If you want your summer cottage to be decorated with a plant that blooms from summer to late autumn, until the onset of frost, then you need to give preference to zinnia. This perennial shrub belongs to the Astrov family.
In Europe, zinnia became known in the 18th century and immediately gained great popularity. Nowadays, more than 25 species of this plant are known. Let's talk about the rules for growing zinnia outdoors.
The height of the plant depends on the species and can reach one and a half meters. The plant begins to bloom from about mid-July until the first frost. It is noteworthy that zinnia adapts well even to hot and dry weather. The perennial plant blooms in areas where winters are not cold.
When choosing a landing site, you need to take into account the fact that zinnia loves the sun, so you need to plant it where there is no shade. The soil should be fertilized and loose, and also pass water well. Stagnant water can cause root rot.
If night frosts are no longer observed, then the plant can be safely planted in open ground.
When to plant zinnia seeds
Some varieties of zinnia are resistant to light frosts, while others cannot withstand even a slight drop in temperature. The second is better to plant seedlings in open ground. Peat pots are ideal for planting seeds. They need to be buried in the ground at a depth of about 2 cm.
How to care for zinnia outdoors
- A week before planting, the seeds are wrapped in a cloth pre-moistened with a growth stimulator. In this case, seed germination will be good.
- Seeds should be planted in well-drained soil. The landing site should be sunny, not in the shade.
- On the day of planting, the space in the garden is freed from weeds and stones.
- The last step is planting the seeds in pre-prepared furrows.
Now you need to water the plant, fertilize, get rid of weeds. Zinnia in return will delight you with long flowering.
Watering should be regular and plentiful, then the plant will absorb all the necessary nutrients. With frequent watering, stagnant water is possible and, as a result, rotting of the roots. Watering should be carried out only under the root. In hot weather, water falling on the leaves can cause a plant burn.
In autumn, every grower begins collecting zinnia seeds. Seeds collected in September or October give excellent germination.
In general, follow our advice, take care of zinnia, water and fertilize properly, then it will delight you with a magnificent appearance.
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