Zinnia Parade
Most of you know how much I LOVE zinnias - they bring such joy to the garden (and the gardener!). Ever since I sowed those very first seeds several years ago (sent to me by the gorgeous Tammy over at Casa Mariposa), my garden has been graced with their presence. And this year is no exception.
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The zinnia that started it all...'Peggy's Delight'
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Anyhow, now that the zinnia parade has started, I thought I would do an eye candy post.
Those that are labeled:
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| 'Carousel' |
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| 'Cherry and Ivory Swizzle' |
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| 'Lavender Queen' |
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| 'Mighty Lion' |
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| 'Queeny Lime Orange' |
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'Pink Seniorita'
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And those that weren't:
A few haven't started blooming yet, but are now on the verge. Many are unlabeled which, in a way, isn't so bad - I'm quite enjoying the surprise factor 😁.
You've got a splendid collection! I sowed my seeds late this year (again) and only one of my seedlings is blooming thus far. Out of frustration, I picked up a 6-pack of Zinnias 2 weeks ago to tide me over until mine began flowering but those shallow-rooted plants struggled when the heat hit soon after. That should serve as a reminder to sow them earlier next year but, like labeling, I seem to be on a repeat cycle when it comes to growing these wonderful annuals.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris :) It's funny how there are just certain behaviours that we are destined to keep repeating, no matter how many times we vow not to. Brings to mind my annual pot, cell pack & tray cleaning/disinfecting ritual, which I always (without fail) procrastinate on and then end up doing it in the freezing cold.
DeleteWe have a love of zinnias in common, Margaret. I start mine indoors from seed and they are the focal point of my cutting garden. You have more varieties than me. My favorite is 'Zowee' which is similar to your 'carousel'. Enjoy! P. x
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam! I recall during a garden tour hearing someone comment on how zinnias used to be considered old-fashioned. I found it so hard to believe that anything that gorgeous was ever not in "style".
DeleteThose are awesome! I love them, too. :) As Pam mentiones, 'Carousel' looks a lot like 'Zowie! Yellow Flame.' I'll bet the pollinators are very happy with all your Zinnias.
ReplyDeleteI purchased 'Carousel' from Bakers Creek - I'm not exactly sure if it's a mix that may include 'Zowie' or if it's a multi-coloured variety. I'm looking forward to seeing what other colours pop up!
DeleteI love zinnias too, they're such zingy plants which give a great pop of colour in the garden. You've got such a good collection there, and it doesn't really matter if they're unlabeled, just so long as you're getting enjoyment from them.
ReplyDeleteI am most definitely getting a lot of enjoyment from them! Although I do like to know what variety I'm seeing, the main reason why I like to label is for future reference - if a variety does really well (or badly!), it's good to know which one that was.
DeleteLovely, Margaret. Do you direct sow them or start them indoors?
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne - I start them indoors in mid-April, then transplant outside after our first frost date in early May.
DeleteYou have a lovely assortment of shapes and colour.
ReplyDeleteAll of your zinnias are so beautiful! I love zinnias but have not been successful growing them here since we moved. Nancy
ReplyDeleteThank you Nancy - they are well worth another try, maybe in a different spot?
DeleteAww!! Thanks! It's not summer for me without my zinnias!! I make sure to stuff a few into my little sunny patch and always grow 'Peggy's Delight'. I'm so glad I sent you seeds! I really like the orange 'Lion'. I may have to add that one, too!
ReplyDeleteFavourite plants in the garden are always those that remind me of friends XO :) When it comes to zinnias, I'm definitely partial to the cactus types - Pink Seniorita is here to stay as is Mighty Lion, which is new-to-me this year. Another new one is Raggedy Anne, which just started blooming - the flowers are various colours, just like Peggy's Delight. So lovely!
DeleteI'm a zinnia lover too, though I didn't plant any this year. When we went on our picnic last week they had an island at the entrance to the park that was planted in tall single flowered zinnias. It was literally covered in butterflies! You have some real beauties there.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine how wonderful the island of zinnias with all the butterflies would have been. And the butterflies around here definitely enjoy them too - almost as much as I do!
DeleteThey are so beautiful, a fabulous collection and wonderful colours.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you Jan - I have a feeling a few more varieties will be added to the mix next year ;)
DeleteI also love Zinnias. 'Carousel' looks a bit like 'Zowie! Yellow Flame'. I also love the unnamed deep orange one.
ReplyDeleteYou never know what you will get with the mixed packets - I normally prefer named varieties, but when it comes to annuals, mixes can be fun because of the surprise factor (and unlike veg, you don't have to worry about flavour or yield!)
DeleteCan Peggy's Delight seeds be found anywhere? I have looked for them everywhere.
ReplyDeleteA quick Google search did not turn up anything, as I'm sure you found out. Unfortunately, Peggy's Delight is a hybrid & the seed is sterile, meaning that saved seed will not germinate (I've tried!). On the bright side, there are a number of other cactus type zinnias that are just as lovely (such as the Pink Senorita and Mighty Lion in the post). One that you may consider as well is Raggedy Anne (from Renee's Garden), which I also grew last year. It's another cactus type and, just like Peggy's Delight, the blooms come in multiple colours. Hope this helps!
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