How To Successfully Harvest Zinnias | 1818 Farms

Zinnias are consistently the star in every summer garden. Learn "how to" successfully harvest zinnias to maximize their vase-life and beauty.

[@margolyn8291]

❤very cool..thank you

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome.

[@veronical3135]

Growing them from seeds for the first time this year. Glad I’ve found the right information, short video and to the point.

[@PreciousBoxer]

That's the problem I've had this year as a third year zinnia hobbyist. My first year, I never pruned the first flower because it didn't look expired. As a direct result, that plant never produced another bloom. Subsequently, I gave up trying to grow zinnias for years after that disappointment. My second year, giving it another try after some basic research as the internet took off... I was thrilled with the results from simply cutting that first flower that never looked like it needed to be cut. And they claim that ignorance is bliss. This is my third year growing zinnias and I have been cutting to the next shoot with a bud. I was wrong once again. Thank you so very much for the gardening tips!!!

[@jaycilangehennig2059]

Oh my gosh I love your channel!!! I learned so much in 7 minutes!!! Thank you ❤

[@PreciousBoxer]

Another great explanation about cutting at an angle. I've heard to do that with roses, but never knew why until just now. Thank you again for such an excellent tutorial!!!

[@emandeli1585]

I found your channel yesterday while looking up gomphrena. I was so surprised-these videos are SO well done! Lots of information, lots of colours, lots of examples so we can really see the textures etc, and all the examples of when to know when to cut flowers (and also for drying). Thanks for doing great videos!

[@1818Farms]

Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. I love sharing my love of flowers. So happy that you are enjoying the videos.

[@1818Farms]

Thank you!

[@joseabito-on442]

"That is a broken head waiting to happen." What an ominous warning! I burst out laughing 😂 Thank you so much for the priceless tips! So informative and encouraging. ❤️ Very excited as I am taking steps in cut flower gardening. ❤️

[@1818Farms]

So happy that you enjoyed the video. Best wishes on your flower garden. I know it will be beautiful.

[@Thankful_.]

I,too, got a snicker st this! This is my kind of video! 👏🏽

[@Louisettecourcg2266]

Bonjour! C’est par hasard que j’ai retrouvé votre site! WoW! Très intéressante. Pour avoir plus de fleurs, est-ce qu’il faut tailler à la même endroit? Merci beaucoup pour vos précieux conseils! 👏🏼👏🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@briannadamico6752]

I loved your tip to check when a zinnia is ready to be harvested! I’m growing them for the first time this year and I can’t wait!💖

[@indiana600610]

Very informative! I’m growing a ton of zinnias for my daughter’s wedding centerpieces. Now I know the flowers to avoid cutting. 😊

[@1818Farms]

Glad it was helpful! Congratulations on the upcoming wedding.

[@soniaspotts6406]

That was so helpful! I saved a lot of seed heads from last year but my zinnas usually suffer from powdery mildew so I'm going to take your advice and start fresh. I would have never thought to buy seeds at the dollar store but I'll try that this year too. Thanks for all the great tips on the time to cut, where on the stem to cut and removing all the leaves. I know I will have a better harvest this year. Thanks for your clear and concise video.

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the video. Wishing you a successful growing season.

[@tyardovdabulldht2340]

Such Beautiful Vibrant Colors! Can't wait to plant my Zinnias

[@lianealbert7728]

Loved this video. This is our first year growing zinnias. I wasn’t a fan of them but now I love them. They really do attract butterflies and bees. We live in Raleigh, NC. We totally let them grow wonky and did nothing to them and we have a huge wonky beautiful mess!! Your video clearly explained what we could have had if we didn’t just let them grow.. Awesome video!

[@1818Farms]

Thank you for watching.

[@cbak1819]

Great tips ! The tip on cutting them is brilliant.

[@debrasnyder7695]

Hello there👋.. It's my first time growing zinnia from seed this year. Today I have beautiful blooms. I just wanted to thank you for your helpful video.💕 The last thing I wanted to do was butcher them and not be able to vase them. Your information was very clear and to the point and because of that, now I can enjoy them in my house too! So thank you so much, I really appreciate it! ❤❤❤

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome.

