![]() ![]() You can also handpick the adults in the morning while they are sluggish and drop them in a pail of soapy water. In this way, the flying beetles will find the traps before they find your plants. To reduce the adult beetle population in summer, set out Japanese beetle traps at least 200 feet away from your garden in a perimeter around your property. Use beneficial nematodes in colder areas. These are the larvae of the adult beetles. To control Japanese beetles, apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore powder in the early summer and fall to kill the c-shaped, white grubs in the soil. Japanese beetles love zinnias and are often found feeding and shredding the leaves. Knock aphids off zinnia leaves with a strong spray of water from a hose. Aphids also can attack zinnia leaves causing them to curl and yellow. You can make your own organic spray by adding 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 tablespoon of horticultural oil in 1 gallon of water. Neem oil and Serenade (Bacillus subtilis) are two organic sprays that work well to prevent the spread of powdery mildew. ![]() To prevent powdery mildew, space plants further apart to increase air flow, grow disease-resistant varieties, and apply preventative sprays early in the season. The whole plant can quickly get infected making it look messy and reducing its overall flowering. Eventually the leaves turn yellow and drop. ![]() Powdery mildew disease is especially prevalent in humid areas of the country in late summer. Pests & Disease: The biggest pests of zinnias are powdery mildew disease and Japanese beetles. Try not to disturb the roots when moving the plants. If growing them indoors for transplanting, use larger peat or plastic pots so you don't have to transplant more than once. However, they can be finicky about being transplanted. However, it may delay flowering, especially in cool summer areas.ĭividing & Transplanting: Zinnias are annual flowers so don't need dividing. This will stimulate more side branching, a shorter plant, and more flowers. To create bushier plants on tall varieties, pinch the growth tip of the plant when young. Trimming & Pruning: Deadhead (trim) spent flowers regularly to promote more flowering and to keep the plant tidy. This will help preserve soil moisture and prevent weed growth. Mulching: Mulch zinnias once they are established with a 2 inch layer of straw or bark mulch. When flowers start to form, side dress with an organic 5-5-5 fertilizer to get more and bigger blossoms. Once established, zinnias a relatively drought tolerant.įertilizing: Amend the soil before planting zinnias with compost. Don't overwater because zinnias can also succumb to rot diseases especially on wet, clay soils. Water deeply a few times a week so the soil stays moist 6 to 8 inches deep. Watering: Zinnias need moist soil to grow their best. Staking: These flowers have sturdy stems, so do not need staking. Zinnias are some of the most reliable and colorful annuals to plant for those who wish to attract pollinators to both the butterfly and veggie garden. For sooner blooms, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Zinnias are easy to grow directly-seeded into the garden. Planting: Plant zinnias in spring after all danger of frost has passed, around the same time you'd plant tomatoes. Thin to 8 to 18 inches apart, depending upon the variety, once the plant has grown four leaves. Spacing: Plant zinnia seeds a few inches apart in rows or clumps. Well-drained soil is important because zinnia seedlings can be prone to rotting in cool, wet soils. Soil: Zinnias grow best on fertile, well-drained soils high in organic matter. They can flower in part shade, especially in warmer climates with afternoon shade, but they may be more susceptible to disease and have fewer flowers. Light: Zinnias grow and flower best in full sun. Group them in a flower or vegetable garden for color and to attract bees and butterflies. Flowers come in all the colors of the rainbow depending on the variety. The plants range from low growing, to tall and statuesque. If you're looking for a prolific annual flower for gardens and bouquets in a wide range of colors, try zinnias.
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