Easy to Grow

Zinnias are a wonderful addition to any garden, because they are easy to grow, yield multiple blooms throughout the summer, and come in a variety of colors. Butterflies and bees thoroughly enjoy fluttering around the vibrant colors as they pollinate and rest their wings. What fun and whimsy to look out at in your yard!

These prolific bloomers transplant well so it is helpful that they can flexibly be grown either directly seeded or started indoors ahead of the growing season. Their seeds are also easy to collect when you dry out the flower heads so it is easy to buy seeds once and then let nature keep supplying them again and again!! What could be more simple?

Powdery Mildew

One challenge I have been troubleshooting in my garden on zinnias is the mildew that forms on the zinnias’ leaves then stems then flower-heads. It appears white and dusty on the leaves and then makes the flower get brown speckles on them. Eventually, the plant starts dying off quicker!

When placing zinnia plantings or seeds in the yard, it is important to remember to give some space around each plant. One way to keep this infection from forming in the first place is to ensure your plants they have airflow between each plant. Spacing can also help prevent the powder from spreading as easily from plant to plant.

I have also been told that watering your zinnias at ground-level (like closer to the roots than the leaves) can help discourage the mildew too. This season, I am planning to try this technique from the start to see if it helps!

But do not despair! There are several home remedies to treat the mildew; here is a resource with a list if your zinnias develop this condition: https://growingformarket.com/powdery-mildew-solutions/ The Floret link at the bottom of the blog also recommends some organic fungicides on their page of you want to check those out too.