Why Zinnias Are the Ideal Flower for Canadian Gardens

The Popularity of Zinnias in Canada

Zinnias are quickly becoming one of the most popular flowers grown in Canadian gardens. With their wide range of bright colors and easy care requirements, it's no wonder zinnias are cropped up across the country. Their resilience makes them perfect for Canada's varied climates and gardening zones.

Why Grow Zinnias

There are several key reasons why zinnias have surged in popularity among Canadian home gardeners and nurseries:

• They come in a rainbow of colors, ensuring there's a hue for everyone's taste from rich reds, oranges, and yellows to soft pinks, purples, and whites.
• Most varieties withstand heat very well, making them ideal for summertime blooms.
• The plants have few pest or disease problems, reducing maintenance.
• Zinnias thrive in most soil types and only require moderate watering.
• They can tolerate partial shade but flourish in full sunlight.
• The flowers attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
• They have a long blooming season from early summer well into fall.
• Zinnias are easy to start from seeds, making them budget-friendly.

Best Zinnia Varieties for Canada

While all zinnias fare well across Canada, some standout varieties are best suited for the unique growing conditions in this country:

Zinnia 'Zowie! Yellow Flame'

This award-winner thrives everywhere from Ontario to Alberta with multi-colored blooms in red, yellow, pink, and orange hues on disease-resistant two-foot plants.

Zinnia 'Envy'

The vibrant emerald green centers on five-inch blossoms make this variety, which can grow up to three feet tall, ideal for borders or cutting gardens from Saskatchewan through the Maritimes.

Zinnia 'Magellan Coral'

Marked by vivid coral coloring on large, fully double blooms and excellent mildew resistance, the two-foot-tall Magellan series shines in containers from Quebec into British Columbia.

Growing Conditions

One reason for their immense appeal, zinnias are uncomplicated to grow across Canada. However, there are some key conditions to help them thrive:

Sunlight

While they tolerate partial shade, zinnias require at least six hours of direct sun daily for prolific flowering. This makes full sun ideal in locations across the country.

Soil

Rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5-7.5 provides the best results. Most garden soils will suffice when amended with compost or organic material. They dislike wet feet.

Temperature

As heat-lovers, zinnias flourish in summer. Sow after any threat of frost passes. Daytime temperatures consistently above 65°F suit them best. They can handle Canada's hot summers but may need deadheading and water during extreme heat.

Water

Drought-tolerant but not drought-proof, zinnias require one inch of water weekly from either rain or irrigation. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings and avoid wet foliage, which can encourage diseases.

How to Grow Zinnias

Easy to cultivate, zinnias simply require preparing the growing area, sowing seeds correctly, attending to a few key care needs, and enjoying the bounty of beautiful blossoms soon to come!

Planting Zinnia Seeds Outdoors

For starters, select a site bathed in sunlight with nutrient-rich, weed-free, well-draining soil. Rake to create rows or groups. Sow at proper depth - 1/4 inch for small seeds and 1/2 inch for large - allowing 12-24 inches between plants depending on variety size. Gently firm soil and water. Thin crowded seedlings. Control weeds. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Caring for Growing Zinnias

Zinnias thrive on benign neglect but benefit from attentive care:

• Water one inch weekly in dry periods.
• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly if soil lacks nutrients.
• Pinch or deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowers.
• Stake tall varieties like Benary's Giants to prevent toppling.
• Watch for aphids, whiteflies, powdery mildew and other pests. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if outbreaks occur.
• Cover with garden fabric if frost threatens before end of season.

Harvesting Zinnias

Clip zinnia stems just above a set of leaves when flowers reach desired openness, usually when one-quarter to one-third of center disc shows. Refresh water and strip lower foliage every 2-3 days for gorgeous, long-lasting indoor arrangements. Or allow seed heads to mature and collect seeds to plant next year.

The Joys of Growing Zinnias

From the anticipation of sprouts poking through warm spring soil to brilliant hues dancing atop graceful stems all season long, zinnias bring many delights to Canadian gardens. Their popularity looks set to rise even further as more home gardeners discover their vibrancy and staying power across the country!

FAQs

What is the best time to plant zinnias in Canada?

Zinnias should be planted outdoors after the last expected frost date when soil temperatures reach at least 60-65°F. This is usually late May or early June, but it varies by region. You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your area's average last spring frost to get a head start.

Are zinnias annual or perennial flowers in Canada?

Zinnias are annual flowers, meaning they complete their lifecycle in one growing season. You'll need to replant zinnias each year in Canada as they cannot withstand winter cold and frost.

What soil conditions do zinnias need?

Zinnias thrive in fertile, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Amend clay or sandy soils with compost or peat moss. Test soil pH and amend if needed to fall between 5.5-7.5. Mulch around plants helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.

How often should I water zinnias in Canada?

Established zinnias need about an inch of water per week in the absence of rain, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Adjust frequency based on weather, watering deeply vs light sprinkles. Avoid wetting foliage to discourage diseases.