At one point in time, my mom’s backyard garden used to be absolutely filled to the brim with zinnia flowers. The thing is, I was so obsessed with zinnias as a child that when I got my first apartment (it had a small balcony), I only planted zinnias in it and nothing else.
Lesson to learn: always diversify…no matter how much you love a certain plant.
In today’s article, I’m going to share with you some very simple methods and techniques I used to maximize flowering in my zinnia plants. Trust me, it’s all going to be a piece of cake.
Let’s jump straight into it, shall we?
Why Zinnias Deserve A Spot In Every Garden?
Wait, wait, wait…before we actually get to the tips, here’s a hot take: zinnias deserve a spot in every garden; I said what I said.
They’re vibrant, super easy to grow, and long-blooming, meaning your garden will remain lively and beautiful for a long time.
They’re also perfect for drawing in pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden as well as providing consistent, low-maintenance elegance to the landscape.
What Really Impacts Bloom Quantity & Quality
If you’re not sure how to do deadhead zinnias, we put together a simple guide on deadheading zinnias to keep them blooming that walks you through it.
Easy Tips To Get More Blooms From Your Zinnias
Tip 1: Choose The Right Variety For Your Space
When looking for the right zinnia type, keep in mind that both tall and dwarf varieties have different characteristics, which affect bloom count and spacing.
I’d suggest picking ‘Benary’s Giant’ for cutting gardens and ‘Profusion’ for compact areas with little free space.
Tip 2: Give Them Full Sun (6-8 Hours Daily)
Zinnias are absolute sun lovers and need a good amount of sunlight on a daily basis to bloom to their fullest potential. Keeping this annual in shade will typically lead to fewer flowers.
Position them in an open, unshaded area with plenty of mild afternoon light.
Tip 3: Start With Rich, Well-Drained Soil
If you’re using basic garden soil that lacks nutrients and fertility, I’d suggest mixing some compost into it before planting your zinnias. Avoid heavy, compacted beds that trap moisture at all costs.
Tip 4: Space Plants For Airflow
Crowding a bunch of zinnias in a small area will eventually lead to mildew and stunted blooms. Follow packet spacing, which is usually 10–18″ apart, depending on the zinnia variety you’re working with.
Tip 5: Water Consistently, But Don’t Overdo It
Water your zinnias deeply when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering as it may attract pests and fungal issues. If possible, use soaker hoses for consistent, slow-release irrigation.
Tip 6: Pinch Back Seedlings Early
I’d highly recommend pinching back the top growth once your zinnia plants reach 4-6 inches tall. This practice encourages branching, which eventually results in more flowering stems.
Tip 7: Deadhead On A Regular Basis
Remove spent blooms from the previous season to redirect energy into new flowers. To do this, use clean pruners or simply snap them off using your hands. Make sure to be gentle while you’re at it; you do not want to damage any delicate stems.
Tip 8: Feed With A Balanced Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilization, use a low-nitrogen mix, ideally with an NPK of 10-10-10, for zinnias. Ensure consistent feedings during the growing season with intervals of 2-3 weeks in between.
Make sure not to overfeed your zinnias, as that can result in more leaves and fewer blooms.
Tip 9: Cut Flowers Often To Encourage More
If you didn’t know, zinnias are cut-and-come-again plants; perhaps one of the most popular in that category. You want to harvest them just before full bloom for longer vase life and more buds.
What Causes Zinnias To Stop Flowering Prematurely?
Let’s Conclude
Compared to other flowers in the garden, zinnias stand out to me the most. Maybe I’m just biased because they’ve been one of my favorites since childhood, but the colors, round shape, fluffiness, and velvety texture of the petals just never fails to mesmerize me.
If you’re looking to grow zinnias in your garden, implement the tips above for a quick boost and thank me later!
