If you are looking for brilliantly colored flowers that spill over the edge of containers, consider growing Mexican zinnia (Zinnia haageana). This spreading ground cover blooms in bright colors all season long. For more information about Mexican zinnia flowers, read on. We’ll explain how to grow this plant and provide tips on Mexican zinnia plant care.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Zinnia haageana is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae from Mexico.
It’s an annual with daisy-like flowers in vivid orange, yellow, pink, or white. Mexican zinnia flowers bloom prolifically all season long in sunny locations. Mexican zinnia flowers are ideal for sunny locations in warm climates. These spreading zinnia plants make great groundcovers in summers, but they are also bright and lovely in beds or pots.
If you are wondering how to grow Mexican zinnias, the fact is, you can hardly go wrong. Mexican zinnias are easy plants to grow and an excellent choice for beginning gardeners and even children. Growing Mexican zinnias will also appeal to any gardener who is seeking a big impact in exchange for a very minimal effort.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Mexican zinnia likes habitats with sufficient sunlight. It’s best to place it in full sun to grow, with no less than 6 hours of direct light. Mexican zinnia will bloom with gorgeous flowers in such environments, and it also helps keep the leaves dry and prevent powdery mildew. If sunlight is insufficient, the plant is likely to spindle, weaken, and have less lush blooms.
Temperature
Mexican zinnia is originally from Mexico. It likes hot weather and is sensitive to low temperatures. It pretty much needs reseeding every year. The best temperature range for it is 18 to 25 ℃. When winter temperatures drop below 13 ℃, it stops growing and its stems and leaves dry up and turn yellow. However, it can tolerate high temperatures above 30 ℃ and grow and bloom normally. Some heat-resistant varieties can even tolerate temperatures above 35 ℃. The temperature needs to stay above 15 ℃ for seedlings; temperatures below that negatively affect growth. Mexican zinnia doesn’t require much water and is drought-tolerant.
Watering
Originating from semi-arid environments, mexican zinnia has adapted to thrive with minimal moisture, exhibiting drought tolerance. After establishing its water habits, it’s essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule of twice a week to support its health and growth. As an outdoor plant often cultivated for its vibrant flowering display, mexican zinnia benefits significantly from increased humidity during its peak growing season to enhance bloom vitality.
Soil
The only soil requirement of Mexican zinnia is good drainage. Its roots don’t like moist soil. Too much water in the soil can cause powdery mildew. If possible, use soil with neutral pH value.
Fertilizing
For mexican zinnia, optimal blooming necessitates monthly feeding with high phosphorus fertilizers, particularly during the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble formula promotes robust growth. Apply a quarter-strength solution to prevent over-fertilization. Seasonal adjustment is key: reduce frequency in fall and winter. Always water before fertilizing to protect roots. Adhering to these guidelines ensures vivid blossoms and vigorous Mexican zinnia plants.
Pruning
Pinch Mexican zinnia seedlings back when they are young. Nip the buds on the branch tips to promote lush growth of the stems and leaves, so the plant grows into a shorter, more stocky, exuberant form. For taller varieties, support the plant with sticks to prevent it from growing obliquely or creeping on the ground.
Deadhead the spent flowers to reduce unnecessary nutrition consumption, so the rest of the flowers flourish and flower longer. To deadhead, cut below the flowers and above the leaves so that the plant continues to grow and sprout new flower buds.
Propagation
Mexican zinnia is typically propagated by sowing in Spring, with a moderate level of difficulty. Success can be recognized by emerging seedlings and healthy growth. Consistent moisture and well-draining soil can help ensure propagation success.
Transplanting
The ideal season for transplanting Mexican zinnia is from late spring to late summer, when the weather is consistently warm and mild. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for optimal growth. When transplanting, gently loosen roots to encourage establishment. Enjoy your vibrant Mexican zinnia blooms!
III. Uses and Benefits
Mexican zinnia is a popular plant in summer and container gardens, prized for its colorful flowers that bloom steadily throughout the season, and its ability to spread across small areas as a temporary ground cover. Mexican zinnia adds a contrasting color to coneflower groupings, or behind a border of dianthus.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
With proper care, Mexican zinnia flowers from summer through fall. Harvest the flowers when the temperature is low and humidity is high, generally in the morning. Harvesting in the cool of the day, when plants have the most moisture, helps the cut flowers last longer.
After the flower season, get rid of the withered plants and grow something else for a change. For rare Mexican zinnia varieties, consider keeping some withered flowers from one or two plants to harvest the seeds for sowing next year.