[@marilyncoburn4936]

Thanks, you answered all my questions in one go. I love these interesting flowers.

[@greggardner1598]

I produce for my local farmers market, mostly bouquets and just getting into dried flowers/bouquets, I grow zinnias and your ideas and tip are so much help, thank you!

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome! Wishing you great success this season. When does your market start?

[@sharongeorge4096]

Great advice! Thanks so much for sharing, one of the things I I’ve always been taught to do is to cut above aside shoot but I will be going much deeper into the plants now

[@1818Farms]

Yes, the deeper you cut, the longer stems you will be rewarded with as the season progresses. Happy that you enjoyed the video.

[@mspanda-qq5jw]

3rd time planting zinnias this year and ive made every mistake before!!! thank you so much for these tips!

[@annecain5762]

Thank you for all that information. From Nova Scotia. Planting zinnias for the first time this spring

[@MYfriendsknow]

Thank you ((had to put the volume in the 70's to hear this video))

[@1818Farms]

I know! It was the first video I ever filmed. I have much better sound equipment now.

[@mariekelly7325]

This is so helpful! Zinnia are one of my favorites🌼🌼🌼

[@dianebeckett1697]

Very clear with the explanation ! Thank you so very much! Love Zinnias! 💙

[@nellycooper6144]

Thanks for making this great video. I plant zinnias every year and have been cutting them wrong all along. Can't wait to try out this method.

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome. Hope your zinnias are doing great this season.

[@joycedagostino8869]

Thanks for your useful information. I grew some Pumila zinnias from the Dollar Tree, and they turned out very well. They were a wide variety of flower heads so some were full like a small Benary's and others single and double petals. I grew them in a raised vegetable bed and the bees really loved them.

[@1818Farms]

I am headed to the dollar tree next week to pick up some vases. I am going to see what I can find there. The cactus zinnias were so gorgeous from them last year.

[@aliciap3994]

Excellent excellent content!! Thank you so much!! I have so many Zinnia seedlings, just waiting for them to bloom. This makes me happy!

[@1818Farms]

Wishing you the best growing season ever! Zinnias are so beautiful.

[@cynthiaann4465]

I have never heard those tips before!! Thanks!!

[@1818Farms]

Happy to help!

[@jetv1471]

Invaluable information about when to cut to avoid broken heads ! Thank you!!

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome!

[@adrabruzzese7610]

You give such great advice, I've watched 3 of your of your videos and learned a wealth of information. Thank you

[@1818Farms]

So happy that you are enjoying our channel!

[@CarynChristensen]

Don't throw away the flowers where the stem flops--cut a colored straw all the way down (so it opens up) and place it on the stem! Problem solved!

[@garrencrystal1]

Thank you for the tips I was always cutting them too short because I thought I couldn't cut where a new bloom was coming Great tips!

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome! Hope you have long, sturdy stems now.

[@soupspoon9554]

Thanks for the great info. Just what needed. I only have 24 but they're for my Mom ❤️

[@1818Farms]

So glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@elizabethweavil2178]

Oh my gosh. Thank you for demonstrating!! I am not cutting long enough. You have answered my issue. Thank you great video.

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome! Don’t be afraid to cut deep I know it can be scary, but you will be rewarded with long stems.

[@elizabethweavil2178]

@@1818Farms I have plenty of blooms but couldn't understand why I am not getting longer stems like I see on other people's posts. Finally someone who explains it.

[@zepher2372]

They are so beautiful! Very informative.

[@sandlpetty1]

8

[@MsElsarios]

Thank you for all the info flower friend 😊greatly appreciated 💜

[@ianbrown5486]

Thank you for your tips I will grow them this year 😊

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome! Happy growing.

[@michellesanders2747]

Thanks for that cutting tip! (Cut at an angle, or it will sit flat on the bottom of the vase & not pull in water) I've always been told it helps the stem to get more water, but didn't understand how! Now I understand!

[@1818Farms]

Happy you enjoyed this tip!

[@paulthomas963]

Good tips. I've definitely been cutting them too short!

[@1818Farms]

Glad it was helpful!

[@easternsecrecy9777]

Fantastic info. I saved this for future reference.

[@1818Farms]

Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@JennyFleming]

I am a gardener in Madison, AL and really appreciate your informative video!

