How to plant zinnias
Summary: This article discusses the knowledge of how to plant zinnias and the methods and timing of zinnia cultivation, and then takes everyone to understand together.
Zinnias are all around us, adding a lot of color to our lives. Zinnias are a common type of flower, highly ornamental, often seen in parks or residential areas. So, do you know how to plant zinnias?
Zinnia Planting Methods
1. Water and fertilizer management
Watering: Due to high light requirements, water easily evaporates, so it is necessary to maintain proper humidity regularly, and water can be given daily in the summer.
Fertilizing: Apply 2-3 grams of compound fertilizer at the bottom of the pot during planting, and then drench the roots with 800 times the liquid of benomyl for disinfection after planting. Keep the potting soil moist within one week of planting to promote the growth of surface roots, and start top dressing when the roots grow to the bottom of the pot, fertilizing 2-3 times a week (apply water fertilizer on sunny days, keeping the concentration below 200mg, and apply granular fertilizer of 2-3 grams/pot on rainy days), and an additional application of calcium fertilizer can be补充.
2. Temperature and light
Temperature: Zinnias prefer warm and sunny conditions, are not heat or cold tolerant, with an optimal daytime temperature of 18-20°C and night temperature of 15-16°C. They grow especially fast in summer.
Light: Direct full-sunlight can be used, with direct sunlight. If there is insufficient sunlight, the plant may become leggy and have weaker resistance, and flowering will also be affected.
Points to Note When Planting Zinnias
1. Plant shaping
If zinnias are not pinched back, they will have few lateral branches and flowers. Proper pinching can promote dwarfing of the plant and increase the number of flowers. When the seedlings have grown to 4 leaves, plant and pinch to promote the growth of lower branches to form a better plant shape.
Start pinching one week after planting, leaving 4 pairs of true leaves, and decide whether to pinch again based on the plant's growth and branching. Continue to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers like potassium dihydrogen phosphate during the flowering period to promote continuous growth of flower heads. Remove the withered flower heads promptly after flowering to reduce nutrient loss.
2. Disease and pest control
Common diseases of zinnias: white spot disease, black spot disease, mosaic disease
Zinnias also need to prevent excessive growth. Zinnia seedlings are very prone to excessive growth. It is important to lower the temperature, pinch, and reduce watering.
How to Plant Zinnias
Zinnia Water and Fertilizer Maintenance
Watering is needed during the seedling stage, but it is generally not suitable to water too much. However, frequent watering is needed during the hot summer months to keep the soil moist. Otherwise, it will result in yellow leaves, small flowers, poor color, and reduced ornamental value. Usually, 3 applications of thin fertilizer are sufficient during the whole growth period. Use a mix of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers during the seedling stage; phosphorus fertilizers during the budding stage; and apply a compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in early September. Over-fertilization can cause the plant to grow excessively and result in lodging.
When cultivating zinnias as cut flowers, select tall varieties, do not pinch during the seedling stage, and use the flowers at the top of the main stem for cutting. Because tall varieties have tall stems, the branches can easily break in strong wind, so supports need to be set up in a timely manner. During the hot season, zinnias grow weakly, flowers are poor, and seeds are not produced. It is necessary to water frequently and control red spider mites, after which growth and flowering can continue.
Remove the残花 promptly after each flowering to reduce nutrient consumption and facilitate flowering again. Apply 1-2 times of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Do not plant continuously in the same area to reduce the occurrence of diseases.
Reasons for Zinnia Excessive Growth
1. Insufficient light. Zinnias require a lot of light and can adjust the flowering period with light, either advancing or delaying it. Seedlings grow rapidly in the later stage, and insufficient light can easily lead to excessive growth.
2. Excessive watering. In areas with strong sunlight, water evaporates quickly, but if there is not enough light, the water in the potting soil evaporates slowly, and if excessive watering continues, it will affect the respiration of the roots, leading to poor plant growth and excessive growth.
3. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer in the seeding medium. A small amount of fertilizer can be applied to the seeding medium of zinnias, with phosphorus-potassium or nitrogen fertilizers, but excessive nitrogen can lead to excessive growth of seedlings.
The above is the summary of zinnia planting techniques by the editor of the Green Enthusiast website, hoping to help everyone. Many friends probably enjoy zinnias, and you can actually plant a pot of zinnias at home! When they bloom, the bright and eye-catching flowers add a touch of color and vitality to your simple and warm room.
The above (Green Enthusiast website) provides a comprehensive introduction to how to plant zinnias and the methods and timing of zinnia cultivation, hoping to bring some knowledge of green plants to green enthusiasts.