Zinnias--not so bad

Discussion in 'Flower Gardening' started by marlingardener, Dec 10, 2020.

  1. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    The frost took our zinnias and I was pulling them to put on the compost pile. For years I didn't like zinnias, remembering the garish, harsh colors of the zinnias my mother planted.
    My dear husband, for some reason, likes zinnias, so we planted some. Hey, they aren't bad! The colors are bright, but much more attractive than the ones I remember. And speaking of attractive, the hummingbirds like them!
    Some self-seed, but we still buy a packet or two of ones we don't have. Zinnias aren't so bad after all.:)
    Anyone else either a zinnia fan or convert?
     
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  3. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    I am a zinnia fan, albeit not a huge one, but certainly a fan...so is my Bride.
    We have grown them before but not lately—sort of running out of room, y’know. I know that we ought to try and make the effort to create a patch somewhere. We shall talk about it.
    The thing here is where we lie on the globe. We don’t get quite enough light in the beginning. Veggie seeds have to be planted early if one hopes to get a harvest, so the plantlets quickly become leggy ( even with grow lights). Ach if I want to grow something, I just plant it and hope for the best. This is one reason that we do not grow them every year.

    Thanks so much for reminding me of this wonderful old- timey but lovely garden decorator.
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2020
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  4. carolyn

    carolyn Strong Ash

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    I am. There are many beautiful colors sizes and textures of them. huge ones about 5" across and tiny ones about button sized. easy to grow, attract lots of insects and make really beautiful bouquets.
     
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  5. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    I particularly like the large open ones. Some look like dahlias, but I like the more simple ones.
     



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  6. Jewell

    Jewell Incorrigible Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Zinnias don’t grow for me. Guess my yard is too shaded, damp and not warm enough in the Summertime. Haven’t been successful with most annuals either....unless they are classified weeds.
     
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  7. Dirtmechanic

    Dirtmechanic Young Pine

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    I learned to speak Zinnia from my neighbor. They never buy seed, the flowers just come back year after year.
     
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  8. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Zinnia, like almost all other plants have been genetically played with over the years to create more colors, winter/summer hardier plants and any other plant quality the plant people can come up with. Chances are the ones you remember from years ago were the original Zinnia species before people figured out that they can change what they do not like in plants.
     
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  9. Rastagoth

    Rastagoth New Seed

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    Any idea what this could be? Maybe too humid for zinnias? IMG_20210111_065315709_resize_1.jpg
     
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  10. Sjoerd

    Sjoerd Mighty Oak

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    It looks a bit like a bacterial infection. I can’t be sure though.
     
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  11. Dirtmechanic

    Dirtmechanic Young Pine

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    Well you are basically equatorial by grow zone. The heat will rev up the plant chemistry beyond catagory unless they grew up in that environ. Zone 10 is the lower limit on what I can lazily google, and you show 12-13. They may be a shade plant down there. Can you create a dry environment?
     
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  12. Rastagoth

    Rastagoth New Seed

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    Most of my plants are under a clear plastic roof. The current temperature and humidity is 75c - 92%.
     
  13. Cayuga Morning

    Cayuga Morning Strong Ash Plants Contributor

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    Wow 92% humidity.
     
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  14. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    I love Zinnias! I plant a few different types each year. They are a little hard to find around here, so I grow from seed.
    Great annuals, easy to grow from seed, lots of blooms and few insects.
     
  15. BunnysGarden

    BunnysGarden New Seed

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    Hi! I'm new here but I am a sucker for Zinnias - my dad grows them at his home. I especially love the large blooms and the Queen Lime varieties! Have you seen those? We love the ombre type coloring and I haven't had the joy of planting any of those yet but hoping to try this year. This will also be my first year trying peppermint stick zinnias. If all goes well, hopefully I'll have some seeds to share in the late fall!
     
  16. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    I ordered some 'Queen Red Lime' Zinnia seeds this year, can't wait to see them bloom!
     
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