How to Grow Zinnias

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Looking to add a pop of color to your garden? Learn all about how to grow zinnias, plus tips for seed starting, prolonging bloom time, and enjoying them as cut flowers. Here's what you need to know.

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Native to South America, zinnias have a USDA hardiness zone of 3-10 and depending on the variety can bloom from spring through fall. They range in height from 8 inches to 4 feet and about 6 inches to 1.5 feet wide.

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Zinnias prefer full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of sun per day.

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They also like well-drained soil that is moist and rich in organic matter. However, they can handle soil that is occasionally dry too. Zinnias are not very finicky where soil pH is concerned either as they can grow in soil that is acidic, alkaline, and neutral.

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As an annual, zinnias can be planted directly in the ground after the last frost date in your area.

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Zinnias need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. In general, water deeply once a week at the base of the plant in the early morning. You’ll need to water more often if there is excessive heat and the soil is dry to the touch.

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Zinnias don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) at planting time can help encourage healthy growth and blooming. I like using a slow release fertilizer so it's set and forget.

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To encourage zinnias to produce abundant blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly. This will also help prevent the plants from going to seed too quickly.

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Follow along to learn more about how to grow zinnias and enjoy the flowers.

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