[@1818Farms]

Thank you so much! What all do you grow?

[@JennyFleming]

1818 Farms this Spring and Summer my kids and I planted zinnias, sunflowers, dahlias, and gazanias from seed. But in general I like perinneals to anchor my garden beds.

[@JerryWilliamson]

I'm in Huntsville.... Bishop's Flowers.

[@dianebeckett1697]

Thank you for this information! 👍🙂Very helpful

[@NayFazherra]

Wow! It's beautiful Zinnias, I love all those flowers. Great Thank you for sharimg. Watching from taiwan

[@1818Farms]

Thank you for watching! Happy that you enjoyed the video.

[@BibianaOliviaRaymond]

I loves zinnias 🥰.They are so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@joelalexander4513]

A suggestion because I adore your content; invest in an inexpensive lavalier mic that you can bluetooth to the camera, so your voice is more present. The ambient distance makes me turn up my pc, and then I forget it's turned up, and the next video gives me brain damage from ultra decibels. Flowers!!

[@ChaosOrZen]

I always plant several in my kitchen garden and I love them out there so much that I never cut them. I will next year! All of mine are always single stem and it would be amazing to have bushes of zinnias!

[@nhattan6168]

I love Zinnia flower.❤️

[@WesternMONo-TillGardening]

Your videos are so helpful. Thank you. You mentioned in another video that you dry zinnias. Is the ideal time to harvest them for drying the same as for harvesting them to use fresh?

[@1818Farms]

Yes! We harvest zinnias that we dry at the same time as if they were being cut for a bouquet.

[@mattheweiland8529]

Great tips, thank you!

[@harriettpavonrosado5175]

Thanks for these tips.

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome!

[@Bknickels]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@1818Farms]

Thank you.

[@Bowhuntgrl67]

Hello, what a amazing instructional video, thank you so much!! Can I adk what fo you use or can I use in the vase water to keep the zinnias a little longer. Thank you again

[@kimazz1]

Great video, thank you

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome! Happy to hear you enjoyed it.

[@ChickGardener]

GORGEOUS! You said you plant twice a year? What months?

[@1818Farms]

We plant zinnias in April and July.

[@josefalawson3049]

Beautiful zinnias.

[@juliaseymour1947]

Great information and beautiful flowers. Thank you!

[@1818Farms]

Thank you Julia! Happy that you enjoyed the video.

[@KrisMcCord-f6c]

Hi! Beautiful Zinnia garden! What is the orange flower in the back left? It reminds me of Tick Seed

[@1818Farms]

Thank you! Is cosmos - Bright lights variety.

[@roseaki9796]

Omg 😳 this my favorite now I'm going to plant this now perfect for hot weather

[@1818Farms]

They LOVE the heat.

[@roseaki9796]

@@1818Farms I live in the philippines it's actually summer now super hot I'm going to plant this thansk for sharing your tips I love zinnia 😍

[@djs2356]

Thanks!

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome!

[@loreendawnpal1137]

You have very beautiful blooms. How do you keep the pests away?

[@1818Farms]

We use beneficial nematodes and also spray neem oil.

[@AnnCassidy-c7z]

I just found your videos and love them! Where in the south are you located?

[@1818Farms]

Thank you! We are located in northern Alabama.

[@sandeepbrar8597]

Very beautiful flowers.

[@1818Farms]

Thank you! One of my summer favorites.

[@savvyvenus]

Just stumbled upon your video. Thank you. Where did you get your cutters?

[@TheSuburbanGardenista]

I'll be growing these from seed this year - thanks for all the info - and for making me feel confident in growing them!

[@1818Farms]

You will do great! Happy that you enjoyed the video.

[@matthewklim7398]

love your vibe

[@ramonago3690]

I’m planning on growing giant zinnias to sell. ❤️🍀✌️☺️ thanks for the tips on how to properly cut flowers.

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@karenschwartz5209]

Thank you so much for your information!!!

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome.! Are you growing zinnias this year?

[@cd2659]

Tons of knowledge ❤

[@drdreamsling]

You're a smarty pants, fascinating!!

[@OrleneE]

This was so helpful. Please do more video like this

[@1818Farms]

Happy that you enjoyed the video!

