Mastering ZINNIAS: the easiest and most vibrant flowers!

[@sheilawright811]

Here I am, a 75-year-old gardener but always with vegies and fruits. I'm venturing into the world of flowers this year. Thanks for your videos! They inspire me!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you for tuning in, that means a lot with your expertise!

[@tonnurserychristaylor669]

We never stop learning no matter how old we are

[@tashmartin8869]

I did that to begin with, and I'm not the kind of person who ever "wanted" a bouquet of flowers etc, at first I just grew calendula and marigold for companion planting/helping keep pests away. Then I grew some dahlias my neighbour gave me. Gamechanger! I grow ALL sorts, but I prioritize growing pollinator flowers that bring the bees, bumbles, monarch butterflies etc, and my yard is SO different. (Grow a swan plant, even as an adult, watching the monarchs come in, their babies crawling around munching until they sit in their chrysalis is still just as amazing!) But I love hearing this! The flower world is your oyster (Zinnias are beautiful and last all season, and look at varieties like Candy Cane!) I wish you and your garden and flower venture all the best! 🌻🪷

[@ecoendeavour]

@@tashmartin8869 Ha! This is exactly what happened to me. I started with marigolds, calendula and wild flowers and then picked up some dahlia tubers at a seed swap last year and now this year's garden plans include many more flowers.

[@kathleenreynolds6492]

Love your videos. Always so much information and well presented. For some unknown reason, I’ve never grown zinnias, although I have bought seeds. This year, for my birthday, my daughter sent some Floret Zinnia seeds so this was really timely for me. (How did she know that I’m very intrigued with Floret Flowers?). Can’t wait to plant them. But I will!

[@kayerhoads3444]

I had saved seeds from zinnias years ago. My grandson planted all i had saved in a small section of garden. Sowed very thickly. The little guy forgot to check his flower garden, but this was the best zinnias we have ever grown.

[@ablanccanvas]

Wow! That’s awesome! 😌♥️👏🏽🎉✨👍🏽✨🇨🇦

[@MrEd9574]

I'm a 65 yr old florist and horticulturist and you don't need to plant twice if you cut them off in August. I use a hedge trimmer and cut off a foot of the tops and they last till November l good luck!!!

[@KAO3265]

Yes here in Minnesota I have never had to grow a second much less third round- they just keep going and going

[@Navajosun]

So, you cut them back after they’ve flowered and they’ll send up new blooms?

[@spontaneousun]

Great information! I really like the flower specific deep dive format!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Glad you like it!

[@myrrhidian3166]

I knew that zinnias didn't like to be transplanted, but I had no idea that I should wait to start them until a bit after the last frost. Thank you for sharing all of these great tips!

[@marypalmer2088]

Oh you little sweetness, I love your drawings! As a 64 year old my memory isn't as good as it used to be so watching you draw something really makes it stick in my mind so thank you! I also have a sketch(much like your drawing) that I made of your 4x8 garden because I knew I was moving and am doing it this year. I also have Zinnia seeds that I want to try, the Queenie ones and another one that I can't think of. I saw that you still have a little snow, here in Maine I do too! Thank you for all your help, I love your videos and look forward to them. Have a wonderful, blessed evening.

[@karennoble3795]

Great video. I’ve been growing zinnias for over 50 years and even I learned something new from your video. I never heard of the shake test before cutting flowers. It really makes sense. I always plant the California Giants variety. They do really well for me in zone 9b. I plant them right in front of my sweet peas which are done blooming by the end of June due to our heat. This way the zinnias hide the brown vines & leaves of the sweet peas as they die back. Happy planting!

[@Barbelle1201]

This is one of the best and most informative gardening videos I've watched. Succinct, clearly stated, and full of great information - a lot of which, in my 50+ years of gardening, including Zinnias - I wasn't aware of. Not once did I feel "let me out of here; this is repetitious," as I often do. Great job. For the first time, I'll be subscribing because I don't want to miss one of your videos.

