A guide to zinnias

Zinnias are nothing if not versatile, says Tom Brown, Head Gardener at Parham House & Garden. For those seeking plants with relentless flower power, bedding types such as Zinnia ‘Sahara Sunburst’, once established, will provide gorgeous colour right through to the first frosts.

For all aspiring domestic gods and goddesses, taller zinnia cultivars make excellent cut flowers and are equally at home in a minimalistic, modern vase on a kitchen table as they are in an opulent mixed display in an informal arrangement.

As the summer eases its way into August and September, zinnias unleash a tremendous number of blooms for cutting with ever increasing stem lengths as we move into October.

Zinnias are easy to grow and happy with dry conditions, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Their retro glamour, in all shades except blue, lends itself as readily to the grandeur of park bedding displays as it does to any summer container on a sunny balcony or patio.

Zinnias are half hardy and resent cold night temperatures. It is therefore best to sow at the end of March in a heated propagator or on a sunny windowsill in any good seed sowing compost. Try to avoid the temptation to sow earlier than this as you want compact plants, full of vim and vigour, rather than leggy specimens, which then always struggle to fulfil their potential.
Reassuringly, the seeds are large enough to handle individually. Sow two seeds to a pot or module and then thin out the weakest seedling to leave the strongest of the pair.
Plant into good garden soil or compost containing John Innes No.2 at the end of May when all risk of frosts have passed.
As a general rule, the better conditioned the soil, the better the stem lengths, so you may want to add a liberal dose of well-rotted manure before planting if the soil is poor.
Position the plants in a well-lit spot where they can soak up the sunshine for as long as possible.
Don’t forget to stake taller cultivars with a few canes and string or hazel twigs (bedding or dwarf zinnias require no support at all).
Keep a keen eye out for slugs: plants are most vulnerable in the first few weeks; once established a small amount of slug damage shouldn’t ruin the displays.

For more information on Parham House & Gardens, visit parhaminsussex.co.uk

Click here to see Nurseryman Alec White’s 3 rules for growing perfect peonies.

For more inspiration on plants for your garden, click here.

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A guide to zinnias

Zinnias are nothing if not versatile, says Tom Brown, Head Gardener at Parham House & Garden. For those seeking plants with relentless flower power, bedding types such as Zinnia ‘Sahara Sunburst’, once established, will provide gorgeous colour right through to the first frosts.