The zinnia is a precious plant to illuminate the massifs of its bright colors. For pots or borders, prefer the dwarf species always very generous and full of charm. It is indeed quite possible to plant the zinnia in a pot, we explain you in this article how to proceed, as well as how to maintain it.
Contents
Planting and sowing of zinnia in a pot
In pot, it is necessary to carry out your sowings of zinnias in the shelter, as of March to support the bloom.
Then, transplant the seeds of zinnias that have become seedlings in individual pots before installing them in the garden when all risk of frost has disappeared. The zinnia can also be sown directly in the ground in May.
Planting zinnia in pots
In pot, add a liquid fertilizer “special flowering plants” twice a month to support the flowering.
Regularly remove faded flowers to induce the appearance of new flowers.
In heavy soil, retaining water, the zinnia can contract the alternariosis which appears by brown spots with gray center on the leaves. To tear off and burn urgently the affected plants and to pulverize in prevention a liquid manure of plants on the other subjects.
Here is how to proceed in 3 steps:
- Make a good bed of gravel or clay beads at the bottom of the jar
- Install the mini-mot in a good potting soil for flowering plants.
- Water generously at planting
Maintenance of potted zinnia
Zinnia is really the annual plant without worry, easy to cultivate and to maintain.
Its needs in water are rather low. However, in case of strong heat, do not skimp on regular watering at the foot of the plant and not on the foliage: Zinnia is sensitive to powdery mildew. Mulch in June to keep its roots cool.
Water potted zinnias more regularly as soon as the soil is dry on the surface and bring fertilizer for flowering plants to support the flowering.
Cut off the faded flowers of the zinnias to encourage the appearance of new flowers and extend the flowering period.
Pinch the main stem at the start of flowering to help branching.
Tear off everything before heavy frosts.
Ideal soil and exposure for planting a potted zinnia
A rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil is ideal for the good growth of Zinnia. This soil can be acidic, neutral or alkaline. An exposure in full sun is also essential for the plant.
Garden and terrace uses of potted zinnia
Their variety lends them to all situations as long as they are in the sun: planter boxes and borders for the dwarf varieties, beds for the tallest, mass planted for beautiful touches of color. They form beautiful associations with cosmos, marigolds, marigolds, daisies, lavatera.
Zinnias are also perfect and very durable for summer bouquets and form beautiful dry bouquets.
Zinnia diseases
Be careful not to wet the foliage of Zinnia violacea, it is sensitive to powdery mildew. Also be careful with slugs when the plants are young. It can also be subject to invasions of aphids and mites.
Different varieties of zinnia
Horticultural varieties are numerous, often derived from Zinnia elegans. Their size is variable, as well as the size and shape of their flowers: cactus flowers, chrysanthemums, dahlias, pompoms …
- Zinnia grandiflora is a bushy plant which blooms all summer long. Its flowers are yellow-orange, formed of rounded bracts surrounding a prominent orange flower head.
- Zinnia violacea is an annual of Mexican origin. Quite high, between 13 and 25 inches, it blooms from July to early autumn. Its flowers have various colors depending on the variety and are single or double. The hollow stems are branched, bearing numerous floral stems in the axils of the opposite leaves, rough and downy.
- The Mexican zinnia, Zinnia haageana, is a medium sized zinnia, which forms a bush 20 inches high. Its flowers are bicolored, yellow-orange on the circumference which become tan towards the center.
- The dwarf zinnia ‘Lilliput’, Zinnia elegans ‘Lilliput’, displays flowers in the shape of small pompoms in various colors and forms a small bush about 12 inches high.
Summary
This Mexican plant is famous for its bright colors, its bloom which lasts long months and its flowers with the sometimes extraordinary forms. The zinnia is multiple, as much in forms as in colors, but it is always easy to live as long as it has sun and heat.