[@janaimaughan3599]

I bought almost the entire Queen Lime series (I don’t love orange either), Floret’s Victorian Wedding, Senorita and Macarena. I have a 4’ x 60’ planting area along a fence by my new orchard that I envision as a rainbow zinnia hedge. 😊

[@thedrakes6638]

I really appreciated this - so thorough & lots of info I never knew. My dad has grown zinnias for years. He passed away this year & we gave out some of his zinnia seeds to family at the funeral. I'm going to share this with everyone so they'll have better zinnia success. Thanks so much! 💗

[@AileenHarley]

I love your videos, I learn so much from them! Thank you for your how-to pinch drawing. I am a visual learner, so I appreciated that! I started some seeds under lights this year and planned to get seeds in the ground as soon as it is warm enough. This year I am planting Forecast, Giant Cactus, Berry Tart, Zahara, and Pumila! I am in zone 4b, and this my second year growing zinnias.

[@Blossomandbranch]

So fun! The zahara are such cuties!!

[@AileenHarley]

@@Blossomandbranch I totally agree! I am looking forward to them the most! First year with them! What are your favorite varieties of Zinnias?

[@Joyfulfarmer]

I have found this to all be true of zinnias…they do like poor, warm soil, and they love to be direct sown. My transplants do tend to be not quite as strong as direct sown, but to get ahead I do love to transplant them. I like to transplant and sow on the same day when soil is at least 60 degrees, and I have some built in succession sowing. 💚💚💚

[@GreenPinkyHI]

This is one of the most comprehensive video on zinnias, from planting all the way to harvesting the seeds. Thank you for sharing your helpful knowledge!

[@robinmbirrellstudio]

You’re a great teacher, very thorough and clear! Thank you! 😊🌸

[@wavyhairedgardengirl2148]

Stumbled on your videos, glad to find another Colorado gardener. Gardening here feels like a whole other adventure.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Ha!! I always say, if you can garden here, you can garden anywhere…

[@sherrigerhardt1348]

So happy I've found a Colorado gardening site! Most are Michigan, Illinois, or Carolinas- way more humid than our climate.

[@couragefish]

I used those jiffy pods on my first growing year 6(!) years ago. I am STILL finding them in my garden. Biodegradable my butt.

[@Riti_Roots]

Even though my seedling roots could grow through that netting, I still feel like the growth of some of my seedlings was stunted

[@Blossomandbranch]

Agree, they seemed to stunt mine too!

[@Robin-tried-it]

Same! I made the huge mistake of buying hundreds of them when I first started. I just use them to multisow things and just break the netting and split them when they're big enough

[@meldog7925]

​@@Robin-tried-itYou can still use them and just peel the netting off when you're ready to plant. That's what I do. I assumed it wouldn't break down so I never planted them like that anyway

[@mwillis7791]

Yep. I’ve never had luck with those. I keep away from them too as they never break down for me!

[@Charlie-sh2du]

I love how you never see only one perspective! So many people are completely one sided on their information.

[@Blossomandbranch]

We all find our own tips and tricks! ❤️

[@kevinlt143]

I tried zinnias for the first time this year! We had a terrible summer with way too much rain, not enough sunlight, and yet my zinnias did well and are only now starting to die back (I'm in NZ so we're into autumn now). I had a lot of issues at the start, which pretty much followed along with all your tips :) I started indoors with no luck. Eventually gave up trying that and just dumped some seeds in the garden (late spring by then, maybe early summer). I think it was around Christmas when they finally took, but that batch did so well!

[@marisacordova1132]

what a great teacher. I appreciate your detailed explanation with drawings. It has been years since I grew zinnias. I am inspired. Thank you

[@rhondasmith5856]

All gardening is certainly a journey- but so fun and rewarding. Thank you for sharing yours !❤

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you for being here!

[@kericarlson1194]

BEST VIDEO EVER! I love the one stop shop all you need to know about one particular flower in one place! Thank you!😊

[@LisadeKramer]

I bought Floret Zinnias this year. I hope to keep the seed this year. Great information, thank you.

[@loridoherty3302]

Perfect timing. Looking forward to mixing Zinnias into my border garden with Yarrow and Coneflowers. Great information.

