Zinnia

The genus Zinnia contains more than 15 species of herbaceous, less often shrubby, annual and perennial plants that are resistant to high air temperatures. They are characterized by erect peduncles, which can reach a height of 1 m. On their tops, lush baskets (5-15 cm in diameter) are formed, simple, semi-double and terry. With prolonged drought, the double layer disappears. Reed flowers of various colors, sometimes with a light border (sometimes rolled up in a tube). Tubular bisexual flowers-small yellow. Zinnia angustifolia, or Z. haageana, is an annual herbaceous species with a height of 45 cm, very resistant to heat, undemanding to the soil, with erect branched peduncles, leaves oblong or heart-shaped, rough. Simple or double baskets with curved orangish marginal flowers-darker in the center. Flowering lasts from summer to autumn. Annual zinnia elegant (Z. elegans) is distinguished by a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors of inflorescences, the nature of branching and other characteristics. According to these characteristics, varieties are grouped into groups: scabiose, praecox early, chrysanthemum, cactus, dahlia, California, large-flowered, dwarf. Zinnia linear (Z. linearis) is an annual species with orange or yellow baskets and narrow leaves, which is valued for its compact size (10-15 cm), which allows it to be used in borders and flower beds. It forms a great variety of flowers that do not disappear all season summer-autumn.

The genus Zinnia contains more than 15 species of herbaceous, less often shrubby, annual and perennial plants that are resistant to high air temperatures. They are characterized by erect peduncles, which can reach a height of 1 m. On their tops, lush baskets (5-15 cm in diameter) are formed, simple, semi-double and terry. With prolonged drought, the double layer disappears. Reed flowers of various colors, sometimes with a light border (sometimes rolled up in a tube). Tubular bisexual flowers-small yellow.

Zinnia angustifolia, or Z. haageana, is an annual herbaceous species with a height of 45 cm, very resistant to heat, undemanding to the soil, with erect branched peduncles, leaves oblong or heart-shaped, rough. Simple or double baskets with curved orangish marginal flowers-darker in the center. Flowering lasts from summer to autumn.

Annual zinnia elegant (Z. elegans) is distinguished by a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors of inflorescences, the nature of branching and other characteristics.

According to these characteristics, varieties are grouped into groups: scabiose, praecox early, chrysanthemum, cactus, dahlia, California, large-flowered, dwarf.

Zinnia linear (Z. linearis) is an annual species with orange or yellow baskets and narrow leaves, which is valued for its compact size (10-15 cm), which allows it to be used in borders and flower beds. It forms a great variety of flowers that do not disappear all season summer-autumn.

Cultivation

Zinnias are grown mainly as annuals for decorating flower beds, tents, alpine slides, balconies, terraces and for cutting. Forms and varieties of 'Tiny', 'Midget' and primarily 'Tumbelina' Zinnia graceful are very low and suitable for planting in bowls, and giant and supergiant, such as 'Giant terry mixed', 'Envy' and 'Orange King', are grown primarily as flowers for cutting. Zinnia blooms from July to frost. This is a light-and heat-loving, fast-growing plant that does not tolerate light frosts. Prefers humus-rich, loamy and sandy loam soils, does not like excess moisture in the soil and prolonged drought. During the growing season, 2-3 top-ups with full mineral fertilizer are recommended - it is better to mulch the soil under zinnia. The tops of plants are pinched for better tillering; even in seedlings in cut form, zinnias retain their decorative effect for a long time.

Zinnias are grown mainly as annuals for decorating flower beds, tents, alpine slides, balconies, terraces and for cutting. Forms and varieties of 'Tiny', 'Midget' and primarily 'Tumbelina' Zinnia graceful are very low and suitable for planting in bowls, and giant and supergiant, such as 'Giant terry mixed', 'Envy' and 'Orange King', are grown primarily as flowers for cutting.

Zinnia blooms from July to frost. This is a light-and heat-loving, fast-growing plant that does not tolerate light frosts. Prefers humus-rich, loamy and sandy loam soils, does not like excess moisture in the soil and prolonged drought.

During the growing season, 2-3 top-ups with full mineral fertilizer are recommended - it is better to mulch the soil under zinnia. The tops of plants are pinched for better tillering; even in seedlings in cut form, zinnias retain their decorative effect for a long time.

Location

Basically, zinnia needs a well-lit place. When growing plants in a flower bed, the best place is in the open sun; potted specimens also need maximum illumination.

Temperature

Zinnias are plants that tolerate high, even hot air temperatures well, but they do not tolerate temperatures below 5 °C. Zinnias are successfully cultivated in a southern climate.

Watering

In terms of watering, plants are also undemanding. In the hottest periods and during droughts, as well as immediately after planting in the ground, they are watered moderately, but regularly.

Reproduction

Propagate by seeds that retain germination for 2-3 years. Seeds are sown in greenhouses in April, a week later shoots appear, which are unpicked into separate pots or cups. They are planted in the ground when the threat of spring frosts passes. In the south, seeds are sown directly into the open ground.

Diseases

On the leaves, due to the defeat of the virus, specks and spots appear, which gradually merge together. Remove infected plants immediately. The presence of powdery white mold on the leaves and necrosis of the peduncles indicate infection with oidium. Apply carotene or sulfur treatment. With the help of dithiocarbamates (tsineb, tsiram), they get rid of alternariosis, which disfigures the leaves - spots and rot, on the stems - growths. Often unpleasant guests are leaf nematodes, spider mites and aphids, which are disposed of with the help of appropriate drugs.

Acquisition

You can buy seeds at all points of sale of plants and even in some supermarkets. You can also buy seedlings in cellular containers in flower nurseries. In this case, it is recommended to look at the general growing conditions, choosing healthy plants.