10 Easiest Plants to Grow from Seeds (Guide + Tips)

#7 – Zinnias: Color All Summer Long

When my students ask me about foolproof flowers, I always point to zinnias. Last summer, my garden looked like a paint box had exploded in the best possible way! Even during our brutal heat wave, these cheerful blooms kept going strong when everything else wilted. After 15 years of growing them, I’ve learned all their little quirks and secrets.

Masters of Heat Tolerance

Here’s why zinnias are my go-to for summer-long color:

• Thrive in temperatures up to 95°F
• Love hot, humid conditions
• Bloom better in full sun
• Drought tolerant once established
• Keep flowering through summer

A Butterfly (and Bird!) Paradise

My garden becomes a literal wildlife haven thanks to zinnias:

• Attract native butterflies
• Perfect landing pads for pollinators
• Goldfinches love the seeds
• Hummingbirds visit regularly
• Create natural habitat zones

Creating Your Cutting Garden

Want endless bouquets? Here’s my professional cutting garden strategy:

• Plant in Rows:
  • Space 9-12 inches apart
  • Create wide paths between rows
  • Plant new seeds every 3 weeks
  • Mark varieties clearly

• Harvesting Tips:
  • Cut stems early morning
  • Remove all leaves below water line
  • Use clean, sharp scissors
  • Change vase water daily

Height Guide for Perfect Planning

I organize my zinnias by height for maximum impact:

Dwarf Varieties (12-18 inches):

• ‘Thumbelina’
• ‘Peter Pan’
• ‘Button Box’

Medium Height (18-24 inches):

• ‘Profusion Series’
• ‘Zahara Double’
• ‘Oklahoma Mix’

Tall Varieties (24-36+ inches):

• ‘Benary’s Giant’
• ‘State Fair’
• ‘California Giant’

Disease Prevention Secrets

After years of trial and error, here’s how I keep powdery mildew at bay:

• Air Circulation Tips:
  • Space plants properly
  • Thin seedlings early
  • Avoid overhead watering
  • Morning watering only

• Maintenance Practices:
  • Remove affected leaves promptly
  • Clean up fallen debris
  • Practice crop rotation
  • Mulch soil surface

Pro Growing Tips

These tricks ensure continuous blooms:

• Deadhead regularly for more flowers
• Plant in rich, well-draining soil
• Feed monthly with compost tea
• Save seeds from best plants
• Start indoors 4-6 weeks early

Ready to grow the easiest spring crop ever? Click that next button to discover why peas are my favorite early season vegetable! I can’t wait to share my trellising secrets that doubled my pea harvest last year. Plus, you’ll learn why these sweet climbers are perfect for getting kids excited about gardening!

Want to kickstart your spring garden? The next section about growing peas will give you a jump start on the growing season!