[@madelinerivera7445]

oh wow!! What a comprehensive video on Zinnias. There's so many videos on how to grow; seems as if everyone has different opinions. Love that you included every detail from start to finish. Unfortunately, like a dummy, I started some of my Zinnias indoors. We have a lot of slugs in PA, so it was recommended that we start them indoors. Luckily, I still have more Zinnias seeds, so I'll try to direct sow them and see what happens. Your drawing was perfect! I too purchased Floret Zinnias and Dahlias, lol! I've learned so much from you! Thank you! Ps. It's amazing that you went from the ballerina world to farmer. You should write a book!!

[@Wazupiseeyou]

I started them indoors and as soon as I planted out the slugs got most of them.

[@madelinerivera7445]

@@Wazupiseeyou oh no! Sorry to hear that. so did you plant seeds outside instead and if so, did the slugs get those too?

[@SueL-c7v]

Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge!

[@abigaylewaterson7303]

I just love these videos!! Perfect timing as I’m planning a raised bed for cutting flowers!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Perfect! I hope you have a great year!!

[@wilsgrant]

I start big bushy zinnias indoors with proper grow lights. I also find they respond very well to balanced fertilizer. Glad you found something that works for you though.

[@Blossomandbranch]

That’s great! Gardening is a journey and we all have different methods that work. Just sharing mine :)

[@ddc2343d]

Zinnas are my go-to flowers for filling my garden peds as I harvest stuff. I save seeds from the year before. When I have a garden bed, I'm done with for the summer, I'll toss a handful of seeds in it and let them go.

[@loranelizabeth9148]

Thank you!! Glad I had waited!

[@Katgirl2024]

I grew zinnias first time a few years ago...they were phenomenally beautiful and the easiest flowers I ever grew. Love zinnias. Direct sown and absolutely neglected them on a regular basis. Love love love them!!!

[@JackofAll80]

Thank you so much for the detailed video. First time Gardner here and a new subscriber. I have ordered many packets of Zinnia seeds and have planned to sow them last week of the official frost day zone 5 🇨🇦. Given the unusual weather I trust I should not rush things and let the soil get warm enough. So excited to get them in ground. Thanks again 🙏🙏 -AJ.

[@ThomiBMcIntyre]

I’m getting into flowers this year after years of focusing on herbs and veggies. I just have one variety of zinnia so far - peppermint stick. Thank you for such a thorough explanation, especially seed saving tips!

[@RedneckHillbillies]

I'm growing a bunch of zinnias this year! Purple Prince and Queen Lime mixed that I saved seeds from last year, Zowie Yellow Flame, and Fireball in bright colors for the pollinators, and some mixed pastel colors from two small, local breeders and then the Alpen Glow and Precious Metals from Floret for cutting. I am SO excited!

[@gardeninggrandma5247]

Yea!! You provided the best instructions on harvesting seeds that I have seen! I have some zinnia blossoms I saved, and I didn't know what to do with them. I'm going to see what I can harvest now. Thank you!

[@flatcreek4665]

Great information. I’ve always grown zinnias…but never knew I should be pinching them back. Thank you you!

[@cherylhoneycutt7553]

Thank you for the pinching illustration. New gardener here and this helped a lot!

[@TRguy64]

Great video! I'm one of those zone 3 gardeners, though never having issues with starting zinnias indoors, keep the light level very high to avoid seedings from becoming leggy and all has been fine! Neither do I have problems with hardening off, nor transplant shock. I grow the plants to good large size within spacious trays. Oddly, enough, even this far north, I have snaps that seed out and quickly catch up in size to my transplants. My favorite zinnia series is 'Preciosa' with its noted earliness and large blooms.

[@indiana600610]

What a ton of valuable information! We will be growing lots of zinnias for our daughter’s wedding next year. I will be following all of your helpful tips!!!

[@denisekelley2292]

These are great tips. I'm going to direct sow small amount to see how they do. Pinching! What a great idea, I'm doing that for sure. I have always started mine inside and have good results. I live in a cool wet maritime climate (NW Oregon) in the winter and spring (dry warm/hot summer that goes through most of the fall), and it takes a while for the soil to warm up. I find a jump start inside gets me a great harvest. I don't have to succession sow them, the first sowing goes all summer and fall. The benefit of not living in a humid area. Growing is so different all over the county.

