Zinnias Love Summer but Need Their Space

Perhaps no other flower marks the coming of summer better than the zinnia. This heat-loving annual has striking, colorful round flowers that brighten up any garden.

Zinnias come in a variety of colors, including cream, yellow, red, gold, orange, pink, rose, lavender, purple, plum, scarlet, white and salmon. The flower also has many sizes, from several inches tall to 3 or 4 feet.

“May is a good month to plant zinnias,” said Gary Hayakawa, general manager of Three Star Nursery in Fountain Valley, a wholesale grower whose plants can be found in many Orange County nurseries.

“In May, zinnia roots have a chance to get established before the heat arrives,” he said. “Then once the weather warms up, they really take off. Zinnias do really well in hot areas.”

Many of the zinnias you’ll find in the nursery are medium-sized varieties, which grow 10 to 15 inches. Some common medium-sized varieties are the Peter Pan, Dreamland, Dasher and Pulcino.

You can also find dwarf zinnias, such as Thumbelina mix, that bloom at 3 inches. Tall varieties that grow 2 to 3 feet include State Fair and Dahlia-flowered.

Zinnias can also be grown from seed, and there are many seed types available.

To have success growing zinnias, keep the following tips in mind:

* Choose a full-sun location that does not get any overhead watering from sprinklers, as zinnias are prone to fungus.

* Amend the soil well before planting with homemade or bagged compost. Zinnias like a well-draining soil.

* Plant zinnias at the depth they are in containers, unless the plant is tall and unstable. In that case, plant it a little lower than the existing soil level.

* Give zinnias space, which promotes air circulation and prevents fungus and leaf spot problems. Large varieties should be spaced 12 inches apart and smaller varieties 6 inches apart.

* Plant zinnia seeds in small containers and then transplant or put the seeds directly in the ground.

To plant in containers, evenly space about six seeds in a 4-inch pot. Once they germinate, thin to four plants. Transplant in the garden when they are about 2 inches tall.

To direct seed, work the soil well and amend. Then make a small ditch with sides that are 3 or 4 inches high. This will hold the water in when you irrigate. Level the soil inside the ditch and place the seed exactly where you want the flowers to grow. Cover the seeds with a quarter-inch of potting soil and pat gently. Mist the bed twice daily until the seeds germinate.

* Water zinnias at ground level to prevent fungus. Once they are 3 to 4 inches high, water them deeply a couple of times a week, depending on weather. Zinnias aren’t drought tolerant, but they like their soil a little on the dry side. The soil should not be continuously wet.

* If we experience overcast June weather, cut down on watering. This will prevent fungus diseases. Once the hot days of July hit, fungus problems should disappear.

* Prolong bloom by removing faded blossoms.

* Fertilize regularly with an all-purpose fertilizer recommended for flowers.