How to Grow Zinnias in Pots – And Guarantee Thrilling, Long-Lasting Displays in Small Yards
You need to know about these when growing zinnias in pots
Zinnias are vibrant flowers that dazzle gardeners with glorious blooms from midsummer through to the first frosts. They are perfect for brightening up gardens of any size. Those with smaller spaces needn’t miss out, as you can enjoy an energetic display by growing zinnias in pots.
These tender annuals come in a variety of sizes and colors, including both single and mixed colors, and there are lots of compact zinnias perfectly suited for containers. They need sun, heat, and moisture for the best display. Give them a large container, regular watering and feeding, and deadhead them, and you can enjoy a long pot display.
If you want to grow zinnias in pots successfully, there are a few key points to get right, including buying the right variety, such as these Thumbelina zinnia seeds from True Leaf Market. The good news is that these annual flowers are simple to maintain. If you do the following, you’ll be enjoying a flamboyant performance of blooms in no time.
Essential Tips for Growing Zinnias in Pots
Growing zinnias in pots is made all the easier by picking compact types. Dwarf or smaller-growing zinnia varieties still come in all manner of colors, but they are easier to maintain in pots than taller types. Compact zinnias mean you don’t need such large pots, the plants don’t need staking, and the container is at less risk of being top-heavy and toppling in high winds.
Dwarf zinnias are also popular bedding plants, with the likes of Profusion Series zinnias, Zahara Series zinnias, and Thumbelina zinnias some of the most sought-after, measuring in at between 6-18 inches, depending on the variety.
Pick a container at least 12 inches wide and deep and fill it with a well-draining potting soil for container gardening. Moisture management is crucial, so any soil needs to retain moisture but be well-draining, and the container needs drainage holes.
This premium organic potting mix from Burpee is made from moisture-retaining coconut coir and is perfect for growing zinnias in pots.
A 12-inch pot can fit three compact zinnia plants, which can either be sown directly into the soil in early summer or you can plant zinnia seeds indoors in modules in late spring (use large modules or biodegradable pots as zinnias don’t like root disturbance). Alternatively, you can buy seedlings as plug plants to pop straight into your pot. If you opt to grow taller zinnias, the pot will need to be at least 16 inches wide.
Zinnias do love sun; the more sun they get, the better the plants will flower. Place your container on a sunny deck, patio, or balcony where the zinnias can thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Too much shade can mean fewer flowers and misshapen stems as the plant desperately stretches to find sunlight.
Shop Zinnias That Are Perfect For Pots
Thumbelina is an ultra-compact zinna variety that reaches just 8-10 inches tall. It is a 1963 All-America Selections winner and can be cut for small bouquets.
Profusion zinnias form mounds 12-16 inches tall and are known for their continuous blooming. These seeds produce blooms in vivid shades of red, gold, yellow, and white.
Zahara zinnias produce compact plants that reach 12-18 inches. They are also known for being disease-resistant to leaf spot and mildew.
How to Care for Zinnias in Pots
- Watering - Zinnias in pots will require regular watering to keep the soil moist in the summer. They are thirsty plants, and in containers will dry out quicker than when growing in flower beds. In the summer, it may mean watering plants in containers daily. Check the moisture levels an inch or two under the soil surface, and water when it feels dry. A moisture meter (you can get a soil moisture meter at Amazon) can help to show when you need to water plants. When you do water, always do so deeply, and take care to water the soil surface rather than the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Feeding - To keep zinnias blooming as long as possible, feed the plants at least every two weeks with a high-potassium feed once the first flowers appear. The fast-growing flowering annuals will use up the nutrients in the potting soil after around a month. A regular feeding regime ensures the flowers have the essential nutrients they need to keep producing new blooms. A high-potassium feed usually comes in the form of a bloom booster or tomato feed, such as this concentrated plant fertilizer at Amazon.
- Pruning - Once the plants reach 10-12 inches tall, it is beneficial to pinch out zinnias. Removing the growing tip may seem harsh, but you are being cruel to be kind. This technique encourages lots of lateral growth that will carry more flowers. To do this, remove the central growing tip just above a pair of leaves. Once the zinnias start flowering, start regularly deadheading the plants. Taking the time to deadhead zinnias focuses the plant’s energy on producing new flowers, so you get the longest display of blooms. Remove faded flowers with a pair of shears or pruning snips just above a leaf node or new bud. I am a fan of these Felco pruning snips at Amazon for such intricate trimming tasks.
The Best Pots for Zinnias
This modern, decorative ceramic planter has a gently ribbed surface and a weathered blue glaze. It also has a drainage hole and removable rubber plug.
This smart planter has a soft green finish and an elegant floral textured surface. It offers the look of stone but in a lightweight form, and has a drainage hole.
Bring a rustic feel to your outdoor areas with these imitation whiskey barrel planters. The 12-inch flower pots are lightweight and feature a drainage hole and saucer.
At the end of the season, you can collect zinnia seeds to sow again into your pots next year. If you’ve loved this year’s displays, collecting seeds is a cost-effective way to plan for next summer’s container garden.
Stop deadheading once the overall show starts to fade and let the flowers produce seeds and dry out. Then you can cut the seed heads and collect the seeds into a paper envelope.
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