[@ecoendeavour]

Oh great timing! I picked up some zinnia seeds at my local seed swap and I've never grown them before and this video gave me all the info I need to get started.

[@thedirtygardener]

Thank you!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve really struggled growing zinnias and felt like a total garden failure because everyone has beautiful flowers. This year I purchased some of the Floret zinnias and I’ve been so worried about ruining those, too. Now I feel confident because I know how to do it successfully. (I was doing all the things you said not to do. LOL) Happy gardening everyone.

[@sonnysome3201]

The bag over flower thing makes me wonder how pollinators manage to do their job? How do you get seeds from the covered flower? Does the wind do the deed or what? How does that work? An honest question here. Otherwise, thank you. Thoroughly enjoyed this one, as per usual 😊

[@MBB9394]

My ears perked up when you said Colorado. We must have the worst soil in America. Zinnias are one of the few seeds I've ever had germinate when I planted from seed. You are inspiring me

[@jeandelamalfesse6348]

Im in Florida and just threw a pack of zinnias that I bought at the dollar tree on my garden and they are growing like crazy and blooming non stop. They’re so easy to grow and so beautiful!

[@hadrianwall-r7h]

I have learned so much about zinnias. You have inspired me to sow them this spring.

[@MyFocusVaries]

Thanks. Such useful information. I grew zinnias from seed last year for the first time and look forward to better results this year with these tips.

[@AlissaatHSPH]

What a fantastic video!! I started zinnia from seed indoors last year for the first time, but gonna try direct sow this year! Thanks for all the info. Very motivating!

[@feathermtn1490]

You are an excellent teacher!! Loved your video. Thanks so much for the instruction and inspiration. 💖

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you so much!

[@Rachel12867]

I would love to see a video about snapdragons! I started them from seed in February and all of them germinated then just stopped growing and eventually died out. No idea what I did wrong!

[@Sparklfoot]

Yay for zinnias. Thanks for a good detailed post.

[@karentandy3331]

GREAT INFORMATION

[@bullobca]

Some great info, Thanks. I'm always tempted to start them indoors to get a headstart here in Canada but always had better results direct sowing. Cheers!

[@sherriarnone-wheat3634]

Thank you! I've direct sown my zinnias, but they've never sprouted in my zone 4/5 yard. After watching your video, I've learned to direct sow into the hard ground rather than the newly made garden bed, plant later. If they sprout, I'll back off the watering with the onset of the third set of leaves. I'll use the cloth tip, too. I'm saving this video! Can't wait until next season!

[@maryannfoster4734]

LOVE your channel! so detailed! Even up to the line running down the middle of the seed! THANK YOU

[@Blossomandbranch]

You are so welcome!

[@suzanneandersen7319]

Hi! Thank you this was so informative! I am growing Florets zinnias this year, really hoping I’ll have good luck as they are so very expensive.

[@Blossomandbranch]

I know, SAME! I bought three packets and will be babying them for sure!!

[@anaharp4505]

Thank you for all the info on a single flower! Awesome

[@Blossomandbranch]

You are so welcome!🤗

[@monicahennessy5648]

Great video. So comprehensive. It seems that many of your tips are going to make growing zinnias easier this year for me (direct sow, crummy soil, sow later, etc.). I like that! Thanks! ps thanks for the quick tutorial on seed saving! This has always been a mystery for me because I don't know what to look for.

[@shant2885]

Thanks for putting this video out! I’m in zone 3 and looking into growing cut flowers for florists! So much to learn lol

[@donnacaporale7470]

Ive been growing zinnias for years kinda hap hazardly...learned so much from this video! Thank you!

[@ritagorra9191]

I have grown zinnias for years, I have never had luck with any of the “queen” series. Purple Prince, Will Rogers, and a few others rock!

