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Zinnias in pots can look just as lovely, if not more so, than those planted in beds. Especially if you have limited space, why not put these vibrant, cheerful flowers in containers? Zinnias are colorful additions to any flower garden – they’re great for cutting, they are easy to grow and start from seed – so they make a great choice for container gardening.
How to Take Care of Zinnias in a Pot: A Complete Guide
Zinnias are one of the most popular annual flowers for gardens. With their bright, cheery blooms ranging from bold colors to pastels, they bring life and vibrancy to any outdoor space. Their versatility also makes zinnias a great choice for container gardening. With proper care, zinnias can thrive when grown in pots, providing non-stop color all season long.
Follow this complete guide for tips on choosing the right pot, proper sunlight, watering, fertilizing, and more to successfully grow healthy, prolific zinnias in containers.
Selecting the Right Pot
Choosing an appropriate pot is the first step to growing zinnias successfully. Opt for a container at least 10-12 inches wide and deep to allow ample room for root development. Make sure the pot has several drainage holes in the bottom to prevent soggy soil. Plastic, terra cotta, ceramic, resin, or wood pots all work well. For larger zinnia varieties, use bigger and deeper pots. Repurposed pails, crates, or buckets also make unique, decorative planters when drainage holes are added.
Always use a quality potting mix instead of garden soil which compacts too much. Re-pot zinnias into larger containers every year to maintain healthy roots and give them space to spread out below ground.
Providing Optimal Sunlight
Zinnias thrive when given full sun exposure. Situate potted zinnias where they will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally 8-10 hours for best growth and maximum blooms. Morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun in summer. Aim for a location with southern, eastern or western sun exposure. Move pots around to follow the sunlight as seasons change. Add temporary shade during peak summer heat if foliage appears damaged. Getting adequate sun triggers prolific flowering and prevents lanky, weak growth.
Proper Watering
Consistent soil moisture is vital for potted zinnias Check soil daily, watering when the top 1-2 inches become dry Water thoroughly at the base of plants until it drains from the bottom. Aim to water in the morning so leaves dry out during the day. Use room temperature water rather than cold. Reduce watering frequency as growth slows in cooler fall weather. Adding mulch like bark chips helps retain moisture. Grouping pots together also raises humidity. Prevent overwatering that leads to root rot as well as letting pots completely dry out which stresses plants.
Fertilizing for Optimal Growth
Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer keeps container zinnias thriving. Use a liquid 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season. Always dilute to half strength before applying to avoid burn. Alternate fertilizing with plain waterings for best nutrient absorption. Stop fertilizing after mid-August so plants harden off before winter dormancy. In early spring, add compost or slow-release granules to provide nutrition. Avoid over-fertilizing which causes excessive, leggy growth. Fertilizer replaces nutrients that leach from potting soil more quickly than in garden beds.
Providing Support for Healthy Growth
Some larger zinnia varieties may require staking or support when grown in pots. Insert tall, sturdy stakes next to plants when first potting them. As stems lengthen, loosely tie them to the stakes using soft fabric ties or twine. Construct a cage around the pot with chicken wire to support stems. Use tomato cages or other commercial plant supports made to fit various pot sizes. Pinching or cutting back the tops encourages bushy, self-supporting plants. Also choose compact, bushy zinnia varieties like Zahara, Profusion, and Zowie that tend to not need staking. Proper support prevents flopping and damage to the zinnias.
Deadheading for Continuous Bloom
Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, is crucial for non-stop flowering. Use snips to cut off faded flowers just above a set of leaves before seed heads form. Deadhead zinnias as soon as flowers fade and wilts. This prevents seed production so the plant continuously produces new buds and blooms instead of going dormant. Removing damaged leaves and stems also keeps potted zinnias looking neat and tidy. Prune back any severely damaged growth to promote new shoots. Developing a regular deadheading routine maximizes blooms through the growing season.
Caring for Zinnias Through Winter
Since zinnias are annuals in most climates, they die off with fall frosts. But potted zinnias can be overwintered with a bit of added protection. Move pots to a sheltered spot like a covered porch, greenhouse or garage once cold weather arrives. Stop fertilizing and cut back on watering during winter dormancy. Bring pots indoors on nights below 45°F, covering with sheets if needed. Prune plants substantially before bringing them inside. Take cuttings in fall to propagate for the next season. Provide grow lights over winter to supplement natural light indoors. Allow soil to moderately dry out between occasional light winter waterings. Discard any plants that don’t survive winter – they often underperform the following season. Start fresh with new plants in spring. Even in warm climates, some overwintering care helps potted zinnias stay healthy for ongoing color.
