Key points for caring for zinnia during its growth period

Zinnia growth period maintenance

Zinnia seedlings need to be transplanted once they have 2 to 3 true leaves, and they should be planted in mid-to-late May. It is necessary to apply decomposed organic fertilizer when planting. When zinnia grows to about 15 cm in height, it is necessary to leave two pairs of leaves at the base and pinch off the top to promote the growth of axillary buds, allowing it to branch more and bloom more. After the flowers fade, they need to be cut off in time to reduce nutrient consumption and facilitate the next flowering.

Water and fertilizer maintenance of zinnia

Watering is necessary in a timely manner during the seedling removal period, and it is generally not suitable to water too much. But during the summer period, you need to water frequently to keep the soil moist. Otherwise, the leaves will turn yellow, the flowers will be small, the color will be poor, and the ornamental value will be greatly reduced. During the entire growth and development period, three applications of thin fertilizer are usually sufficient. During the seedling stage, chlorine and potassium mixed fertilizer is mainly used; during the bud formation stage, phosphate fertilizer is mainly used; in early September, chlorine, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer is applied once. If too much fertilizer is applied, the plant will easily grow too tall and fall over.

When cultivating zinnia as cut flowers, you should choose tall varieties, do not pinch the tops of the plants during the seedling stage, and use the flowers at the top of the main stem for cut flowers. Because tall plants are relatively tall, their stems and branches are easily broken in strong winds, so supports need to be set up in a timely manner. In hot seasons, zinnias grow weaker, flower poorly, and do not produce seeds. Watering should be done frequently at this time, and red spider mites should be prevented and controlled in time. It will continue to grow and bloom after the beginning of autumn.

Each time the flowers fade, the remaining flowers need to be cut off in time to reduce nutrient consumption and facilitate flowering again. At the same time, apply 1 to 2 times of fertilizer mainly composed of phosphorus and potassium. Do not plant continuously in the same field to reduce the occurrence of diseases.

Maintenance of potted zinnias

For potted zinnias, you should choose dwarf varieties, choose loose, fertile and well-drained sandy loam as the culture soil, and sow the seeds directly. At the same time, not only do you need to water and fertilize reasonably, but you also need to pinch the top 2 to 3 times to encourage branching and more flowering. If managed properly, a pot of zinnia can have 10 to 20 flowers at the same time.