Blooming Beauties: The Joy of Growing Double Scarlet Flame Zinnias for Pollinators

Calhoun County, AL – As an organic gardener I have always used Zinna seeds to create flowering early for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. I sow Zinna seeds near every gardening zone: raised beds, in ground, potted plants, straw bales, etc. Sow Zinna seeds after the last frost and  they germinate in 7-10 days. I have tried several types of Zinna seeds over the years. However, the biggest bang for your bucks is called, “Double Scarlet Flame Zinnas”!. Their stems can grow up to 4 feet tall, and very sturdy. Once you sow the Zinna seeds they will continue blooming until frost, if you dead head and prune the flowers. My tips for growing Zinnas are rather elementary and simple. I use a wheelbarrow to mix half compost and half sand. Select the area or areas you want Zinnas to grow. Use a garden rake to rough up the ground in the area you selected. Spread your mixture (compost/sand) 2 inches deep across the area. Use a watering mister (not sprayer) and wet carefully the area. Next, toss the Zinna seeds randomly across the area. The seeds will sink into the mixture. Continue daily misting with water until the Zinna seeds germinate. If it rains during your germination stages, restrict misting. Once the Zinnas have 2 sets of leaves you can water twice weekly. If the summer temperature goes above 85°,  water daily. Zinnas like being planted close together to conserve root moisture and easy support staking. Zinnas can be companion planted with any heirloom perennial seeds of choice. At the end of fall of the year be sure to cut and save some dried flower heads so you can have free seeds for the following year. Zinnas are annuals. Store your seeds in a brown paper bag, and keep any moisture away from them. Your pollinators will reward you for sowing zinnas! Enjoy your Zinna bouquets!

Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She is an organic gardener since 1998. Signature flower she grows are Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, raised bed garden, and in ground garden. Both her surnames are agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com

The post Blooming Beauties: The Joy of Growing Double Scarlet Flame Zinnias for Pollinators appeared first on Calhoun Journal .