[@JusticeJavar]

Loved your tips! Thanks

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome!

[@janetleeharrison]

Very helpful! Thank you!😀👍

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome. I can’t wait for zinnia season.

[@janetleeharrison]

@@1818Farms Me too! First time growing - excited! Thx for replying & best gardening wishes to you.🥰

[@laurarussell9354]

Thank you!!!

[@1818Farms]

You are so welcome!

[@kathrynbaker5188]

Beautiful!

[@kimklicker1886]

Great video but have a question and maybe I missed it but is a wobbly head not mature or is it to old a bloom??

[@1818Farms]

Wobbly head is not mature enough to cut.

[@cltinturkey]

Beautiful flowers! Regarding powdery mildew: if a hobby gardener planted the stems farther apart would that reduce the mildew? I'm in Virginia. I'm wondering if more air flow between the plants would reduce the disease. Please advise if this has worked for you. Thank you.

[@1818Farms]

I have planted 9, 12 and 18 inch spacings. Powderly mildew occurred equally for me in all spacing variations.

[@cltinturkey]

@@1818Farms Thank you for the information. Wishing you a successful spring and summer with your beautiful blooms!

[@shannondaniels6]

Your flower tutorials are so helpful! I’m trying a cut flower garden this year for the first time. I hope you will do more flower videos. Also, what kind of tool belt are you wearing? I have a sheath from AM Leonard. But it isn’t a belt. I love that yours is a belt.

[@1818Farms]

I am so happy that you are enjoying the videos! The tool belt is Wheeler Munroe from Etsy. It was a gift a few years ago. It is wonderful. The belt is an investment but is worth every penny.

[@brianpratt4657]

What are some good fillers to go with the zinnias in bouquets?

[@NatashaMcCrary]

We use a lot of cinnamon basil, scented geranium and Eucalyptus in our bouquets.

[@lazybunnyhomestead]

Good evening. New sub here. Great information. Thank you. Planning on having a flower farm when I get moved to Kentucky.

[@1818Farms]

Thank you! Best of luck with your flower farm.

[@CoosaFlowerFarm]

I’m in east AL so I’m glad I found you! hoping to start flower farming next year but gathering info because it is just a hobby now. Do you find the netting & the spacing helps with the leaf spot. I’ve read that over head watering can cause it so I won’t do that but man it can just dump buckets at my house when it storms. Also thrips, how do you keep from giving people a critter bouquet 🤦🏻‍♀️ 😅 my two main concerns, other than that I have zinnias out my ears. I’m glad i saw you cut that little side bloom off because i always felt guilty and left him on the plant. Do you teach classes because I’d be willing to drive to learn more in person.

[@1818Farms]

How exciting! Where in East ALABAMA? Spacing can help with the zinnias and leaf spot. A lot of that is hard to control due to our humidity. We try to have 2 succession plantings to help deal with that. The netting is to primarily keep things from falling over. I haven’t had a huge problem with thrips. We do spray neem oil when needed. I don’t offer any in person farming classes only a few hands on creative workshops.

[@CoosaFlowerFarm]

@@1818Farms I’m in Talladega, I’ll do my research on neem oil. What months do you plant your zinnias? Thank you for replying, if you ever want to teach in person i would definitely come with a notebook 😆

[@mahadev972]

Very nice ❤

[@brianpratt4657]

How many seeds to you use to produce that many flowers?

[@NatashaMcCrary]

We planted thousands of zinnias seeds throughout the year. I am unsure of the exact number.

[@sharellfox-ralston1958]

I've had the zinnias bend and, I've found a good solution! I cut a portion of a drinking straw, slice it length wise and gently place it lower then the bend and slide it up to cover and brace the bend. It works every time.

[@1818Farms]

That's a great solution if you are only using your zinnias at home. We cut tens of thousands of zinnias a year for customers and can't use that method for arrangements.

[@sharellfox-ralston1958]

I wanted to add this though... With all the new paper straws id like to know if anyone trys that.

[@jin8339]

What flowers are near left side of Queen Lime orange. They are full of blooms ! ( Orange and yellows) I am super excited to grow zinnias this year. Looking forward to it. Thanks for your video 🙂

[@1818Farms]

Those are bright lights cosmos. We are selling the seeds online this season. They are wonderful for pollinators and used for natural textile dying.