With the right care, zinnias thrive and bloom abundantly when grown in containers. Follow these tips for successfully growing these colorful annuals in pots to enjoy their beauty on patios, decks, balconies, and small spaces.
Starting Zinnias in Containers
You can either start your zinnias by getting transplants from the nursery or by starting them from seed. The seeds are large and easy to handle, and these flowers germinate quickly, so this is a cost-effective and simple way to get container-grown zinnias.
If you plan to have your zinnia containers outdoors for the summer, start seeds inside about six weeks before the last frost of spring. You can start them right in the pots you intend to use. Cover seeds with about a quarter-inch (0.5 cm) of soil.
Keep the soil moist and warm, and once the seeds have sprouted, put them in a sunny spot. You can take them outside after five or six weeks.
Why Grow Potted Zinnia Plants?
There are many reasons to grow zinnias. These pretty flowers come in a range of colors and sizes, they are great cutting flowers and look nice in arrangements, they are easy to grow, and they keep producing blooms all summer, even when it’s very hot.
There are also great reasons to consider growing potted zinnia plants. If your garden space is limited, for instance, containers on a patio can add color and greenery. If you have limited sun in your yard, a container will allow you to move your zinnias to catch the rays. And, with pots, you can even grow these pretty flowers inside in the winter, adding cheer to the colder months.
Choose varieties that are shorter, as the tall zinnias won’t do as well in containers. Good options for pots include the hybrid bedding zinnias. These have a short, spreading growth habit. Look for Zahara, Star Orange, Raspberry Lemonade Mix, and Solcito cultivars.
Zinnias: The Perfect Flower to Grow in Your Garden?
FAQ
How do you care for zinnias in pots?
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Zinnias prefer well-draining soil, so let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Zinnias thrive in full sun, so place your container in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Zinnias do not require heavy fertilization.
Do zinnias need full sun?
Light: Zinnias grow and flower best in full sun. They can flower in part shade, especially in warmer climates with afternoon shade, but they may be more susceptible to disease and have fewer flowers.
How do I keep zinnias blooming all summer?
To keep zinnias blooming, cut off flowers regularly. It may seem harsh to keep cutting, but zinnias love to share. Clip the stem just above a leaf or bud node, and new branches will emerge. Don’t be afraid to do this often so that the plants keep producing more flowers.
What Zinnias grow well in pots & containers?
We recommend these shorter varieties for pots and containers: Thumbelina Dwarf Zinnia These bright and cheerful zinnias grow just 4 to 6 inches high Lilliput Salmon Beautiful pink dwarf zinnias that will make a bold splash on the front porch Button Box Mix This colorful mix grows up to 10 inches tall and has a variety of bold color
Should you plant zinnias in a pot?
There are also great reasons to consider growing potted zinnia plants. If your garden space is limited, for instance, containers on a patio can add color and greenery. If you have limited sun in your yard, a container will allow you to move your zinnias to catch the rays.
How do you care for a zinnia plant?
Deeply water zinnia flowers in pots, then let the soil dry out before the next drink. Proper watering technique will help prevent disease and fungal infections, as well as allow the zinnia to thrive. Avoid overhead watering, and instead water at the base of the plant.
How do you keep Zinnias from toppling over?
In order to keep taller growing zinnia varieties from toppling over, increase container size. Growing zinnias from seed is incredibly easy. In fact, you can purchase a seed packet and plant them directly into the potting soil of your container, if desired. Make sure all danger of frost has past before doing this outside (or start them inside).
Can You reuse a zinnia pot?
If you’re reusing a pot, clean it well to avoid the spread of any plant diseases. Zinnias thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Use a high-quality potting mix that has good aeration and drainage. Avoid using garden soil as it can be too heavy and may contain disease pathogens.
How do I choose a zinnia container?
Choose a container to match the variety of zinnias that you will be planting. For example, taller varieties with large flowers, such as the Benary’s Giant zinnias will do well with the extra support at the base of the plant.