Zinnias are one of my favorite flowers to grow!
They are big and colorful.
They are super easy to grow!
Also, it is super easy to collect seeds from them for future plantings!
Did you know that zinnias are also edible?!
I didn't, until recently...
You can use the petals in salads, tacos, cakes, whatever! They say you can eat the whole head, but people usually just use the petal. It is supposed to be a little bitter tasting.
I have never tried them, but I may just have to this summer!!
Growing them is simple!
You can direct sow them into the garden after the danger of frost has past, or start them inside and transplant them.
Plant them about a quarter inch deep and lightly cover with soil.
Water them in gently, and they should germinate in about a week.
They like to be in a mostly sunny area, and like to be watered regularly, but not kept waterlogged.
- If your zinnias grow tall and start getting floppy, you can stake them up
- deadhead your plants regularly to keep them pretty and blooming
- for bushier plants, pinch an inch or so from the stems while the plants are young
- applying fertilizer mid season will help them keep blooming and going strong
Zinnias are a great flower for beginning gardeners, or pretty much anyone who likes growing things.
Not to mention, the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love them!
Give it a try! Grow some zinnias this spring!!