their attractiveness for a long time.

The oval leaves are arranged in a pair, opposite to each other. Inflorescences-baskets in this group up to 15 cm in diameter. Coloring is bright and varied. Reed flowers have an elongated-lobed shape and overlap each other, as a result of which the opened bud is, as it were, lined with tiles. Zinnia grows very quickly - only 2-2.5 months pass from sowing seeds to flowering. The seeds are large, strongly flattened laterally and elongated. You can grow dahlia-flowered zinnia through seedlings, or you can immediately sow in the ground. It is best propagated by seeds.

Growing zinnia

Growing a flower through seedlings

• In prepared containers, which must be at least 10 cm deep, nutrient soil is poured, consisting of soddy soil, sand and humus (2: 1: 1).
• One seed is sown in each pot. Shoots appear after 3-4 days.

Advice. Majors should not be sown for seedlings before mid-April. With early sowing, plants take root worse in a flower bed.

• Watering seedlings should be moderate, to prevent stagnant water.
• At the end of May, seedlings need to be hardened, that is, they are periodically exposed to fresh air.
• A pinch is made over the fifth pair of leaves so that the plant begins to bush.
• Grown zinnias can be planted in a flower bed in mid-June.

Advice. When planting in the ground, it is advisable to pinch the spine. So it can branch better and, accordingly, the plant will receive more nutrients.

Growing zinnia from seeds in a flower bed

Zinnias planted in this way begin to bloom a little later, but in this case there is much less trouble with them. Everything is very simple: approximately in the middle of May, a groove is made in a flower bed, no more than 1 cm deep, into which seeds are sown. The interval between them should be 15-20 cm.

Mono planting zinnia

zinnia care

Majors are heat-loving plants that love bright sunlight, so you need to choose the appropriate place for planting them. Zinnias are not demanding on the soil, but they feel better on fertile loams. The plant is drought-resistant, but during periods prolonged absence rains require watering. In its absence, the inflorescences become smaller and lose their brightness. Top dressing is not required, but desirable. For this, zinnias are thanked for their abundant flowering.

Advice. It is best to feed majors with fertilizers with a minimum nitrogen content.

Place zinnia dahlia in the garden

The location in the flowerbed and in the general garden ensemble completely depends on how advantageous the flower will look.

Zinnia is a bright and tall flower, therefore, it is planted in the middle of a double-sided or round flower bed. In free flower beds and mixborders, majors should be planted in the background with the expectation that lower crops will grow in front of them.

Zinnia dahlia-flowered planted in arrays looks great. It can also fill the free spaces between perennials. Undersized varieties and hybrids are good in containers and borders.

Known diseases and pests of dahlia zinnia and their control measures

Majors are quite resistant to diseases, but under adverse conditions, for example, during heavy rains, they are easily affected by some diseases.

• Alternariosis. Leaves, stems and petals of zinnia are affected. First, light brown spots appear, which gradually merge with each other. Then, the affected parts of the plant die off. If signs are found, diseased flowers are destroyed. As a preventive measure, you can spray with antifungal drugs (fungicides).

Carry out preventive treatment of zinnia from diseases

• Virus infections. Most often they appear in the form of a mosaic on the leaves, variegation and various necrosis. Diseased plants should be destroyed. Since viruses are carried by aphids and thrips, measures to combat these insects are preventive measures.
• Powdery mildew. A plaque forms on the stem and leaves, which looks like flour sprinkled. The underlying tissues are stained with Brown color. Affected zinnias are treated with fungicides.
• White rot. The affected plant wilts, with brown spots located along the trunk. When the stem is broken, white mycelium and black vegetative bodies can be seen. Sick plants are best removed. In case of mass damage, the area is treated with antifungal drugs.
• Root rot. Most often this disease affects majors growing in containers. The leaves turn yellow, their rim turns brown. Affected roots are brown. Prevention - properly prepared soil mixture for the container.
• Aphids and caterpillars are common garden pests. Caterpillars are easy to spot by gnaws on leaves and flowers. Aphids mainly settle on unopened buds. Pests are collected by hand, and when they are massively distributed, the flower bed is treated with insecticides.

Zinnia dahlia flower - very unpretentious flower. And if she is given at least a modicum of attention, she will be able to please the owner of the site for a long time with her bright terry inflorescences.