zinnia

Watering a Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) plant requires a generous and consistent amount of water. It's important to give the plant enough water to keep the soil moist, but not so much that the soil becomes waterlogged. Watering once a week is usually sufficient, but may need to be increased during hot, dry summers or decreased during cold, wet winters. To water your Zinnia, apply at least 1 inch of water until the soil is completely saturated. Make sure not to overwater or underwater the plant. Also, avoid wetting the foliage and flowers, as this can cause fungal diseases.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) plants prefer full sun—generally 6 to 8 hours a day—for ideal growth. If you’re growing them indoors or in a sheltered spot, be sure to rotate them every day so all parts of the plant receive an equal share of sunlight. Pay attention to the direction the plant is facing and move it around if you notice any lanky or stretched-out growth. Zinnias also thrive in locations that are exposed to bright, direct sunlight in the morning, followed by afternoon shade.

When pruning a zinnia (Zinnia elegans), the goal is to promote air circulation, which will discourage the growth of pests and disease. Pruning should begin in early spring before the zinnia begins to grow. Cut off any dead or diseased shoots, then remove any excessively woody stems. To encourage bushy and compact growth, pinch off the growing tips of the stems, or trim them back by half. This should be done on all sides of the zinnia, including the centre. Doing this periodically throughout the season will help to promote new growth, and will also produce more blooms. Prune the zinnia frequently, since its blooms last for only 2 to 3 weeks. After blooms wilt or die, cut the stem just above the first set of leaves but not below.