Welcome to the first blogpost! Since we’re in August, the cute and irrepressible zinnia flower is the subject of this blogpost. Zinnias are a cinch to grow, come in great colors and they’re the embodiment of cheerfulness. Here’s some tips for you:

1. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, these annuals are easy to grow from seed, right up there with morning glories and nasturtiums. I direct seed my zinnias in late May/early June here in Zone 6 (northeastern MA). Plant your seeds and stand back. Spacing should be 9” to 12” apart in a cutting garden. Just water and weed!

2. Pinch the zinnia plant when it is approximately 14” tall, pinching out the center flower bud. This encourages longer stems, which are better for flower arranging.

3. Deer and bunnies leave zinnias alone, yay! I don’t usually see much insect damage on zinnias, although Summer 2020 was a challenge (surprise, eh?).

4. When do you harvest your zinnias? First, the flower should be fully open, as zinnias won’t open up more after cutting. Second, give them the wiggle test. Hold the stem about 8” down from the flower and gently wiggle the stem. It should feel stiff, not flexible. If you harvest a flexible-stemmed zinnia, it will quickly keel over in your vase. Not good!

5. Deadhead your zinnias so the plants keep pushing out new flowers. It’s a Flower Miracle: the more you cut them, the more flowers they grow!

6. Vase life: Anywhere from 5-10 days in a vase, depending on the variety. Zinnias are a “dirty”plant, meaning their fuzzy stems harbor more bacteria. Change the water daily when you have zinnias in your arrangement.

7. Seed sources: I’ve had great luck with seeds from Johnny’s seeds, Gardener’s Workshop, and Wildseed Farm.

My favorite zinnias? That would be Queen Lime series, especially Queen Red Lime (which blends beautifully with so many other colors!); Benary Giant Wine, and cactus zinnias for their quilled petals. Next season I’ll be trying the Oklahoma Salmon series. Which are your favorite zinnia colors and varieties?