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Sunday, May 01, 2011

Happy May 1st (Zinnias)

Zinnias a flower I used to plant often, as did my Mother. Wonder why I got out of the habit? Funny, as I think back so did she. Zinnias are annuals, though they do come in both seeds and plants; most often you see them in seed. Perhaps that's why we both changed our habits. Annuals require more work then perineals do. Seeds though cheaper require more work then seedlings/plants. We planted seeds back in the day. There are many varieties, many sizes, many colors and once they grow, quite easy to care for.

These make wonderful flower beds whether you choose a mix as above or all one color and all one variety. There are small shorter single varieties that make lovely edges, the larger double and giant flowers are great to cut. Zinnias will continue to flower after you cut and bring in doors. In addition, they will continue to bloom if you dead head regularly. They'll branch and be more bushy if you pinch them back. They attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds to you yard, as well as beneficial insects. Indoor bouquets do best if you cut the flower blossom before it's fully opened.

I live in planting zone 5, which means seeds could be sowed indoors as early as late in the month of March; or sowed outdoors in late April. Burpee suggest planting in full sun after the threat of frost is mostly past. Plant seeds 12 inches apart with 1/4 inch soil covering them. Water frequently keeping them moist during seedling stage. Generally you'll see your seedlings within 7-10 days, at which time you're suppose to thin them to 18-24 inches apart. I can't say I ever did that, and doubt Mom did either. Who wants to pull out a plant that's trying to grow? Not me.

I've not thought about these flowers in some time, and need to review my yard to see if there's a place I might like to plant them again. I do love to attract Butterflies.
And Happy Birthday Chuck, my oldest brother. Shall I pick a bunch of flowers for you?

13 comments:

  1. I plant zinnias every year. all the varieties. I like that tall ones near my back fence seperating the yard. I like the shorter once in the front along the walk way.
    I like to plant a mix among the conefolowers and daisies to give a burst of color

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  2. Frizzy, that's such a good description. I think I'm need to make room for some. Right now, doesn't look like I have room, but I do need to weed and thin.

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  3. Hi Sandy, Stopping by for an overdue visit. I want to thank you so much for all your support through the years. I know that I've been quite silent but it is so good to know that there are people out there that care enough to stay in touch and my friend are one of those people. I thank you for that. I do hope to be more active on my blog in the coming future.

    Thank you again and have a great week coming up.

    It's my youngest brothers birthday today. :)

    Hugs, Scarlet

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  4. Zinnias are very pretty.Hope you will find some place in the yard for few Zinnia plants

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  5. Long long ago when I was young we always planted zinnias. We even saved the seeds year after year...until they all ended up being the same color ;) I've always loved zinnias :)

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  6. Scarlet, so nice to hear from you. Isn't that funny my older brother and your younger brother share a birthday. Pretty cool.

    Bindu, thanks.

    hakucho, I didn't know you could save the seeds. How do you that? I've done that in years past with marigolds.

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  7. I love these flowers and the photo you used. Good luck with the challenge. I'm participating too.

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  8. What a gorgeous pic. I love all types of flowers but often find myself dealing with just perennials as well. I do save my marigold and 4 o'clock seeds I could do the same with Zinnias I suppose. Good luck on the challenge.

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  9. Great post! Thanks for sharing and good luck with the Z-a challenge!

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  10. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR BROTHER SANDY....
    MY MOM ALSO PLANTED ZINNIA'S, THEY ARE A VERY HEARTY FLOWER.
    WE HAD BEDS OF THEM ALL DIFFERENT COLORS.
    HAVE A NICE DAY. RIZZI

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  11. Theresa, Sass, and David good luck to you with the challenge. Thanks for the visits.

    Sass, I'm not sure where the seeds are with Zinnias in order to save them. How do you do that?

    Thank you Rizzi for the visit and the good wishes for my brother.

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  12. I love zinnias too, but I'm cheap and have mostly perennials. My flower beds got a lot of work so far this year, so hopefully they'll be easier to maintain. I completely let them go last year, totally overgrown.


    I’m hosting Z to A in May, but I’m blogging at:
    Ross County Roundup

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  13. Anonymous10:22 PM

    Beautiful pic! We have mostly perennials, but always mix in some annuals to make the garden bright and colorful all throughout the season.

    My A-Z Blogging Reflections Mega Post is here.

    My Z-A Blogging “Z” post is right here.

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