The Lowdown on Deadheading Zinnias: Delight or Decline?
Pruning Zinnias: It's Advisable, Yet an Alternative Method Exists for Continuous Blooming Next Season.
So, your zinnias are looking a little... spent. You might be questioning whether to deadhead them or let them be. Well, buckle up, because we've got the lowdown on this zinnia conundrum!
Zinnias, with their vibrant hues and ranging heights, are guaranteed to catch the eye. Dazzling bees and gardeners alike, these easy-to-grow blooms can light up even the trickiest areas of your garden. But, when they start to fade, you may find yourself at a crossroads: deadhead or leave be?
To Deadhead or Not To Deadhead?
Morris Hankinson, the founder of Hopes Grove Nurseries, shares some insights. "Zinnias are colorful annuals that bees love. They brighten even the toughest garden spots. To keep them flowering for as long as possible from early summer into early autumn, they'll need to be deadheaded."
Deadheading zinnias promotes a second bloom, extending your garden's color throughout the season. But remember, cutting too late can cause the plant to focus on seed production instead of new blooms. So, snip spent flowers above a set of leaves or buds as soon as they start to wilt, before they turn completely brown and crispy.
The Non-Deadheading Option
While deadheading can help your zinnias deliver a longer display, it won't help them return next spring. Since zinnias are half-hardy annuals, they won't regrow from deadheaded stems. Instead, let them go to seed, collect them, and give them a chance to grow again next year for free!
Alternatively, you could choose not to deadhead them at all, allowing them to self-seed. This approach can result in a more natural, wilder-looking garden, and potentially new zinnias next season. However, note that some varieties may struggle to self-seed in colder climates.
Tony Williams, Estates Manager at Mount Ephraim Garden, advises, "Choosing not to deadhead Zinnias allows the plants to focus on seed production, which can result in fewer new blooms and a shorter flowering period. However, it also encourages self-seeding, leading to potential new plants the following season."
What You'll Need
Whether you're deadheading or leaving your zinnias alone, it's a good idea to have a pair of gardening gloves nearby to protect against disease. Don't forget to clean your pruners or secateurs before snipping your zinnias to prevent spreading diseases.
FAQs
Will zinnias come back every year in pots?
No, zinnias won't come back every year, even when grown in pots. As annuals, they will die after one blooming period. To grow them year after year, you'll need to re-sow seeds, buy plug plants, or let them self-seed (although self-seeding in the UK can be challenging due to the cold temperatures).
Do zinnias like to be crowded?
Zinnias will grow even when crowded, but they don't thrive in cramped spaces. Planting them too close together can cause the stems to be short and stumpy, and the flowers to be less vibrant. Additionally, crowding can increase the risk of disease spread and growth stunting.
So, should you deadhead your zinnias or leave them alone? The choice is yours! Enjoy creating a vibrant, lively garden with these stunning blooms.
Adding zinnias to your home-and-garden or lifestlye may likely extend the beauty of your gardening endeavors. To make the most of your zinnia flowers, consider incorporating cleaning hacks such as routinely deadheading to encourage a second bloom and maintain a colorful display throughout the season. However, if you prefer a wilder, more natural look and are willing to forgo a longer blooming period, letting the zinnias go to seed and self-sowing may be the gardening choice for you. Regularly wearing gardening gloves and sanitizing your pruners or secateurs will help maintain healthy plants and prevent disease spread.