[@grandmarie7638]

Thank you for this highly informative video. I appreciate you not being a show-off who uses the video to entertain rather than inform. Some gardeners are like pompous chefs who dont really want to share their knowledge so much as to brag about their many acquisitions, property improvements,, etc. Now i know who to go to for deep dives into specific plants, techniques, theories. Thank uou!

[@RockyMountainGardener]

I’m really excited to try these this year especially the clothe over top!!

[@n0nitwitz]

Finally a video chock full of all the info I needed

[@msmaddox2918]

I love zinnias! I had some zinnias that self seeded from the year before and the stems were so thick and sturdy. I was so surprised!

[@Blossomandbranch]

They had the biome!! Often purchased seeds don’t have the good local bacteria that help them grow like ones from saved seed!

[@PotionYarns]

I'm a brand new gardener! This is my first year growing anything ever but last summer i got the itch and found your channel so I've been binging. You inspired me to start this year and i love your garden plan videos but also these individual flower deep dives are wonderful. I'm doing several flowers this year and zinnias definitely topped my list! Can't wait to see how it goes!

[@cafefay]

Your tips are the best! You taught me how to pinch my dahlias last year, and they were the best ever. I also have to compliment you on your calm manner, love your channel ❤

[@Laurie-lv2pz]

Outstannding video again. Love this site. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Keep on keepin on.

[@mishmishm7847]

Thumbs up to your extensive explanation. If i may add , you didn't mention air circulation, where obviously in your area and climate you get it right. Zinnias love fresh air around the stems and leaves. The more humidity your summer holds the more air circulation is important. Otherwise mildew is gonna attack. In sandy soils i believe you DO want to amend with compost to improve moisture. And also if I'm right , sandy soil + zinnias = higher risk of nematodes. I was lucky to grow zinnias in my frost free climate non stop almost 2 years they re sowed themselves. It's a short mounding variety close to "cut and come again" series . The coming season I'm hoping to grow variety that I've never tried "cactus dahlias" type of zinnias. Let's hope this will bloom well. Happy gardening youAll ❤🌷🌷🌷 Mm.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Ah, I do mention spacing early on in the video but not as a specific tip because I’ve grown them anywhere from 6” spacing to 18” spacing with the same powdery mildew issues until I started planting later in the season! Zinnias do like sandy soils, being native to Mexico and southern Texas; but you know your soils best! A little compost is ok but don’t go overboard :)

[@WoodlynApiary]

I learned so much! Your drawings do help! Thanks!❤

[@christopherlaws3077]

Great video!Absolutely love zinnias. I grow California Giants,State Fair and Forcast.I like the open flower varieties because they attract the most butterflies and hummingbirds

[@laurenpalmer5966]

Definitely growing some of Floret’s Zinnias this year. I can understand why they’d be pricier with how much work Erin and the team put in! :) so excited!

[@Blossomandbranch]

I totally agree! I hope they live up to my expectations haha!

[@janettemoreno7563]

Loved this! Thank you for all your tips!

[@novelist99]

I live in the Midwest, and I direct plant my giant zinnias in May. I also water daily. I get beautiful zinnias by July. I've never had a mold or pest problem. A few days ago, I planted more zinnias in a bare area of my yard. I'm keeping my fingers crossed about whether I'll get fall blooms before the first frost.

[@annebroyles]

Excellent video full of valuable tips! Thank you.

[@Blossomandbranch]

My pleasure!

[@civitahochreiter7549]

This is one of the best videos I've seen so far! Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge. The seed harvesting tutorial is very helpful though I'm just a newbie at gardening and not at seed harvesting yet. 😊 Thank you for letting us know what zone you're in too. I find it helpful to know whether the information would pertain to my growing area. Keep up the great work! 👍

[@connietowler3725]

Love love my Zinnias. Grow them every year. I normally start in the house, Michigan growing season isn't long. This was very informative. Thank you

[@zaria5785]

I grew some California giants last year. I dropped them into an area and forgot about them in early Spring. I kept wondering what was growing next to my Alaska Daisy flowers and then July and August came around and I couldn’t stop staring at them. They were 3 feet tall and like you said looked almost the size of Dahlias. Just wanted to share that I’ll try growing a few indoors vs outdoors just to experiment in my zone 9. I have a lot of slug and snails to worry about. Thanks for all the tips. ❤

