Dharaseeds
Zinnia Zinderella Red
Estimated delivery between February 07 and February 10.
Zinnia Zinderella Red is a striking and vibrant variety of zinnia, known for its bold, deep red blooms and unique, ruffled petals. A popular choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and low-maintenance plants, Zinderella Red zinnias offer a long-lasting color display throughout the growing season. Their rich, fiery hue adds a stunning contrast to any garden or floral arrangement, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners. These zinnias are particularly valued for their disease resistance and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant Red Color: Features stunning deep red flowers with a unique, ruffled appearance, providing an eye-catching addition to any garden or floral display.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: Zinderella Red zinnias produce an abundance of flowers that last throughout the summer into fall.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, these zinnias are highly drought-resistant, making them ideal for regions with dry conditions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright blooms are perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for beginner gardeners or those looking for a trouble-free plant.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Upright, bushy plants with dark green foliage that provide a solid backdrop for the vibrant, red ruffled flowers.
- Flower Profile: The blooms feature multiple layers of petals, creating a full, almost pom-pom-like appearance. The petals are tightly packed, creating a dense, striking flower head.
- Growth Habit: Zinnia Zinderella Red plants are compact and bushy, growing to a height of around 18–24 inches, perfect for borders or containers.
- Size: The flowers themselves are typically 4–5 inches in diameter, creating a bold statement in the garden.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date for earlier blooms or directly sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
- Ideal for warm-season gardening, thriving in temperatures between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
- Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential for maximum bloom production, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Zinnia Zinderella Red plants are relatively drought-tolerant, but they perform best when watered regularly during dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall.
- Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again mid-season to encourage continued flowering.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote lush foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep the planting area free of weeds, which can compete for water and nutrients.
- Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Zinnias can attract aphids, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests naturally.
- Diseases: They are prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants, and avoid wetting the foliage during watering.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Zinnia Zinderella Red plants bloom 60–70 days after sowing, with flowers lasting through the summer and into fall.
- Size: Harvest flowers when they are fully open, but before they begin to wilt, ensuring they last longer in arrangements.
- Method: Use sharp garden shears to cut flowers, leaving a few inches of stem for the plant to continue producing new blooms.
Storage
- Short-Term: Fresh flowers can be stored in a cool vase with water for up to a week.
- Long-Term: For dried arrangements, cut flowers when fully bloomed and hang upside down in a dry, dark space for 1–2 weeks to preserve the color and form.
Culinary Uses
- While primarily ornamental, the petals of zinnia flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads or desserts for a burst of color.
Conclusion
Zinnia Zinderella Red is a stunning addition to any garden, providing vibrant, ruffled blooms that add a touch of elegance and drama. With its easy care, disease resistance, and pollinator-friendly nature, it’s an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscape. Whether used as a cut flower in bouquets or left to bloom in the garden, Zinnia Zinderella Red is sure to impress.