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Zinnias grow in numerous colors and flower types to suit any floral arrangement--from a simple, elegant vase of colorful blooms to a Victorian basket of flowers. Zinnias are easy to grow, as well as easy to cut for floral displays. Use a floral preservative to keep zinnas fresh for as long as 7 to 10 days in an arrangement. Cut zinnia blooms in early morning before the heat of the day has time to wilt the stems and flowers. Choose blooms that are fully open or almost fully open with long stems. Use garden snips to cut the stems and put them in a bucket of water. Keep the cut flowers shaded since they tend to wilt in direct sun.
Plant zinnias in late spring, after the last frost has passed and the soil is warm. Start seeds indoors in individual containers, set out purchased plants, or direct-sow into warm soil. Poke seeds into the soil about one-half inch (1 cm) deep and 3 inches (8 cm) apart. Thin to 12 inches (30 cm) apart in all directions for dwarf varieties. Zinnia varieties that grow more than 24 inches (60) cm) tall require 18 inches (45 cm) between plants. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.