[@jin8339]

@@1818Farms Oh , wow !! I never knew that you are on line. Awesome !!❤️

[@1818Farms]

Here is the link to our seeds. We just listed them today! Happy Growing. 1818farms.com/collections/from-the-farm

[@blessednfavored1]

Beautiful !! Could you help me how to set the area for zinnias. Like I see you have support wires or something. Mine are so tall and falling all over. I would love to do better next year. Or even help mine now if you could tell me a better way. So they're not falling down and all over.

[@1818Farms]

The netting that we use is called Hortonova netting it is a life saver. We use the 4 foot wide rolls.

[@ranjithudayasiri7991]

I'm srilanka I laik bay zeeniyas plant's

[@luismiramontes9672]

Good afternoon my name is luis and I would like to know if it's OK to put the seeds directly into the ground, do you recommend that.?

[@NatashaMcCrary]

Yes, I always direct seed our zinnias. They are very simple to grow. Plant them after there is no longer a danger of frost. We plant every 4-6 weeks from mid April until mid August.

[@kevapa321thetsumi.]

Beautiful

[@Nathina1980]

Thank you for this video!! Super simple and useful tricks. Are you sucession planting every week or every other week?

[@1818Farms]

Happy you enjoy the video! We succession plant about once a month. April-July.

[@gailcarter1954]

Where are you at in N. Alabama. I'm in Florence. Intrested in your dried flower bussiness

[@1818Farms]

We are located in Mooresville, Alabama.

[@kimmiecrackcorn]

Beautiful flowers! I would like to know about the clippers you are using. I want some good sharp ones

[@1818Farms]

My goto clippers are ARS HP-300LDX Stainless Steel Needle Nose Fruit Pruners. I purchase them on Amazon. They are the best clippers ever.....I have tried a lot of different brands. Long lasting, sharp and solid mechanics.

[@kimmiecrackcorn]

Thank you! I just love what you’re doing and how informative you are. 🙂

[@zion4453]

Thanks for the video. I love zinnia. What plant food / fertilizer you used for your zinnias?

[@1818Farms]

We spray a liquid seaweed and fish emulsion on our zinnias every 2 weeks.

[@zion4453]

@@1818Farms ok thanks. How about epsom salt? Is it good for zinnias

[@1818Farms]

@@zion4453 I have never used it for them before. It would probably depend on your soil nutrients.

[@melissaleslie5456]

Great info!

[@1818Farms]

Happy that you enjoyed the video!

[@spaciodecm]

Beautiful)

[@1818Farms]

Thank you!

[@ಚಿರಾಗ್ರಾಜ್]

Beautiful😍😍

[@1818Farms]

Thank you!

[@RVBadlands2015]

How often do you water your Zinnias. What time of day do you cut.😢

[@1818Farms]

Zinnias are hardy. They can be cut any time of the day. I make sure that they receive about an inch of water a week.

[@amynecaise1317]

How do you determine cost when you sell your cut flowers?

[@1818Farms]

Wholesale there is typically standard pricing per bunch. I calculate my time and stem cost for arranged bouquets.

[@cynthiamuscarello2368]

Do you have a video on how to build the string support system? I’m a zinnia freak! Not so lucky with the dollar tree seeds. Are pink zinnias the step children of zinnias.

[@1818Farms]

The netting is called Hortonova trellis netting. You can purchase it online. We stretch it across fiberglass supports. I’ll try to make a tutorial on it in a few weeks.

[@JustBrayden1]

What do you use for black spot? I am zone 7 VA and we get it terribly!

[@1818Farms]

I spray alot of copper fungicide. It’s almost impossible not to get it in our humidity.

[@JustBrayden1]

@@1818Farms can you recommend a brand? Also, how often do you spray throughout growing season? Thank you!

[@francesslight8595]

Can you please tell me how long Benary Giant giant cut stems should be about and the Queens

[@kimwilliams7051]

Good video 👍

[@1818Farms]

Many thanks!

[@cleytianedias2874]

please make video about painted Daisy. I hardly see videos about them.