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Growing Annual Zinnias from Seed You CollectColor Your Yard, Attract Butterflies and Feed Birds
It's hard to find a flower that exceeds the Zinnia in beauty and ease of care. This sun worshiper makes a striking impact in any yard soon after seeds are sown.
Zinnias are part of the Asteraceae family and comprised of some 20 species with single, double and semi-double bloom varieties. They range in height from 4 to 40 inches, and while smaller varieties with single blooms may only measure an inch or two across, the largest flowers may be as much as seven inches across. In the way bulbs offer a 'plant it and forget about it' approach to masses of color, the Zinnia offers the same instant gratification (or nearly instant), as long as they receive adequate moisture, full sun and well-drained soil. There is quite a palette to choose from; varieties include pale and deep pinks, orange, yellow, purple, red, green and white, as well as dual color combinations. While you might find an occasional Japanese Beetle munching on Zinnias, there aren't too many pests to contend with. Zinnias are susceptible to powdery mildew if there is not adequate air circulation – so be careful to give them proper spacing (4-12 inches apart, depending on variety) when sowing seeds to prevent crowding at maturity (Mahr, 2000). Collecting SeedZinnia seed collection is fast and simple. As the blooms fade, gently pull apart the flower to expose the base of each individual petal, found in the center. At the insertion point of each petal is a pointed tip, similar in shape to an arrowhead or the tip of a javelin - this is the seed. To be 'ripe', it should have darkened to a dusty brown or gray shade. White seeds are not yet ripe and should not be collected. Depending on the variety, each plant will produce dozens to hundreds of seeds. You can plant ripe seeds mid-season for repeat sowing. Since Zinnias make excellent cut flowers, you may choose to take a bouquet or two inside to brighten up your living space. In this case, collecting seeds is an excellent way to replenish your flowerbeds at no expense! Attracting WildlifeWhen planted en masse, Zinnias draw butterflies by the dozens! Because the blooms are long lasting and prolific, a bed of these beauties will bring butterflies into your yard all summer long. They are especially attracted to those species with double blooms, such as Z. elegans, dipping their proboscis into each small yellow flower found at the center of the bloom. If you choose not to collect the seeds yourself, you're likely to find another visitor to your garden who takes great pleasure in doing the job for you: the American Goldfinch. This small, yellow bird is widespread in North America and begins breeding later in the season than most songbirds (late June and July), using available seeds, such as the Zinnia offers, to feed its young (Middleton, 1993). If you enjoy bird watching, be sure to leave some seeds behind to welcome these delightful little singers to your garden. You will enjoy the serenade! The Zinnia is a well-rounded flower, performing outstanding feats in the yard with little effort or expense. It is no wonder it has become a staple in flowerbeds everywhere. Between the butterflies, birds and bouquets, you will be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable annual flower for your yard!
The copyright of the article Growing Annual Zinnias from Seed You Collect in Flower Gardens is owned by Shantele Kempvanee. Permission to republish Growing Annual Zinnias from Seed You Collect in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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