Hey there budding gardeners! We, at The Light Project, have dedicated 2024 as "Year of the Zinnia" – a celebration of beauty, femininity, and generosity!
As we delve into planting zinnias, let's also take a moment to tend to the soil of our own hearts – just like we nourish the earth for our blooms to flourish. Together, let's roll up our sleeves and nurture our souls, as we share some handy tips along the way! 🌱
Pick a Spot & Rid the Weeds |
Bed Builder for Zinnias |
 Continue the important work of building up your garden! Once the soil has been turned over, spread a layer of organic matter, manure or compost 2-3’’ thick over the bed and then turn the soil over again to mix the compost into the soil. Adding compost will improve the soil by adding nutrition and improving soil structure. All Seasons offers an extensive range of high-quality soils and soil amendments, ensuring your Zinnia gardening is a breeze. Explore their superior selection now! |
 Let your garden rest in anticipation of seeds or transplants. Before planting your Zinnia seeds or transplants, consider the space of your flower bed and allow room for them to root and grow. The Benary variety grows to 40-50’’ tall, which translates to 3-4’. With their height, they would literally stand-out in any flower bed or solo structure made just for them. If planting in a bed with others, plant them in the back with smaller varieties in the front to layer the look. Zinnia seeds and transplants are available in shorter varieties that make excellent pairings. For Zinnia seeds to germinate, it takes the patience of waiting 3-5 days and temperatures at 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. You can also pre-soak the seeds, which can shorten the germination period. Simply place the seeds in a small bowl, and cover them with warm water. Allow them to soak for 12-24 hours. Drain the water and blot the seeds on a towel just prior to sowing. This is the time to “anticipate” and have faith in the bloom to come. |
Planting your Zinnias In mid to late Spring, soil conditions are ideal, and you have planned well where to plant. Remember that Zinnias love full sun and are heat-tolerant to our South Louisiana conditions. It’s time to sow your seeds. Follow the seed spacing recommended on the seed pack, which for the Benary variety is 9-12’’ apart. Direct sow into the soil about ¼’’ deep. When the seedling first emerges, misting is a good practice initially because it provides water where the tiny roots can get to it. |
 Zinnia Care: Now that you have planted your Zinnias, it’s time to care for them to enjoy their full potential. They flower best in full sun. Zinnias need moist soil to grow their best, which is especially true of young plants. Water deeply a few times a week so the soil stays moist 6-8’’ deep. Be careful not to over water because Zinnias can also succumb to rot diseases especially on wet, clay soils. If you ever have a question of their care, you can visit All Seasons and their immense Plant Health Care selections with a knowledgeable staff willing to answer your questions. |
Zinnia Care: When the Zinnia flowers start to form, add in a fertilizer, such as a time release like Osmocote, or Happy Frog’s All Purpose Fertilizer to get more and bigger blooms! Mulch around Zinnias once they are established with a 2-inch layer of mulch. This will help preserve the soil moisture and prevent weed growth. For fertilizer and mulch options, you can visit All Seasons Home, Garden & Landscaping Showplace to be paired with the right product(s) to ensure your Zinnia growing success! |
 Zinnia Care & Maintenance: Your Zinnia stalks are growing tall in their glory! Deadhead (trim) the spent flowers regularly to promote more flowering and to keep the plants tidy. Since the Benary variety is tall, you can create bushier plants by pinching the growth tip of the plant when young. This will stimulate more side branching, a shorter plant, and more flowers. Cut flowers from the base to enjoy in vases around your house or given to others as a sweet gesture of friendship and love! The biggest pests are powdery mildew disease and Japanese beetles. We have powdery mildew since we are in a humid area of the country. This is when a white film develops on the leaves. Eventually the leaves turn yellow and drop. The whole plant can get infected quickly, reducing overall flowering. To prevent this, see All Seasons for preventative sprays, or a combative approach when you notice the disease has made its way to your Zinnias. Japanese beetles can be fought off too, so stop in at All Seasons if your Zinnias are under attack! We won’t let the enemy win! |
Together, let's focus on tending the soil in our hearts and flourishing in the light of the Holy Spirit.
Stay tune to our Facebook page, blog, and Can I Getta Amen podcast for further details on all of our sacred spaces in 2024 and how we can all grow together to be "One Tough Bloom"!
Special thanks to All Seasons for providing tips for our Blooming Beginners.
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