Zinnia Lilliput

Soil & Site Preparation 

 Sunlight:

• Zinnias require 4 – 6 hours of full sun daily. 

 Soil:

• Use a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5.
• Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost for better texture and nutrients . 

 Planting Steps 

Indoor Start: 

• Sow seeds 3 mm deep in seed trays. 
• Keep soil moist and provide bright light (e.g., grow lights). 
• Transplant seedlings after hardening off, spacing them 30 cm apart.

Direct Sowing: 

• Plant seeds 3 mm deep in prepared beds. 
• Thin seedlings to 30 cm once they develop 2–3 true leaves. 

 Care & Maintenance 

 Watering:

• Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage.
• Keep soil moist but not soggy (overwatering causes root rot) . 

 Fertilising:

• Optional. Use a balanced fertiliser sparingly if soil is poor. 

 Deadheading:

• Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. 

 Pests/Diseases:

• Watch for powdery mildew (improve airflow) and aphids (use insecticidal soap).
• Young plants are vulnerable; mature zinnias are pest resistant . 

 Harvesting & Seed Saving 

• Cut flowers in the morning when petals are fully open. 
• Save seeds by drying brown flower heads in a paper bag.
• Store seeds in a cool, dark place for up to 5 years. 

Companion Planting Guide 

 Best Companion Plants 

Herbs:

• Basil repels aphids.
• Dill and Parsley attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps for natural pest control . 

Flowers:

• Marigolds deter nematodes, aphids, and beetles with their strong scent.
• Cosmos attracts pollinators with airy blooms and complement zinnias’ height. 
• Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for aphids, diverting pests from zinnias. 
• Alyssum suppresses weeds and attracts beneficial insects. 

Vegetables:

• Tomatoes & Chillies attract pollinators for better fruit set and repel tomato hornworms . 
• Cucumbers & Melons lure pollinators and deter thrips.
• Train vines on trellises to avoid shading zinnias. 
• Beans fix nitrogen in soil, benefiting zinnias’ blooms. 

Other Plants:

• Sunflowers provide structural support for tall zinnias and attract pollinators.
•  Dahlias create a butterfly magnet with complementary colours and similar sun needs. 

Plants to Avoid:

• Lavender, Rosemary and Thyme prefer dry soils, conflicting with zinnias’ moisture needs. 
• Cucurbits (Squash, Cucumbers) are susceptible to powdery mildew; ensure proper spacing for airflow. 

Design Tips 

 Colour Schemes:

• Pair zinnias with contrasting companions like blue salvias. 
• In containers add sweet alyssum to provide a living mulch
• In pollinator gardens combine with Rudbeckias for a butterfly friendly space .