[@forgivenatcalvary]

I’m really enjoying your videos! Thanks for sharing your wealth of gardening knowledge. I’m gardening in Colorado too! Last year the grasshoppers ruined everything!! Can you please recommend an organic method to control them? I vaguely remember a mention in the Little House on the Prairie book that they lay eggs in the soil and once they hatch, it’s too late😵‍💫 I’m really hoping I can do something differently this year! Thank you!!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Honestly our chickens are lifesavers with the grasshoppers, they will fight each other to chase them down! Aside from that try to invite birds to your garden by setting out birdbaths, providing food or habitat, and keeping cats away!

[@PunkinBoooSimmons]

Great video. I started growing Zinnias a couple years ago and definitely struggle to get them to germinate. Now I know why. Planting too early and too much fertilizer 😞Also I didn't realize the seeds I so carefully saved were not the bottom ones, at least not most the bottom ones. So, Thank you for all the great tips. I appreciate it so much 🙃

[@ajcampbell79]

Definitely add chapters to your videos, thanks!

[@lauragiletti]

This is great! I also think they will fill a spot I’ve been looking to add to!

[@juliapearce4380]

Just came across your video.. I must have 500 volunteer zinnias up in my beds. They were pretty but mostly tall and spangly , last year.. hate to discard them but mostly don’t want so many . We had two hard freezes here in LA this passed winter but it sure didn’t keep them from germinating. Loved your explanation on everything zinnias.

[@tfisher67]

Last summer was my first year with a garden and the zinnias stole the show. They are my favorite, so far. I've already got a few volunteers this yr. I'm trying Dahlias now but the zinnias are going to be hard to beat.

[@kbryant252]

You are a wealth of information, thank you!

[@jacquelinegonzalezmahr5301]

This is a great video. What wonderful advice. Can’t wait to start. Thank you so much much!

[@Blossomandbranch]

You are so welcome!

[@marybendfeldt9596]

Queeny lime, Persian Carpet, regular old zinnias! Thanks for tips, especially seed saving.

[@sheilagilleland4312]

Seriously my favorite flower and I usually have a great surprise harvest of seedlings of last year’s plants that fell off during cleanup. I always shake the seeds out and they over winter here in zone 7. Just fine. When I start seeing seedlings I’ll water a bit if real dry, they do well in full sun or part sun to full shade here. Easy and beautiful!

[@BloomCatBloom]

This will be my first year growing Zinnia. I have Will Rogers, Purple Prince, and Peruviana seeds (all intended for separate areas of the garden). I'm excited to see which ones capture my heart most!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Sounds like a super fun mix!!

[@southwestlivingwithval]

Thank you for the great info. I am going to grow zinnias this year and this helps me tremendously. Have a great day.

[@tammykuhar4420]

Thx this was super informative. I grew my first zinnias last summer. Can't wait to grow them again. I just bought the queen lime series.

[@suepowlesland8541]

My first Zinnia seeds (profusion red) are coming in the mail next week, so thanks to you I will direct seed. Great video😊

[@akerudawn]

Such a great video on zinnias! thank you!

[@karenm5681]

Thank you for this! I thought I just wasn’t good at growing zinnias after trying for 3 years with discouraging results but after watching this I can see the mistakes I was making. I was starting them indoors too early, overwatering and not giving them poor soil to thrive in. It’s no wonder they were unhappy! Will try again this year with my new knowledge. Thank you! You know what they say…fourth time’s a charm!🤣😉

[@robertnelsen8482]

I got some valuable information from this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Happy to hear that!

[@lorrainereid5707]

A very helpful video thank you , I am growing Zinnias for the first time this year , your tips are great

[@Thisistexasgardening]

What an excellent video!! Super helpful.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandykoenig1666]

So much great information, just stumbled upon your channel and happy I did.

[@rbLACA]

Super helpful; thanks for all the advice and tips!

[@BrianBloesl]

Very interesting!! thank you