Last night I went into my zinnia bed and started clipping off the flowers that were starting to fade and brown. Zinnias benefit from either cutting flowers for bouquets or clipping off the spent blooms as they go by; either approach stimulates the production of more flowers. Although I enjoyed snipping these stems in the evening, it wasn’t the best time for deadheading because every other flower was already being used as a bee bed. I had to choose between snipping the blossom and disturbing a bumble bee that was already cozily tucked in for the night, or leaving that fading flower for another day.
As I clipped the flowers that weren’t already occupied, I thought of the joy that this beautiful annual brings to us every summer. There is a reason that I make sure to order plenty of packets of zinnia seeds. In fact, as you read last winter, I even take pleasure in the packets themselves. Beyond the packaging, however, this is a plant that pleases in many ways. So I’d recommend that you write on your calenders for early next year to order zinnia seeds.
Here are 5 reasons you should grow zinnias:
1. You will have plenty of flowers to clip for bouquets…flowers you can’t buy at a florist or supermarket.
These are just some of the colorful flowers I grew from the various mixes sold by Renee’s Garden. My method is to take a packet of each of her mixes and combine them in a carton, then sow those seeds into flats about a four to six weeks before I want to plant them outdoors. A shout out to Renee’s Garden for the seeds that grew these plants.
2. You will have enough flowers to share. Take a bunch into work and put them in a mason jar on your bosses desk or reception counter. Drop off a bunch at your friend’s house, especially if you know he or she needs a lift. Take some to your parents, or let your kids take some into school for their teacher. Share the wealth!
The bees begin to settle into their sleeping places around 4 o’clock, so if you need to deadhead in the garden, start before they are tucked in and dozing.
3. Every zinnia is a potential bee bed. Bumble bees sleep in flowers, so the more zinnias you have, the larger your bee rest area. Seeing the bees tucked in for the night is so sweet that it’s a gift to the gardener as much as the bees.
4. Zinnias also attract butterflies which add motion and grace to your landscape.
5. The colors of zinnias will make you happy. Who can’t use more happiness in life?
I have a dedicated cutting garden but if you don’t have the space, do not worry. Plant zinnias in any sunny spot you have available. Grow them in between, or behind peonies: at this time of year the peony foliage is browning so you can cut it to the ground and let the zinnias have that entire space. Grow zinnias in front of foundation plantings, in between perennials or in the vegetable garden. Where ever there is sun there can be zinnias. (Note: this might not be the best illustration as my zinnias are in the far left, top corner of this garden and not really visible in this photo because the purple Verbena bonariensis, one of my Party Crashers, pretty much obscures them from view.)
